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Collection

Architecture Militaire, [1700s?]

1 volume

The Architecture Militaire is a single manuscript volume that provides instructions for the construction of a fortified building in the shape of a star. The volume consists primarily of prose description, but also includes a series of 16 illustrative plates showcasing detailed architectural drawings.

The Architecture Militaire is a single manuscript volume that provides instructions for the construction of a fortified building in the shape of a star. The volume consists primarily of prose description, but also includes a series of 16 illustrative plates showcasing detailed architectural drawings. The drawings are signed "A Toulouse chez Baour." The book has 12 chapters about construction methods, including lists of potential problems with suggested remedies. The volume includes discussions and critiques of existing construction methods, including those of the ancient French, the Dutch, the Comte de Pagan, Vauban, and others (chapter 11). The final chapter, entitled "Idee generalle de l'attaque d'une place et de la maniere de fortifier un camp," contains equations relevant to fort construction. The final section of the book consists of detailed ink drawings similar, but not identical to, those found in Samuel Marolois's Fortification ou Architecture Militaire Tant Offensive que Deffensive. These show different aspects of construction relevant to the text and include one page illustrating various military paraphernalia.

Collection

A Relation of the different Military Operations since the Year 1755, [after 1758]

1 volume

This volume is an English translation of a French account of military affairs during the Seven Years' War, primarily from 1756-1757 on the border between New York and Canada.

The full title of this manuscript reads, "A Relation of the different Military Operations since the Year 1755 & amongst others taking of Fort St. George in No. America--From a French Manuscript taken upon the Surrender of Louisberg in 1758." Containing 28 pages of writing, this volume is an English translation of a French account of military affairs during the Seven Years' War, primarily from 1756-1757 on the border between New York and Canada.

The account begins with a short reflection on the English Fort St. George [Fort William Henry], the strategic advantages gained by the French upon gaining control of it, and English losses during the war. The narrative continues with detailed descriptions of French military actions from January 21, 1757, with the Battle on Snowshoes near Fort Carillon and Fort St. Frédéric, through an attempt on Fort William Henry in March 1757. The account highlights French command, Native American military participation, and the strategic focus on forts, watercraft, and communication lines.

The section entitled "Advantages gain'd over the English in July 1756" details reconnaissance efforts concerning the English Fort St. George [Fort William Henry] and Fort Lydius [Fort Edward], naval engagements, and military encounters with British forces.

The manuscript continues with "An Account of the Taking Fort St. George--(or Fort William Henry," from the engagement's commencement in late July 1757 to the English surrender on August 9. Copies of the articles of capitulation, correspondence between Louis-Joseph de Montcalm and the British commander of the Fort, George Monro (ca. 1700-1757), and intercepted British correspondence are included. In his letters Montcalm uses his inability to "restrain the Savages" as a plea for the fort's surrender. The author mentions French attempts to counter Native American "Fury," a reference to cannibalism, and Native American military support of both English and French troops.

A copy of an unattributed letter from Quebec, from August 17, 1757, describes "particulars relating to the Government of this Country, which is the Theater, and Primum, Mobile of the War." This letter details naval operations around Quebec and Louisbourg, as well as the state of local provisions, troops, and morale.

The "Account of the Damage our fleet sustain'd from the Gale of Wind and the yet Greater, sustain'd by the English Squadron" describes operations against Isle Royale [Cape Breton Island], English timidity in regards to the French fleet, and the damage both navies suffered during a heavy storm. This account likely references the 1757 Louisbourg expedition and the fleet under Francis Holburne's (1704-1771) command that was damaged in a storm on September 24. This account also reflects on Native American warfare, noting incidents of scalping.

The volume closes with a "List of the French Ships of War under Mr. du Bois de la Mothe," referencing the ships under the command of Emmanuel-Auguste de Cahideuc, Comte DuBois de la Motte (1683-1764). The list includes the names of the ships, number of guns, and commanders.

Collection

Arithmetic copybook, [19th century]

1 volume

This arithmetic copybook was compiled by an anonymous student in the nineteenth century. It includes rules and examples for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, as well as practical examples relating to money and weights and measures.
Collection

Arizona Photograph Album, 1893-1902

70 photographs in 1 volume

The Arizona photograph album contains 70 images taken by an unknown photographer showing scenes from Flagstaff, Arizona Territory, and the surrounding area.

The Arizona photograph album contains 70 images taken by an unidentified photographer showing scenes from Flagstaff, Arizona Territory, and the surrounding area. The album (21 x 31 cm) has black pebbled cloth covers and a leather spine. Images of interest include views of men visiting cliff dwellings near Flagstaff; a group visiting the Grand Canyon by carriage and horseback; past the John Hance house and trail; scenic shots of the Grand Canyon taken from the Grand View Hotel; trailside cooking; and a wagon breakdown on the return trip. Additional photographs show Timothy Riordan, president of the Arizona Lumber & Timber Company, and his family at the rustic Thomas' Hotel in Oak Creek Canyon; an excursion to the lava beds including amateur photographer Father Daniel McGillicuddy of Worcester, Massachusetts, who is shown setting up his camera among the rocks; 11 views of the 1902 Fourth of July celebrations in Flagstaff, with masked participants, horse-drawn floats, soldiers in formation, and the former homes of Michael and Timothy Riordan decked out in bunting. Also present are photographs of the home of Frederick Sisson, a manager with the Arizona Lumber & Timber Company, including views of a porch or interior decorated with Native American rugs, pottery, textiles, baskets, and animal skins.

