Collections : [University of Michigan William L. Clements Library]

This 8-page manuscript speech was written by a currently unidentified author in the United States seeking the presidency in a temperance society, perhaps sometime in the 1840s or 1850s. The orator addressed "Fellow Citizens" and focused their anti-alcohol rhetoric on moral, social, and political issues. They focused on the fiscal costs of prosecutions, imprisonment, and overcrowded jails; on election corruption due to intemperate men selling their votes for alcohol money; and on the damnation of "drunkards" resulting from the immorality of liquor distributors. He expressed sympathy for the intemperate while simultaneously blaming them for moral failings. Brief references to the sex of the intemperate and conflict with Great Britain are present. The orator occasionally drew language and comparisons used in speeches and letters of the American Temperance Union, New-York Society for the Promotion of Intemperance, and others.

This 8-page manuscript speech was written by a currently unidentified author in the United States seeking the presidency in a temperance society, perhaps sometime in the 1840s or 1850s. The orator addressed "Fellow Citizens" and focused their anti-alcohol rhetoric on moral, social, and political issues. They focused on the fiscal costs of prosecutions, imprisonment, and overcrowded jails; on election corruption due to intemperate men selling their votes for alcohol money; and on the damnation of "drunkards" resulting from the immorality of liquor distributors. He expressed sympathy for the intemperate while simultaneously blaming them for moral failings. Brief references to the sex of the intemperate and conflict with Great Britain are present. The orator occasionally drew language and comparisons used in speeches and letters of the American Temperance Union, New-York Society for the Promotion of Intemperance, and others. The manuscript is made up of loose pages, hand-sewn on the left.

• Alcohol should only be consumed as prescribed by a "temperance Physician."
• The intemperate include not only laboring classes, but legislators and justice officials.
• The "stability of our free institutions" is at stake because of intemperate people's willingness to sell their votes for funds to purchase alcohol; the speaker claims that thousands of votes have been corrupted and that political parties filter money into elections for this purpose.
• Enough money is spent on alcohol to pay off the United States' foreign debt. Estimates $15,000,000/year spent in "this state alone."
• Bar rooms prepare people for crimes and God never gave people the right to get drunk. Distilleries are "smoking breathing holes of hell"; "...there are men, who would build grogshops, on a volcano if they could make money by it -- Nay they would go down, to the verry confines of hell and build grogshops there if they could only make money --" Reformed men should take their old rags and give them to the rum sellers, so that they might become paper makers. The drinker is wicked.
• Female drinkers are few and far between (crossed out is a sentence saying "but, I have saw a woman beastly drunk between this and the borough").
• Some of the intemperate succeed in escaping, but those who do not might become robbers or pirates. Wives, children, and society lose nothing when the drunkard dies, regardless of whether he has been a "tender father, a finished scholar, a profound statesman," but the addict loses his soul. They end up "Frozen in a storm, or drowned, or dying on his bed of straw, with delirium tremens, devils seizing him before his time, with none to care for him, none to lament him."
• "Drunkards demand our sympathy, I make no apology for drunkenness -- It is a sin, for which there can be no apology -- The moderate drinker, is master of himself -- He does what he does, deliberately, of free choice, feeling, and knowing, as he says, that there is no danger." But this is a slippery slope.
• "The Queen of England might send an army against us, and we could drive them into the sea -- But we must fight against intoxicating drinks by letting it alone come forward sign the pledge..."

This collection consists of volumes II, III, and IV of The History of the Reign of George III, King of Great Britain, which anonymous author "K. H." composed in Gloucestershire, England, between 1820 and 1823. The treatise covers Great Britain's domestic and international political affairs in depth, including conflicts in North America during the Revolutionary War era and the War of 1812.

This collection consists of volumes II, III, and IV of The History of the Reign of George III, King of Great Britain, which anonymous author "K. H." composed in Gloucestershire, England, between 1820 and 1823. The treatise covers Great Britain's domestic and international political affairs in depth, including conflicts in North America during the American Revolutionary era and the War of 1812. The location of volume I is unknown.

