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Collection

Thomas Knowles collection, 1917-1919

43 items

This collection contains 24 letters, 18 postcards, and 1 greeting card that Private First Class Thomas Knowles of New Bedford, Massachusetts, sent to Ruth Blaisdell of Waltham, Massachusetts, while he served with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during and just after World War I. Knowles described his experiences while serving at the front with the 101st Engineer Regiment, while recuperating from an injury, and while traveling in France, Luxembourg, and Germany with a military unit attached to a press corps.

This collection contains 24 letters, 18 postcards, and 1 greeting card that Private First Class Thomas Knowles of New Bedford, Massachusetts, sent to Ruth Blaisdell of Waltham, Massachusetts, while he served with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during and just after World War I. Knowles described his experiences while serving at the front with the 101st Engineer Regiment, while recuperating from an injury, and while traveling in France, Luxembourg, and Germany after the war with a military unit attached to a press corps.

Knowles wrote one letter to Blaisdell from Boston, Massachusetts, in September 1917, while awaiting his deployment overseas; an undated letter recounts his journey from England to France. He sent his first letter from France on October 25, 1917. He discussed his quarters and the food in France, and described his experiences, including active combat, while serving with Company C of the 101st Engineer Regiment. Knowles commented on his difficulty sleeping during his time in the trenches, and described the events that had led to his hospitalization; he received treatment for a leg wound and gas exposure (June 5, 1918). After spending time at a hospital and a recuperation camp, where he commented on the good treatment that he received, Knowles was assigned to an army unit that accompanied newspaper correspondents.

In his later letters, most of which date after the armistice, Knowles wrote about his travels in France, Luxembourg, and Germany with press corps "section G 2-D." The collection also includes 18 postcards depicting cathedrals, streets, and other scenes from his post-armistice experiences, occasionally with his brief comments or personal notes, as well as 1 German-language New Year's greeting card.

Collection

Thomas Leech collection, 1811-1816

8 items

The Thomas Leech collection primarily consists of six letters from coffee planter Thomas Leech of Havana, Cuba, to his nephew Charles Jenkins at the plantation at San Marcos, Cuba. The letters pertain largely to the transportation of horses, jugs, ropes, onions, snuff, clothing, coffee, tobacco, and other goods between the city and the plantation. Leech remarks on the low price of coffee, recovering escaped enslaved persons, and business prospects. Two additional letters in the collection are by Joseph Scull, executor of Leech's estate following his death in 1815, to N. B. Boileau in Philadelphia (possibly the family's attorney stateside). Scull's letters shed light on problems that Leech was facing, including a mortgage with Savage & Dugan, insufficient slave labor, and a falling out between Leech and Jenkins.
Collection

Thomas L. Shields letters, 1839-1847

44 items

This collection is made up of letters that Thomas L. Shields wrote to his father about his legal career in Batavia, Ohio. Most of the cases he discussed concerned land ownership.

This collection is made up of 44 letters that Thomas L. Shields wrote to his father about his legal career in Batavia, Ohio. He discussed some cases in detail, such as a dispute over the inheritance of lands belonging to the deceased James Mabin and the sale of land in Jefferson County, Virginia (now in West Virginia), that belonged to J. W. Robinson. He also wrote about his work making deeds and described his travels in Ohio and to Virginia. His letter of March 22, 1842, includes a property map and his letter of June 16, 1845, encloses a copied power of attorney. Shields occasionally commented on political issues and court cases and mentioned the United States Congress, military warrants in Virginia, local politics, and the possibility of Texas annexation.

Collection

Thomas M. Brisbane papers, 1813-1815

57 items

This collection is made up of correspondence, reports, and memoranda relating to Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane's role in the War of 1812. The papers contain plans to advance on Plattsburg; orders and reports of troop movements; and a detailed plan, with maps, which Brisbane designed for the destruction of the American fleet at Whitehall, New York, in the winter of 1814.

This collection contains correspondence, reports, and memoranda relating to Sir Thomas Makdougall Brisbane's role in the War of 1812. The letters are largely to and from Sir George Prevost; General George Izard, the North American Commander; Major Edward Baynes; American General Alexander Macomb; Sir James Kempt; Sir Thomas Picton; and Francis de Rottenburg. The papers deal mainly with British plans to advance on Plattsburg, as well as orders and reports of troop movements, and proposals to attack various American positions. The collection contains a detailed plan, with maps, which Brisbane designed for the destruction of the American fleet at Whitehall, New York, in the winter of 1814.

