| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Criticism of Franklin's historical review of the constitution and government of Pennsylvania
| | | | Dates: | Circa 1760 | | | | Abstract: | This manuscript offers a critique of A Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania (1759). A Historical review was anonymously published, but it has been credited to either Benjamin Franklin or Richard Jackson. Written in the wake of the politically divisive 1750s, the pamphlet attacked the proprietors of Pennsylvania and the proprietary nature of the colonial government and defended the actions of the Assembly and Quaker Party during the Seven Years’ War. The manuscript in the APS’s vault was written in 1759 or 1760, likely in London. It defends the proprietor and the government in general. Largely unknown to historians, this manuscript provides insight into the deep political divisions within colonial Pennsylvania by offering a clear view into the beliefs of the proprietors and the proprietary party. The anonymous author of the work is almost certainly Thomas Penn. The manuscript was never published.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.974.8.C86 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Seven Years' War | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | |
| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Extract of a letter from London, May 19, 1770
| | | | Dates: | 1770 | | | | Abstract: | This rich letter dated May 19, 1770 contains a detailed report on the state of affairs in London. The author, writing to friends in the colonies, relays the political machinations inside of Parliament and out of doors. The author focuses on the debates surrounding the crisis developing between Parliament and their North American colonies. The author discusses the content of some speeches, the alignment of factions in Parliament, and the opinion of merchants and manufacturers relating to laws and imperial policies. The letter is an “Extract” and was likely copied from a longer letter. This manuscript copy was probably forwarded to interested parties throughout the colonies to disseminate news. The letter is bound. The last page contains the signature of Robert Smith, although it is not clear if this is the author of the letter, the owner of the letter, or simply an autograph.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.973.3.Ex7 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Americans Abroad | Colonial Politics | International Affairs | | | | Genre: | Political Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Stamp Act, 1765 | Taxation. | |
| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | A list of all lands, lots, buildings, and wharves, 1798, in Fawn Township, York County, Pennsylvania
| | | | Dates: | 1798 | | | | Abstract: | This slender volume contains data on property ownership in the early republic. The list contains the name, place, and amount of property owned by all landholders in Fawn Township, York County, Pennsylvania in 1798. The data also includes details on the modifications made to homes and the various types of buildings they have on their property.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.333.3.P38 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | Government Affairs | Pennsylvania History | | | | Genre: | Official Government Documents and Records | | | | Subjects: | Real property -- Pennsylvania -- York County. | |
| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Minutes, 1745-1762, of the commissioners for determining the line between Pennsylvania and Maryland
| | | | Dates: | 1745-1762 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.800 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Revolutionary War letter
| | | | Dates: | 1777 | | | | Abstract: | This long letter, dated January 6, 1777, discussed contentions within a Presbyterian Synod in Lonehead, Scotland. Although there may be some vague references to the American Revolution, the content of the letter is primarily aimed at the Synod and its policies. The letter criticizes the current minister and opposes the King’s request for a fast day. Arguably, the opposition to the fast day could be interpreted as giving support to the American revolutionaries.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.973.315.L56 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Beyond Early America | Religion | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | Political Correspondence | |
| | Author: | Unidentified author | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Sermon predicable en el domingo de septuagessima
| | | | Dates: | 1727 | | | | Abstract: | This manuscript collection falls outside the geographic scope of the Early American guide (British North America and the United States before 1840). It may be of interest to scholars interested in global history, international relations, imperialism, or the U.S. in the world.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.497.4.Se6 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Beyond Early America | | | | Subjects: | Sermons, Cakchikel. | |
| | Author: | University of Virginia.Board of Visitors. | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | University of Virginia. Board of Visitors. Minutes, 1814-1828
| | | | Dates: | 1814-1828 | | | | Abstract: | This collection contains the Minutes of the Board of Visitors for the Albemarle Academy (1814) and Central College (1817-1819), the predecessors of the University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and James Madison were members of the Board. Monroe’s service on a committee is listed, and Jefferson is listed as rector for the university. Among the topics discussed were professorships for Natural History and Ancient Languages. Robert Patterson of Philadelphia received the appointment – and a salary of $600.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.378.755.V8lbo | | | | Extent: | 2.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Colony and State Specific History | Education | | | | Genre: | Educational Material | Institutional Records | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Album materials
