William Strahan journals and accounts, 1751-1777

Mss.B.St83.St83x1

Date: 1751-1777 | Size: 4 volume(s), 4 volumes, 115 p.
Special Request | On-site Photography Request
Collections Home | APS Home

Abstract

The first three volumes contain journals of Strahan's travels in Scotland, with records of expenses along the way, for 1751, 1759, 1760, 1766, 1768, 1773, and 1777. Strahan and Benjamin Franklin were in Edinburgh at the same time in 1759. The fourth volume contains "The particulars of the estate of Wm Strahan as it stood on the first of January 1755," and also for 1759 and 1761, with some miscellaneous accounts.

Background note

William Strahan was a London printer and publisher, member of Parliament, and friend of Benjamin Franklin.

Collection Information

Physical description

4 volumes, 115 p.

Provenance

Purchased and accessioned, 1958 (1958 140ms).

General

Film 54-66. Frame 204 Film 867 Canklin references only

Early American History Note

This large and rich collection chronicles the daily activity of William Strahan during his travels through Scotland in 1751, 1759, 1760, 1766, 1768, 1773, 1777. Strahan was one of the largest printers and exporters of printed material in Great Britain. The journal records his daily activities and observations and also lends insight into his business connections and relations. Volumes two and four also contain business records.

Indexing Terms


Genre(s)

  • Accounts.
  • Business Records and Accounts
  • Diaries
  • Journals (notebooks).
  • Travel Narratives and Journals

Geographic Name(s)

  • Scotland -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800.

Personal Name(s)

  • Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
  • Strahan, William (1715-1785)

Subject(s)

  • American Revolution
  • International Travel
  • Printing and Publishing


Detailed Inventory

 Journals and letter
1751-1780 
 Strahan, William (1715-1785).
Vol. 1.
July 6 - Aug. 28, 1751 

Vo1.1 consists of 45 leaves, of which 30 contain writing. It consists of an account of a journey and list of expenses by Messrs.Hitch, Lowth and Strahan; July 6-Aug. 28, 1751.

 Strahan, William (1715-1785).
Vol. 2
Jan. 1, 1759 - Sept. 17, 1766 

Vol. 2 consists of 30 leaves of which 24 contain writing. It consists of accounts of journeys to Scotland; Jan. 1, 1759-Aug. 22, 1759; July 26-Sept. 24, 1759; July 23 - Aug. 22, 1759; Aug. 4 - Aug. 22, 1760; and Aug. 19 - Sept. 17, 1766. Refers to the "messrs Franklin" on Sept. 13, 1759.

 Strahan, William (1715-1785).
Vol. 3
June 26, 1768 - Sept. 10, 1777 

Vol. 3 consists of 36 leaves of which 21 contain writing. It consists of accounts of journey to Scotland; June 26 - Sept 7., 1768; July 17 - Sept. 27, 1773; and July 1 - Sept. 10, 1777.

 Strahan, William (1715-1785).
Vol. 4
  

Vol. 4 consists of 27 leaves of which 16 contain writing. Reference to B. Franklin is made on p.[6] and p. [22]. Reference is made to W. Franklin on p. [23].

 Moore, Thomas.
Letter to [William] Strahan;
July 25, 1780 

A.L.S. 2p.and add. (see William Strahan papers. No.x1) Forwards manuscript for correction and editing. Introduces Richard Henderson and requests an introduction to "Frankland" for him. For introduction, see F.P.vol. 19, 45.