Collection

Art and Geography Teacher's Book, Undated

1 volume

This volume, which may have belonged to a Scottish teacher, contains pencil drawings of everyday objects and notes related to instruction in art and geography.

This volume, which may have belonged to a Scottish teacher, has pebbled covers, with the title "Sketch Book" stamped in gold on the front. The first section, "Specimen course for Second Year Higher Grade," contains 6 pages of pencil drawings. The subjects include books, plants, household items, a shoe, a water tank, an umbrella, a broom, a basket, and a hand. The final page of drawings includes the note: "Complete course with interiors & outdoor work."

The second part of the volume is a 2-page chart titled "Geography. Scheme of Work," with tables of geographical subjects for students at various levels. Each month's course included the study of a country or geographical region, a "practical" subject, and a "physical" subject. The areas represented are primarily European nations; British colonies such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and India; North and South America; Asia, and Pacific islands. The teacher offered practical instruction in navigational concepts, the use and creation of maps, and surveying, and offered instruction on various geological topics such as the Earth's atmosphere, climate, and physical features such as volcanoes and glaciers.

Collection

Atlantic City Photograph Album, 1914

approximately 90 photographs in 1 album.

The Atlantic City photograph album contains approximately 90 photographs related to an unidentified couple and their daughter, Jane, during a trip to Atlantic City in April and May of 1914.

The Atlantic City photograph album contains approximately 90 photographs related to an unidentified couple and their daughter, Jane, during a trip to Atlantic City in April and May of 1914. The album (18.5 x 27 cm) is bound in hand-painted varnished leather on paper boards with wood overlay. Images of particular interest include views of horseback riding on the beach, strolling on the boardwalk, and riding in rolling chairs and a pony-drawn cart. Atlantic City is seen largely as a backdrop to family activities. Additional photographs show the young girl sledding and with toys and friends at home. Also includes a photograph of Eleanor R. and Frederick D. Countiss and their daughter, Henrietta, in a studio portrait.

Collection

At Peace Street photograph album, 1900

1 volume

The At Peace Street photograph album contains 14 photographs of upper middle class home and family in Providence, R.I. Possibly the home of Linwood O. Towne, who inscribed the volume to the Prescotts in 1900. Several images of family members reading and photographs featuring the family cat.

The At Peace Street photograph album (16 x 23 cm) contains 14 photographs of upper middle class home and family in Providence, R.I. Possibly the home of Linwood O. Towne, who inscribed the volume to the Prescotts in 1900. Several images of family members reading and photographs featuring the family cat.

The album has brown burlap covers with inscribed title "At Peace Street," bound with string, and is housed in a gray wrapper with dark brown cloth spine.

Collection

Augusta (Me.) woman's journal, 1852-1853

1 volume

This journal contains entries about an unidentified woman's daily and weekly activities while living at the Cony Academy boarding house.

This 22-page journal contains entries about an unidentified woman's daily and weekly activities while living at the Cony Academy boarding house and attending the Cony Female Academy in Augusta, Maine, 1852-1853.

The journal contains information about the author's daily and weekly activities, such as learning music, sewing, reading, writing, reading, visiting friends, and attending lectures at the lyceum (including one on race). She also commented on other students, economic concerns, child care, Christmas, the weather, sermons, a eulogy for Daniel Webster, friends departing for California, the illness and death of [Sylvester] Judd, and her concerns that the school might close. She offered some insights into her own personality, lamenting her self-described lack of a strong intellect and her desire to be a better writer. Her diary includes references to Milton and Miss Ingraham, who were associated with the school.

The paper cover of the journal is adorned with an image of a rooster and a chicken (from "Alonzo Gaubert, Bookseller, Stationer, Periodical Agent, and Ink Manufacturer").

Collection

Autumn (Barque) abstract log book, 1845-1849

1 volume

This volume contains extracted log entries from the Barque Autumn's whaling voyage from Stonington, Connecticut, to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific between 1845 and 1849. Captain Edwin Augustus Perry commanded the vessel. This abstract log provides a condensed version of the official log, only documenting days the crew saw or captured whales. The volume contains 48 pencil drawings of whales and whaling scenes.