The three volumes, formally titled "The History of the Reign of George III, King of Great Britain (Designed as a Continuation of Mr. Smollet's History)," have 1,323 pages that cover the period between 1770 and the King's death in 1820. Volume IV also contains a 214-page appendix that provides supplemental information for the years 1763-1820. Each chapter is preceded by a detailed list of contents.

The densely-written account chronicles the country's internal and external political affairs, as well as events occurring throughout Europe and, to a lesser extent, North America and North Africa. Topics addressed concern parliamentary leadership, wars, shifting alliances among major European powers, the French Revolution, and Britain's relationship with Ireland. The final chapter contains the author's reflections on King George III, written shortly after the King's death.

The appendix at the conclusion of Volume IV contains annual lists of appointments, births, marriages, and deaths between 1763 and 1820, as well as other information about domestic and European political affairs. The appointments include British political, religious, and military figures, and reflect some changes in peerage. Also recorded are births and deaths of European royal families.

This collection consists of 35 copies of government records kept between 1820 to 1833 by Vermont "selectmen and civil authority" figures regarding the nomination and approval of individuals for tavern keepers, inn keepers, and keepers of houses of public entertainment, predominantly in Rutland County, likely as a precursor to secure licenses. Many of the documents include the names of individuals approved to run the establishments, details about the government officials and bodies who granted permission, and various fees. Predominantly administrative in nature, they do include occasional statements reflecting on social norms and expectations, like reflections on nominees who "will Keep orderly Houses and accommodate the Public" (March 1, 1824) or that the individual is allowed to "Retail Spirits" (April 23, 1833). Named places include Pawlet, Castleton, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Rutland, Clarendon, Orwell, Benson, Sudbury, Pittsfield, Sherburne, Parkerstown, Pittsford, Brandon, Benson, Poultney, Ira, and Danby.

This collection consists of 35 copies of government records kept between 1820 to 1833 by Vermont "selectmen and civil authority" figures regarding the nomination and approval of individuals for tavern keepers, inn keepers, and keepers of houses of public entertainment, predominantly in Rutland County, likely as a precursor to secure licenses. Many of the documents include the names of individuals approved to run the establishments, details about the government officials and bodies who granted permission, and various fees. Predominantly administrative in nature, they do include occasional statements reflecting on social norms and expectations, like reflections on nominees who "will Keep orderly Houses and accommodate the Public" (March 1, 1824) or that the individual is allowed to "Retail Spirits" (April 23, 1833). Named places include Pawlet, Castleton, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Rutland, Clarendon, Orwell, Benson, Sudbury, Pittsfield, Sherburne, Parkerstown, Pittsford, Brandon, Benson, Poultney, Ira, and Danby.

This collection consists of 35 copies of government records kept between 1820 to 1833 by Vermont "selectmen and civil authority" figures regarding the nomination and approval of individuals for tavern keepers, inn keepers, and keepers of houses of public entertainment, predominantly in Rutland County, likely as a precursor to secure licenses. Many of the documents include the names of individuals approved to run the establishments, details about the government officials and bodies who granted permission, and various fees. Predominantly administrative in nature, they do include occasional statements reflecting on social norms and expectations, like reflections on nominees who "will Keep orderly Houses and accommodate the Public" (March 1, 1824) or that the individual is allowed to "Retail Spirits" (April 23, 1833). Named places include Pawlet, Castleton, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Rutland, Clarendon, Orwell, Benson, Sudbury, Pittsfield, Sherburne, Parkerstown, Pittsford, Brandon, Benson, Poultney, Ira, and Danby.

This collection consists of 35 copies of government records kept between 1820 to 1833 by Vermont "selectmen and civil authority" figures regarding the nomination and approval of individuals for tavern keepers, inn keepers, and keepers of houses of public entertainment, predominantly in Rutland County, likely as a precursor to secure licenses. Many of the documents include the names of individuals approved to run the establishments, details about the government officials and bodies who granted permission, and various fees. Predominantly administrative in nature, they do include occasional statements reflecting on social norms and expectations, like reflections on nominees who "will Keep orderly Houses and accommodate the Public" (March 1, 1824) or that the individual is allowed to "Retail Spirits" (April 23, 1833). Named places include Pawlet, Castleton, Shrewsbury, Tinmouth, Rutland, Clarendon, Orwell, Benson, Sudbury, Pittsfield, Sherburne, Parkerstown, Pittsford, Brandon, Benson, Poultney, Ira, and Danby.