| | | | Dates: | 1777-1925 | | | | Abstract: | This autograph collection contains only a few letters from early America. They were acquired for the signficiance of their signature - often British scientists - and not for their content.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.AL1 | | | | Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet | | | | Topics: | Beyond Early America | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Andre, Major John, Letter Regarding the Battle of Germantown
| | | | Dates: | 1777 (September 28 and October 8) | | | | Abstract: | This letter from Major John Andre recounts specific details of the Battle of Germantown. It is extremely content rich and describes the conflict, the surrounding area, and the people. This letter is a recent acquisition and complements SMS Coll's 9 and 10.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.SMs.Coll.7 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Military History | Philadelphia History | | | | Genre: | Military Records | | | | Subjects: | Brandywine, Battle of, 1777 | British Landing at Head of Elk, Maryland, 1777 | Germantown, Battle of, 1777 | Paoli Massacre, 1777 | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Documents, 1728-1816, relating to the province of Pennsylvania and to the American Revolution
| | | | Dates: | 1728-1816 | | | | Abstract: | This volume contains documents that relate to the government of Pennsylvania. Although the volume is described in MOLE as pertaining to the American Revolution in Pennsylvania, the volume begins with a proclamation from 1728 and contains a range of proclamations from the Seven Years’ War, before ending with a series of proclamations from the 1770s and 1780s. Although there are some lists and petitionsand orders in the volume, almost all of the documents are official government proclamations, often from the governor. The revolutionary era documents are a bit more diverse. In addition to official government documents, such as militia instructions, the volume contains manuscript copies of letters and essays intended for print, as well as private correspondence and messages from other colonies.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.974.8.D65 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 volume, 50 p. | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Colonial Politics | Government Affairs | Pennsylvania History | | | | Genre: | Official Government Documents and Records | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | George B. (George Bacon) Wood papers, 1815-1913
| | | | Dates: | 1815-1913 | | | | Abstract: | The George Bacon Wood collection consists primarily of correspondence from George Wood to J.B. Lippincott. Some of the letters are co-signed by Franklin Bache. All of the letters date from 1860 onwards. The only early American materials are various diplomas and certificates from the 1810s and 1820s for Wood. These include a diploma from the University of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy, and various certificates from places like the Philomathean Society at Penn and medical societies.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.W84 | | | | Extent: | 30.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | Beyond Early America | Medicine | | | | Genre: | Educational Material | Institutional Records | | | | Subjects: | Medicine. | Pharmacology. | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | George Weedon military correspondence, 1777-1786
| | | | Dates: | 1777-1786 | | | | Abstract: | The George Weedon military correspondence contains a wealth of information on the American Revolution and its immediate aftermath. There are letters from the Morristown and Valley Forge winters, although the bulk of the material comes from 1780-1781. The collection follows Weedon’s service throughout the war. His correspondence often details movements, strategies, supplies, and life in the Continental Army. Weedon also receives letters from correspondents stationed throughout the United States. This correspondence can provide information on events happening in these other locations. Correspondents include Baron von Steuben, Thomas Jefferson, Nathaniel Greene, Peter Muhlenberg, George Washington, Marquis de Lafayette, Horatio Gates, and many others. Washington, in particular, is a frequent correspondent who writes to Weedon seeking advice on military action.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.W41 | | | | Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Colonial Politics | Military History | | | | Genre: | General Correspondence | Military Records | Political Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Military history, Modern -- 18th century. | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | H. I. Z., Advice and instruction to the Palatines newly arrived in the Province of Pennsylvania
| | | | Dates: | 1727 | | | | Abstract: | This short piece offers a satirical take on some Philadelphians. Framed as a list of advice for new German immigrants, the piece has a more political tone in which it offers a critical appraisal of some prominent members of society and business. These two pages are in Benjamin Franklin’s hand. Once thought to a work of Franklin's, since 1963, it has been believed that Franklin was not the original author of this piece.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.171.6.Z1 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Philadelphia History | | | | Genre: | Manuscript Essays | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Indian and Military Affairs of Pennsylvania, 1737-1775
