Series IV, George Hendric Houghton, 1839-1850, inclusive

Series IV includes a journal entitled, "Nugae," a collection of orations and poetry written by Houghton and later presented to G.H. Houghton Butler from an enigmatic "S.H.B." Although several pages have been cut out from the journal, it still contains revealing thoughts and emotions of a young man aged 19 to 30 in early 19th century New York. Of special interest is "The Growth of Freedom", (pp. 1-17) an oration delivered at the University of the City of New York's July 20, 1842 commencement, and the Valedictory Oration (pp. 19-29) delivered the same day. "National Retribution" (pp. 91-101) is the title of an oration delivered in the University Chapel on January 29, 1842. "On Leaving the South-West Turret of the University," (p. 77) written in December 1841, and "On Leaving the University," written in May 1843, expresses in poetical form Houghton's mixed emotions upon graduating.