Of special interest is a batch of letters from General Prevost that includes a confidential and treasonous letter from Cadwallader Robert Colden. The forward is a transcription of a letter written in invisible ink that details three ways of destroying the American Fleet at Whitehall.

Miscellaneous materials include a newspaper clipping dated October 25, 1814, that discusses the current state of the war, and a four-page printed General Orders document from Quebec, dated January 13, 1815, and signed Frederick.

Collection

Thomas Picton collection, 1760, 1792-1825 (majority within 1792-1825)

185 items (0.75 linear feet)

This collection is made up of 135 sermons and 46 incomplete sermons/notes/fragments/prayers by Presbyterian minister Thomas Picton of Westfield, New Jersey; and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, initially written between 1792 and 1823. Each of Rev. Picton's sermons include designated hymns for the service, places and dates where he delivered it, and sometimes notes about events or people pertinent to the occasion. The collection also includes four letters and drafts of letters dating between 1815 and 1825, pertinent to his ministry, a request for a letter of recommendation, and his dismissal from the West Point chaplaincy.

This collection is made up of 135 sermons and 46 incomplete sermons/notes/fragments/prayers by Presbyterian minister Thomas Picton of Westfield, New Jersey; and the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, initially written between 1792 and 1823. Each of Rev. Picton's sermons include designated hymns for the service, places and dates where he delivered it, and sometimes notes about events or people pertinent to the sermon. The collection also includes four letters and drafts of letters dating between 1815 and 1825, pertinent to his ministry, a request for a letter of recommendation, and his dismissal from the West Point chaplaincy.

An example of Thomas Picton's sermons is one that he wrote at Westfield on January 17, 1809, for the funeral of Isaac Acken (who inadvertently shot himself in the arm and died from complications of the gunshot wound). Picton utilized the text again, as the basis for his sermon at the funeral of Sally Mooney at Westfield on January 17, 1810; the funeral of Dr. Isaac Ludlow at Westfield on March 30, 1815; the funeral of West Point cadet Dryden Laycock on October 17, 1818; and for "soldiers" at West Point on July 8, 1821.

Rev. Picton titled one of several sermons pertinent to the War of 1812 "Thanksgiving day" (based on 147th Psalm, 14th verse, 1st part), which he delivered at Westfield on April 13, 1815, "The day appointed by James Madison, President of U.S. for a publick Thanksgiving, on account of peace with England, signed in London Decr. 14. 1814. ratified in Washington Febry 18th. 1815"

One of the fragments (in box two, folder six) is in the Welsh language and another (in box two, folder five) is in shorthand.

The collection includes four letters or draft letters to Rev. Thomas Picton. They are:
  • Incomplete autograph letter to Thomas Picton, December 26, 1815; New Haven. Replying to a request for advice from Rev. Picton about Phyllis/Phyllis, a woman of African descent (possibly an enslaved woman), who refused to marry the man "Mr. and Mrs. Aikorn" insisted she marry. On account of their subsequent "unkind & unchristian" treatment, Phillis refused to attend communion.
  • Dymbech yng Rgwynedd autograph letter signed to Thomas Picton, January 20, 1818; Cape May Court House. 3 pages. The Welshman from New Bridge, Benbighshire, NW, mentioned in Picton's letter (recently seen in N.Y.), was committed to State Prison where he served his full term. He was about the city before taking a steamboat for N.B.; he was seen on Cape May hearty but fatigued. Daughter recovered from illness. Another daughter and son-in-law moved to Ohio and settled between the Miamis. Tracking down a copy of Dr. Lewis' "Body of Divinity" that was owned by the late Mr. Edwards. It was apparently sent by the estate to Philadelphia where it was sold. Rev. Ogden ordained and installed in Presbyterian congregation at Cape May. Thoughts on Ogden. Five lines and sign off in Welsh language.
  • Jno. M. Picton autograph letter signed to Thomas Picton, January 9, 1825; Fortress Monroe. 4 pages. To his uncle. Unpleasant passage on account of stormy weather. With deference, reminded Picton of a vacancy in the artillery company at West Point. Fort Monroe not as well equipped for practical, "scientific & useful" instruction. Specifically mentioned the Library at West Point. Had conversations with Colonel Thayer, applied but has not heard. Wanted to connect with Rev. Picton before re-connecting with Thayer. Did not need transportation money to reach the post.
  • Draft letter of three pages, with a section crossed out (still readable), signed "Aristides"; following the draft is a note from J. Mansfield (Mamfield?) to Thomas Picton, dated December 28, 1825, in which he attested to be the author of the draft and that it was originally written as a criticism of the West Point Board's idea of having a group of annual visitors brought in to assess the institution. Posted from West Point December 28, to Thomas Picton in New York.