This volume is a record of costs associated with mortgage foreclosure cases filed in Michigan's Second District Court in the early 19th century, personal financial records of Michigan Supreme Court justice George Miles, and notes on mortgage foreclosures and similar legal cases filed primarily in Washtenaw County, Michigan, between 1847 and 1858.

This volume records costs associated with 8 mortgage foreclosure cases filed in Michigan's Second District Court in the early 19th century (20 pages); personal financial records of Michigan Supreme Court Justice George Miles, kept between May 27, 1839, and March 9, 1841 (16 pages); and notes on mortgage foreclosures and similar legal cases filed primarily in Washtenaw County, Michigan, between 1847 and 1858 (29 pages). One item laid into the volume documents the payment of costs associated with the case of Wilson & Cobb vs. Levi Rogers (February 19, 1848-August 24, 1852).

A. M. Gould, a clerk with Michigan's Second District Court, kept 20 pages of detailed records of filing costs and similar expenses related to 8 court cases, most of which were mortgage foreclosures. These include filing costs, the costs of creating copies of documents, and similar charges.

• Frederick M. Sanderson vs. Harvey Norton and others
• James E. Hays vs. Mary E. Hays
• Ormsby & Page vs. Howard Norris, et al.
• Hawkins & Wilson vs. H. H. Neff
• Miles Wilson vs. David P. Hinson
• Jagger & Varrick vs. Calvin Townson
• Levi Walker vs. William J. Moody
• Calvin F. Austin vs. Charles T. Moffett

The second portion of the volume, 16 pages, is a record of cash received and expended by George Miles, in account with Miles & Wilson, between May 27, 1839, and March 9, 1841. Miles often traveled throughout southeast Michigan, including trips to Detroit, Adrian, and Ypsilanti. One entry mentions Michigan governor William Woodbridge.

The final part of the book contains 29 pages of notes on many court cases heard in the "Circuit Court for the County of Washtenaw in Chancery" between January 19, 1847, and March 1858. Most of the cases involved mortgage foreclosures, and notes often mention the plaintiffs and defendants, motions and related documents filed, and associated fees. A divorce case related to Murray Speer of Pinckney, Michigan, is mentioned, but with no associated notes. Though the majority of cases pertain to Washtenaw County, Michigan, others took place in Livingston, Kalamazoo, and Eaton counties. The case of Ebenezer Wells and Franklin L. Parker against James Fuller, Jr., of Eaton County, Michigan, relates to land held in Ionia, and is accompanied by a newspaper clipping (April 4, 1857). Two additional items are laid in: a scrap of paper with calligraphic writing, and a short note.

The collection consists of six penmanship exercises composed between 1815 and 1817 by Eirene Smith (aged 13), Nancy Smith (aged 14-16), Mary Smith (aged 17), and Loreney Stone (aged 17), likely students in the same class in Wayland, Massachusetts. The exercises consist of copied poems entitled "The Rose," "To Eliza," "On The Seasons," "To The Lilly," "Epitaph," and "Lines Written in a Winter's Walk."

The collection consists of six penmanship exercises composed between 1815 and 1817 by Eirene Smith (aged 13), Nancy Smith (aged 14-16), Mary Smith (aged 17), and Loreney Stone (aged 17), likely students in the same class in Wayland, Massachusetts. The exercises consist of copied poems entitled "The Rose," "To Eliza," "On The Seasons," "To The Lilly," "Epitaph," and "Lines Written in a Winter's Walk."

This student notebook contains Latin-language treatises on logic, metaphysics, and related subjects, composed around 1720. The book also includes a few pages of sermon notes, an example of a Porphyrian Tree, and additional notes by later owners.