| | | | Dates: | 1737-1775 | | | | Abstract: | This large volume contains a wealth of data on Pennsylvania history beginning in 1737 and ending in 1775. Documents include letters, orders, and treaty minutes relating to Pennsylvania’s military and political history. Although much of the material relates to the Seven Years’ War, there are also documents relating to the Maryland-Pennsylvania border dispute, impressments of sailors, the founding of the Pennsylvania hospital, and other aspects of the political history of the colony. The bulk of the material deals with military, diplomatic, and political issues. Most of the documents have been printed in either the Pennsylvania Archives or Hazard’s Register.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.974.8.P19 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Colonial Politics | Diplomatic History | Government Affairs | Military History | Native America | Pennsylvania History | Seven Years' War | Social Life and Custom | Surveying and Maps | | | | Genre: | Diplomatic Material | Military Records | Official Government Documents and Records | | | | Subjects: | Delaware Indians | Indians of North America--Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania--History--Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 | United States--History--French and Indian war, 1755-1763 | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | John Gottlieb Ernestus Heckewelder papers
| | | | Dates: | 1800-1847 | | | | Abstract: | The John Heckewelder Collection consists of an assortment of documents, almost all of which deal with Native Americans. Heckewelder was a Moravian missionary to Delaware Indians in Pennsylvania who was a prominent figure in nineteenth century intellectual circles. The primary focus of the collection is on his attempt to preserve Native American languages, especially those of the Lenni Lenape (Delaware) in Pennsylvania. His correspondence and one publication also chronicle Native American history, customs, and life. Heckewelder also kept a meteorological journal while on his mission to Gnadenhutten, Pennsylvania from 1802-1814, which is part of the collection. Much of the collection comes from Heckewelder’s correspondence with the APS and its prominent member and linguist Stephen Du Ponceau.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.H35 | | | | Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet | | | | Topics: | Language and Linguistics | Native America | | | | Genre: | Diaries | Language Material | Native American Materials | Oral History | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | John Torrey papers, 1819-1864
| | | | Dates: | 1819-1864 | | | | Abstract: | The John Torrey Papers consist of two separate collections. The first contains original documents, often from John Torrey, a prominent botanist in the nineteenth century. Torrey’s letters often discuss natural history, books, and flora. Amos Eaton is his most regular correspondent, and the letters are often of a personal nature in which Torrey gives Eaton support for his scientific pursuits. Mention is also made of temperance. This portion of the collection is relatively small. The second part of the collection contains various notes and transcriptions Chapman Robbins made for a study she undertook on Torrey. This larger part of the collection consists of over two boxes of transcriptions of Torrey correspondence and provides a far more complete picture of Torrey.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.T63.1 | | | | Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet | | | | Topics: | Natural History | Science and Technology | | | | Genre: | Scientific Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Botany. | Geology -- New York (State) -- Surveys. | Insects. | Mineralogy. | Natural history. | Temperance. | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Joseph Henry letters, 1836-1878
| | | | Dates: | 1836-1878 | | | | Abstract: | This small collection contains an assortment of Joseph Henry correspondence, mostly from prominent Americans writing to Henry. Most of the early letters are relatively short notes, with longer, more detailed letters beginning in the correspondence from the 1850s. The most prominent topics of discussion are the Smithsonian Institution, the establishment of Colorado as a territory, and Humboldt’s work. Among the prominent correspondents are Robert Hare, Louis Aggasiz, and Alexander Dallas Bache. Two letters are addressed to Mrs. Henry.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.H39p | | | | Extent: | 45.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | Colony and State Specific History | Science and Technology | | | | Genre: | General Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Natural history. | Physics. | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Joseph Priestley letters, chiefly to Theophilus Lindsay, 1766-1803
| | | | Dates: | 1766-1803 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.1230 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Keugh, Lieutenant William, Report of British Officer to His Majesty from Camp at German Town 28th of Setptemr. 1777
| | | | Dates: | 1777 September 28- October 7 | | | | Abstract: | This collection contains an official account of the British Army's actions in the Philadelphia-area during the American Revolution. It complements SMS Coll 7 and SMS Coll 9. Recorded by British Army officer Lieutenant William Keugh, the after action report is extensive and detailed.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.SMs.Coll.8 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Military History | Philadelphia History | | | | Genre: | Military Records | Official Government Documents and Records | | | | Subjects: | Brandywine, Battle of, 1777 | British Landing at Head of Elk, Maryland, 1777 | Germantown, Battle of, 1777 | Paoli Massacre, 1777 | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Plat book, 1825-1828, of Northern Liberties, Philadelphia
| | | | Dates: | 1825-1828 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.1455 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Richard Price Papers
