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This collection contains business correspondence that London merchant Henry Upson received between 1812 and 1821. Early letters concern commerce, deteriorating relations between the United States and Great Britain, and the war.

This collection contains business correspondence that London merchant Henry Upson received between 1812 and 1821. Early letters concern commerce, deteriorating relations between the United States and Great Britain, and the war.

Upson had commercial interests in the United States and Great Britain during the early 19th century, and he received letters from firms and individuals in New York City, Liverpool, and London. Many correspondents commented on the actions of the United States Congress and President James Madison, and one acquaintance shared her pleasure after hearing that war had been declared (July 9, 1812). Some letters discuss financial matters such as transatlantic shipments of swords and firearms (July 20, 1812).

This collection is made up of letters that John Claude wrote to his brothers, Dennis and Abram Claude of Annapolis, Maryland, while serving with the United States Army at Plattsburgh, New York, during the War of 1812. He discussed his opinions on patriotism, the progress of the war, and contemporary European politics, particularly concerning Napoleon.

This collection is made up of 10 letters that John Claude wrote to his brothers, Dennis Claude (8 items) and Abram Claude (2 items) of Annapolis, Maryland, while serving with the United States Army at Plattsburgh, New York, in 1814 and 1815. He often referred to the progress of the war and to his strong sense of patriotism, and mused on topics such as contemporary European politics. He shared his opinions of domestic and foreign political issues, including the potential effects of Napoleon's defeat on the major European powers, and frequently included philosophical quotes and poetry in his letters. He also offered commentary on recent and possible military actions in the War of 1812, expressed his belief that a successful British attack in Maryland would prove disastrous (September 26, 1814) and lamented the destruction of Washington, D.C. (November 17, 1814). Though he commented most often on politics and on the general state of the war, Claude occasionally mentioned his own military activities and drew a map of the fortifications at Plattsburgh (January 7, 1815). He revealed some details about his personal religious beliefs and shared his grief upon hearing news of the death of his brother Abram (October 19, 1814).