Collection

Thomas P. Jones collection, 1834-1848

39 items

This collection contains 36 incoming letters that Thomas P. Jones received while working as a patent examiner and patent solicitor for the United States Patent Office in the early 19th century, as well as 1 letter he wrote and 2 receipts. The letters concern patents or patent applications, and several include technical drawings and explanatory information about the inventions.

This collection contains 36 incoming letters that Thomas P. Jones received while working as a patent examiner and patent solicitor for the United States Patent Office, as well as 1 letter he wrote and 2 receipts. The letters concern patents or patent applications, and several include technical drawings and explanatory information about the inventions.

The correspondence includes letters about pending applications and changes to recently granted patents, as well as other official business.

The inventions described in detail are
  • A machine for making nets, by George M. Gibbes
  • A method for using paddlewheels below water (illustrated), by George M. Gibbes
  • A method for paving streets (illustrated), by Antoine Würmser and Alphonse Minard
  • A method to regulate the supply of water from pumps to steam engine boilers (illustrated), by John Cochrane
  • An "endless chain" (illustrated), by George Merrick
  • An invention to free locomotives from the danger of fires caused by sparks, by John S. Lafitte

Mahlon Gregg included an updated technical drawing for an unidentified invention. Other authors commented on the state of their applications and other aspects of the official patenting process. Thomas P. Jones wrote a letter to J. Eckstein & Company about the proper attribution for one of their patents, and wrote a receipt for an item from the American Art Union, later returned with a note from the recipient. Two receipts are addressed to Thomas P. Jones for the cost of transferring several patents and for his membership in the American Art Union.

Collection

Thomas R. Hulings letters, 1921-1927

16 items

This collection contains 15 letters that Thomas ("Tom") R. Hulings wrote to his stepmother Carrie between June 13, 1921, and March 20, 1927, while he worked for oil companies in Burma. Hulings described his work, social life, and aspects of the local culture, such as festivals and the Buddhist religion. Carrie Hulings also received one brief letter from one of Tom's acquaintances, then living in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

This collection contains 15 letters that Tom R. Hulings wrote to his stepmother Carrie between June 13, 1921, and March 20, 1927, while he worked for oil companies in Burma. Hulings described his work, social life, and aspects of the local culture, such as festivals and the Buddhist religion. Carrie Hulings also received one brief letter from one of Tom's acquaintances, then living in Shippensburg, Pennsylvania.

Tom's letters, which are often as long as 8 pages, concern several aspects of his personal and professional life in Burma, where he worked for at least two oil companies. He wrote 8 letters from Yenangyaung (June 13, 1921-April 22, 1922, and January 5, 1925-September 1, 1825), 6 letters from Nyaunghla (December 10, 1925-January 25, 1927), and 1 letter while traveling from Yenangyaung to Rangoon on a steamboat (March 20, 1927). Hulings provided his initial impressions of Burma, his colleagues, and local customs, and mentioned his social life and leisure activities. On July 5, 1921, for example, he described local Fourth of July celebrations held by expatriate Americans. Two of his letters primarily concern family news, including his father's death (January 5, 1925) and his brief marriage (September 1, 1925). Hulings also commented on aspects of his work, such as his wages, the Burmese oil industry, and other oil companies. His letter of May 24, 1926, encloses a printed document pertaining to a bank draft he sent to his stepmother. Though he focused on his own life and experiences, Hulings also described local customs and discussed the Buddhist religion. In addition to her stepson's letters, Carrie Hulings received one letter from Willis Mong of Shippensville, Pennsylvania, a friend of Tom, who recently returned from Burma (March 27, 1925).

Collection

Thomas Silver scrapbook, 1856-1882

1 volume

The Thomas Silver scrapbook contains newspaper clippings, drawings, correspondence, and ephemera related to Silver's steam engine governor, which he patented on July 3, 1855.