The bulk of this volume is comprised of Latin-language treatises about logic, metaphysics, and related concepts, written or copied around 1720. Each section is broken into multiple chapters, some with appendices. The volume also includes small groups of shorter writings in Latin and an example of the Porphyrian Tree. The Latin writings are infrequently interrupted by additional entries, such as a few pages of English-language notes from an August 1761 sermon based on a verse from 2nd Corinthians. Notations throughout the volume refer to William Potts, Georgius M. Conchie, George Potts, and William McCauly (with several variations on the spelling of the surname).

This collection contains 21 individually bound sermons and religious lectures delivered primarily in Winchester, Connecticut, in the early 1800s. The sermons cover a variety of religious topics, and include several lectures from a series based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism.

This collection contains 21 individually bound sermons and religious lectures delivered primarily in Winchester, Connecticut, in the early 1800s. The sermons cover a variety of religious topics, and include several lectures from a series based on the Westminster Shorter Catechism. The pastor utilized shorthand abbreviations for common words.

At the top of some sermons, the author recorded dates on which the sermons were delivered and the location at which they were delivered when not at Winchester (often in towns across northwestern Connecticut). The earliest sermon was delivered at "Preston" on August 1, 1791, and is numbered 236. Sermon topics, based on verses copied from the King James Version of the Bible, included the doctrines of salvation and repentance, Christian life, and the author's 35th anniversary with his congregation ("Sickbed Reflections," January 31, 1843).

Four additional sermons form part of a series of "Catechetical Lectures," delivered between November 23, 1811 (lecture I) and April 16, 1819 (lecture XV). The first considers the history of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and the others touch upon individual questions taken from the document. Additionally, the collection includes part of a notebook containing notes on sermons given by various speakers between April 20, 1832, and April 21, 1833.

The York ship log contains daily entries chronicling the packet boat's journeys between the United States and Great Britain between 1825 and 1828.

The York ship log contains daily entries chronicling the packet boat's journeys between the United States and Great Britain between 1825 and 1828. The first entry, dated March 19, 1825, marks the beginning of the ship's regular service between New York City and London, under the command of William Baker. Approximately 50 pages cover the boat's travels along this route, with daily entries recording wind direction, weather conditions, and notable events on board. On July 4, 1825, the author wrote about a celebration in honor of Independence Day, when the merchant ship fired a salute. The entries he made in port often relate to the loading of cargo or passengers. In January 1826, the York received a new captain, Nash de Cost, and began sailing between New York City and Liverpool; the remainder of the volume covers the ship's journeys along this route. The author's remarks focused on seamanship, weather, and activities in port, though several entries from October 1826 reflect the difficulty of keeping the sailors onboard; some were reported to be "on shore without liberty" throughout the period. The last entry, on June 24, 1828, noted that the York was moored at Prince's Dock in Liverpool, ready to embark for the Atlantic crossing. The final 2 pages of the volume include accounts of provisions for the ship for the year 1828.

This volume is a 14-page diary of Zachariah Taylor Cooper of East Montville, Maine, which he kept between May 1 and June 26 of 1875, documenting his work as a beekeeper. He bought and sold bees, built and painted beehives, discussed bees working and swarming, drove sheep, and engaged in other farm work. On June 3, he mentioned that a freeze killed most of the bees in the area. The remainder of the volume contains around 65 pages of farm accounts by an earlier owner in or around Bridgewater and Canton, Massachusetts, 1836-1874. Accounts include entries for shoes, oxen, hay, cattle, potatoes, wheat/grain, apples, sugar, molasses, butter, milk, and labor.

This volume is a 14-page diary of Zachary Taylor Cooper of East Montville, Maine, which he kept between May 1 and June 26 of 1875, documenting his work as a beekeeper. He bought and sold bees, built and painted beehives, discussed bees working and swarming, drove sheep, and engaged in other farm work. On June 3, he mentioned that a freeze killed most of the bees in the area. The remainder of the volume contains around 65 pages of farm accounts by an earlier owner in or around Bridgewater and Canton, Massachusetts, 1836-1874. Accounts include entries for shoes, oxen, hay, cattle, potatoes, wheat/grain, apples, sugar, molasses, butter, milk, and labor.