| | | | Dates: | 1767-1790 | | | | Abstract: | This collection contains a series of letters from Richard Price, a prominent English minister who was also a prominent supporter of the American Revolution. There are several letters that are written in code. Prominent correspondents include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Chauncy, and Benjamin Rush. Some Price correspondence also discusses his opposition to slavery. The MOLE entry contains a detailed overview and index of the collection.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.P93 | | | | Extent: | 90.0 items | | | | Topics: | African American | American Revolution | Colonial Politics | Religion | | | | Genre: | General Correspondence | Political Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Abolition, emancipation, freedom | American Philosophical Society | Bunker Hill, Battle of, 1775 | Ethics--Great Britain--Early works to 1850 | France--History--Revolution, 1789-1799 | Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 | Gage, Thomas, 1721-1787 | Great Britain--Politics and government--1760-1789 | Harvard College | Howard, John, 1726-1790 | Italy--Description and travel--18th century | Lexington, Battle of, 1775 | Life expectancy | Massachusetts--History--Revolution, 1775-1783 | Pensions--Massachusetts | Prisons | Slavery. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Smith, Adam, 1723-1790 | Smith, Isaac, 1744-1817 | Social conditions, social advocacy, social reform | United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783 | United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Religious aspects | United States--Politics and government, 1783-1788 | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Rittenhouse family papers, 1774-1932
| | | | Dates: | 1774-1932 | | | | Abstract: | This small notebook contains copies of correspondence and other documents that someone in the Rittenhouse family transcribed in the late nineteenth or early twentieth century. The earliest document copied appears to be dated from the 1750s in Lancaster. The documents pertain to the family’s past.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.R51f | | | | Extent: | 0.25 Linear feet | | | | Topics: | Marriage and Family Life | | | | Genre: | Family Correspondence | | | | Subjects: | Papermakers. | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Robert B. Fisher papers
| | | | Dates: | 1745-1786 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.1052 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Samuel Coates Memoranda Book, 1785-1825
| | | | Dates: | 1785-1825 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.1085 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Samuel Coates receipt book, 1804-1829
| | | | Dates: | 1804-1829 | | | | Abstract: | The Samuel Coates Collection consists largely of business records of Samuel Coates, a prominent Philadelphia merchant. Coates’ large account book for 1803-1830 contains a range of financial transactions both personal and professional that may lend insight into business and trade in early nineteenth century Philadelphia. The collection also includes Coates’ day book, which records day-to-day meetings, and two volumes of Coates’ financial dealings with the Bank of North America between 1788 and 1798. Coates was he later elected a director of the Bank in 1800. In addition to Coates’ own material there is an account book of Deborah Morris, which contains a very detailed will and probate records. The will describes in detail how and to whom her belongings should be distributed and is more detailed than most wills.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.C632 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Volume(s) | | | | Topics: | Business and Skilled Trades | Trade | | | | Genre: | Business Records and Accounts | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Samuel Miles Papers, 1776-1802
| | | | Dates: | 1776-1802 | | | | Abstract: | The Samuel Miles Collection contains three sets of documents. One includes correspondence. The other contains autobiographical information that covers Miles life from his time in the Seven Years' War to the American Revolution, and a third contains financial information pertaining to the family. Miles served in the Pennsylvania militia during the Seven Years' War. During the Revolution, he was an officer and a POW. Later, he was a Federalist official. These experiences are well-documented in the collection. An account book from his time as a POW provides insight on the daily activity of many prisoners of war. Entries include donations for funerals, coffins, and other items related to the prisoner of war experience. There are additional pieces of correspondence from the American Revolution. A letter from Catherine Miles, Samuel’s wife, is included in the correspondence and discusses property in Philadelphia that she worried would be used by the Army. There are also a couple of letters from Joshua Loring, the British officer in charge of prisoners, reprimanding Miles and other American officers for their behavior.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.B.M589 | | | | Extent: | 16.0 Item(s) | | | | Topics: | American Revolution | Early National Politics | Military History | Seven Years' War | | | | Genre: | Autobiography | Military Records | | | | Subjects: | Long Island (N.Y.), Battle of, 1776 | United States--History--French and Indian War, 1755-1763--Personal narratives | United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Personal narratives | United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783--Prisoners and prisons | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | St. Andrews Society of Philadelphia Archives, 1749-1833
| | | | Dates: | 1749-1776, 1786-1833 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.1168 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Thomas Jefferson Case Book, 1767-1774
| | | | Dates: | 1767-1774 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.223 | | | | Extent: | 1.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
| | Author: | unknown | Requires cookie* | | | Title: | Thomas Jefferson papers, 1651-1826
| | | | Dates: | 1651-1826 | | | | Abstract: | This is a microfilm of an early American collection that may be of interest to researchers at the APS and may complement an original manuscript collection at the APS.
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| | | | Call #: | Mss.Film.227 | | | | Extent: | 101.0 Microfilm reel(s) | | | | Genre: | Microfilm Collection | |
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