This volume contains extracted log entries from the Barque Autumn's whaling voyage from Stonington, Connecticut, to the Indian Ocean and South Pacific between 1845 and 1849. Captain Edwin Augustus Perry commanded the vessel. This abstract log provides a condensed version of the official log, only documenting days the crew saw or captured whales. The coverless volume contains 24 handwritten pages with 48 pencil drawings depicting whales and whaling scenes. The author of the log is unidentified, but a laid-in slip of paper contains a written statement of recommendation for promotion of second officer Zelotes Leonard Almy from Master Edwin A. Perry. The bottom half of the last page contains financial records and notes from Mr. Almy dated 1866.

Leaving from Stonington, Connecticut on November 12, 1845, the Barque Autumn sailed south around the eastern coast of South America. After making port in Rio de Janerio in March 1846, they sailed east toward the Indian Ocean reaching the Cape of Good Hope toward the end of April 1846. By November 1846 the Autumn had sailed off the southern coast of Australia and toward New Zealand. In 1847 and 1848, the Autumn sailed across the Pacific Ocean along the equator. The log concludes off the coast of Chile.

The top of each right hand page begins with the header "Remarks on board the Barque Autumn"; later in the log this header is supplemented by " E. A. Perry Master." A typical entry appears in the following format:

[Day of the Week]

[Month, Day, Year]

[These twenty-four hours commences with…]

[…So ends the day. Latitude and Longitude coordinates]

[Sketch if applicable]

The abstract's entries follow the standard content for whaling logs, documenting wind direction, weather conditions, ship location, and crew activities. The entries include type of whales spotted, number of whales, number of whaleboats lowered, and whether or not the crew succeeded in capturing whales. The whales tended to evade capture on account of adverse weather conditions or lack of daylight. Entries made note of where and when they made port or dropped anchor. The Autumn encountered other whaling vessels and recorded their point of origin, destination, and the amount of whale products onboard. Toward the end of the expedition, the vessel stopped to trade and replenish supplies.

Besides the inherent challenges of whaling, Captain Perry faced setbacks, such as steering into a coral reef in Matavai Bay and dealing with a fire in the cargo hold set by two crewmembers during repairs (entry dated February 27, 1847). Desertions were a recurring issue, two crewmembers deserted on August 31, 1846, and by January 7, 1848, the entire crew had deserted.

The volume contains 62 entries from November 1845 to May 1849, and are broken down as follows:

1845 (1 entry)
  • November 12
1846 (19 entries)
  • January 3 and 28
  • March 1
  • April 14
  • May 30
  • June 5, 6, and 15
  • July 1 and 15
  • August 1, 6, and 31
  • October 25
  • November 18
  • December 1, 11, 24, and 29
1847 (26 entries)
  • February 27
  • April 22
  • May 2, 7, 12-14, 23, 25, 28, 29, and 31
  • July 11, 17, and 26
  • August 8
  • September 1, 19, and 21
  • October 4, 6, 7, 10, and 26
  • November 15
  • December one undated entry
1848 (11 entries)
  • January 7 and 27
  • March 29
  • April 15
  • May 6
  • June 27
  • July 29
  • August 8
  • September 10
  • December 4 and 8
1849 (5 entries)
  • January 6 and 16
  • February 14
  • March 24
  • May 2

The 48 pencil drawings illustrate the success or failure to capture whales. The illustrations depicting a whale belly up with the head and tail above water meant that a whale was spotted or pursued, but evaded capture. Entries accompanied by a drawing showing the whale's entire body meant that a whale was captured and killed. The sketches demonstrate artistic skill in the shading of the whales and ocean waves and in panoramic whaling scenes. One illustration of interest, on page 20, depicts a whale's tail slamming down upon a whaleboat, capsizing the vessel and sending six crewmen into the ocean. The crewmembers shirts are spot colored in brown ink.

Vessels mentioned by name include:

  • Spoke with Ship Ansel Gibbs (December 1, 1846).
  • Spoke with Ship from New Bedford (May 7, 1847).
  • Spoke with the Ship Marialah of Fairhaven (March 1, 1846).

Other entries of interest include:

  • "saw plenty of wright whales but we did not lower for we did not want them" (November 18, 1846)
  • "not liking the harbour we took our anchor put to sea we ware bound to pitcairns island to get potatoes when on the night of the 28th the land about 60 miles off our lee quarter six tahitian natives stole a boat and runaway it being dark they where soon out of sight we stood on diferant tacks until morning the boat not being in sight and thinking it a wild goose chase to follow them we hauled our wind to the northward" (October 26, 1847).
Collection

Beauties of The Sea photograph album, [ca. 1895]

1 volume

The Beauties of The Sea photograph album contains five small commercial photographs of scenes on Nantucket along with four alternating sheets of decoratively arranged pressed algae.

The Beauties of The Sea photograph album (12 x 14 cm ) contains five small commercial photographs of scenes on Nantucket (The Old Windmill; Brant Point Light; Harbor and Sailboats; the Town Crier; and Bank and Methodist Church) glued into small album along with four alternating sheets of decoratively arranged pressed algae. The photographs are possibly by Henry S. Wyer. The album's faded green paper covers are tied with gold tasseled string with a wash drawing and inscribed title "Beauties of The Sea" in ink. Album is housed in light green folder.