Mid-Atlantic early manuscripts collection
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Abstract
This collection contains correspondence, deeds, indentures, wills, land conveyances, genealogies, and printed materials from the 17th through 19th centuries. The majority of the collection relates to New York and the surrounding states, but some items are from New England or the Mid-Atlantic region. Materials are in English, French, and Dutch. Subjects of note include Native American relations and slavery.
Arrangement
This collection is arranged chronologically.
Scope and Contents
This collection contains correspondence, deeds, indentures, wills, land conveyance documents, and printed materials authored by or pertaining to various figures from colonial and early national Long Island, New England, District of Columbia, Tennessee, and Europe. Many documents originate from prominent individuals, such as Lyman Beecher, King George III, John Paul Jones, Robert R. Livingston, William Penn, John Ross, Benjamin Rush, and Noah Webster. Items relate to early colonial and American conflicts, the Louisiana Purchase, slavery, and Native American affairs, particularly those involving the Cherokee Nation. Also included is a letter from General Toussaint Louverture, accompanied by a portrait image.
Some items are original, some are thought to be copies, and some are related to autograph-collecting.
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Conditions Governing Access
Open to researchers without restriction.
Conditions Governing Use
All materials are in the public domain. While many items at the Center for Brooklyn History are unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Be aware of the several kinds of rights that might apply: copyright, licensing and trademarks. The researcher assumes all responsibility for copyright questions.
Preferred Citation
Identification of Item, date (if known); Mid-Atlantic early manuscripts collection, 1974.002, Box and Folder number; Brooklyn Public Library, Center for Brooklyn History.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Portions of this collection were the gift of Sylvester Dering, 1890. The source and date of acquisition for the remaining items in the collection are unknown. This collection was likely assembled by BHS staff from multiple donations at an unknown date. The collection was formally accessioned in 1974.
Physical Characteristics and Technical Requirements
If digital surrogates exist, they should be used in place of the originals whenever possible.
About this Guide
Processing Information
Materials have been housed in acid free folders. Folder titles have been supplied by the archivist. The collection was re-named in 2018 to better reflect the contents.