The Thomas Silver scrapbook (9.5" x 11.25") contains newspaper clippings, drawings, correspondence, and ephemera related to Silver's steam engine governor, which he patented on July 3, 1855. Early clippings pertain to Silver's other inventions, but the majority of material concerns his steam engine governor. Among the clippings are articles about marine engineering and about competing inventors' designs. Some articles discuss marine disasters and, as a result, call for the implementation of improved equipment. Silver also collected incoming letters, advertisements, and other ephemera items associated with his engine governor. Though Silver was based in Philadelphia, many items originated from France and Great Britain, where his inventions were more widely used than in the United States. Some articles and other items are illustrated with diagrams of steam engine governors, and one ink sketch depicts a boat carrying an oversize engine. Two issues of The Patent Bulletin, both dated 1871, are laid into the volume.

Collection

Thomas S. Jesup collection, 1812-1917 (majority within 1812-1858)

0.25 linear feet

The Thomas S. Jesup collection contains official letters of Jesup, a major during the War of 1812 and later quartermaster general of the United States Army. The letters relate to his career as adjunct to General William Hull at Detroit and to his time stationed in New Orleans.

The Thomas S. Jesup collection (46 items) contains the official correspondence of Jesup, who was a major during the War of 1812 and later quartermaster general of the United States Army. The early letters relate to his career as adjunct to General William Hull at Detroit. These six items document Jesup's parole and exchange after being taken prisoner in the War of 1812. They include communications with British Major General Isaac Brock (1769-1813); John Mason (1766-1849), the American company general of prisoners; Thomas Barclay (1753-1830), agent of the British government; Lewis Cass (1782-1866), Brigadier General of the American Army; and Major General Andrew Jackson (1867-1845).

The remainder of the items relate to Jesup's work as quartermaster general and military leader. The collection holds two notable post-war letters from the period when Jesup was stationed in New Orleans. These are addressed to Secretary of State James Monroe, and concern hostile Spanish maneuverings in the West Indies in the summer and fall of 1816. Jesup also received an invitation to William Henry Harrison's inauguration ball (March 4, 1841), and a letter from Lewis Cass (February 20, 1850). A printed general order dated May 1, 1817, documents Jesup's promotion from major of the 1st Infantry to lieutenant colonel of the 3rd Infantry. Another important item written by Jesup is his March 11, 1822, letter to William McRee, in which he described his reorganization of the military in Washington. Other notable letters include a William H. Winder letter of May 16, 1849, which concerns the 1814 Battle of Bladensburg; and an undated six-page letter written by Jesup giving a firsthand account of the capture of the Seminole Indian chief Osceola (1804-1838), who was captured on October 21, 1837, on Jesup's order when he arrived at Fort Payton for truce negotiations.

Documents in this collection include a receipt of shares for the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, bought by Jesup (1830 and 1832), and two documents that are dated after Thomas Jesup's death. One is Jesup's daughter Jane Jesup Nicholson's 1881 passport, which includes a physical description of her. The other item is a 1917 check in payment to Julia Clark Jesup, another of Jesup's daughters.

Collection

Thomas Smiley letters, 1814

3 items

In 1814, Baptist minister Thomas Smiley of White Deer Hole Valley, Pennsylvania, wrote three letters to Edward Bird of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, about a dispute over the ownership and use of a meeting house on land formerly owned by Bird.

This collection is made up of letters that Baptist minister Thomas Smiley of White Deer Hole Valley, Pennsylvania, wrote to Edward Bird of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1814 (3 pages); September 23, 1814 (3 pages); and September 27, 1814 (2 pages). Smiley explained the history and details of a dispute about the ownership and use of a religious meetinghouse and schoolhouse that had been constructed in 1808. Part of the building stood on land owned by Edward Bird, who sold the tract to Henry Wise and Peter Brause, Germans and dissenting English Methodists who had recently moved to White Deer Hole Valley. Smiley outlined the ensuing dispute between Wise and Brause, who claimed ownership of the building, and his congregation, who had initially funded the project, and requested that Bird intervene. Smiley discussed several unsuccessful compromises that the Baptists had offered to the newcomers and reported that Wise and Brause had broken a lock and illegally entered the building. The letters pertain to the building's funding and construction, surveying efforts, land prices, and possible agreements between the involved parties. The first letter is co-signed by John Oakes and John Lewis, and the beginning of Edward Bird's response is present on the third letter.