Poetry notebooks and published work, 1873-1901, inclusive
Scope and Contents
Box 1 includes the bound portions of the collection, including 4 notebooks of manuscript poems, a printed copy of Summer Haven Songs (New York and London: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1886), and a printed pamphlet, Harvard College -- Class of 1863. Verses by James Herbert Morse. Read June 25, 1901, at the Class Dinner.
Poetry notebook "Vol II", 1873
Scope and Contents
The first notebook of manuscript poems has "Vol II Poems & Index" written on the front pastedown, measures 19 x 12 cm., and includes 195 pages numbered by Morse. The first poem is dated Jan. 1, 1873. Most poems appear to be fair copies, though some show Morse's corrections. Includes a 7-page index at the end of the notebook.
Poetry notebook "Vol IV", 1884
Scope and Contents
The second notebook of manuscript poems has "Vol VI Poems 1884 & Index" written on the front flyleaf and "Vol IV Poems" written on the first page. This is likely Vol IV since another notebook is also labeled Vol VI. The notebook measures 20 x 13 cm. and includes 73 pages numbered by Morse. The index is not included in the page numbers. The front of the notebook is dated: "Cotuit, Mass. July, 1884." Most poems look like fair copies, though there are occasional notes by Morse. Poems printed in Summer Haven Songs have "SHS" written in the margin. Includes a 2-page index at the end of the notebook.
Poetry notebook "Vol V", 1879-1883, inclusive
Scope and Contents
The third notebook of manuscript poems has "Vol V Poems & Index" written on the front pastedown, measures 21 x 14 cm., and includes 193 pages numbered by Morse. The front flyleaf is signed: "J.H. Morse, 112 West 38th St., New York." The notebook is not dated at the front of the volume, but dates within the text range from 1879 to 1883. This notebook feels more like a working notebook, with copius edits by Morse and quotations from John Milton, George Herbert, Edmund Spenser, William Wordsword, and other English poets tipped in on pieces of paper. Includes a 2-page index at the end of the notebook.
Poetry notebook "Vol VI", 1884
Scope and Contents
The fourth notebook of manuscript poems has "VI" pasted to the cover, "Vol VI Poems" written on the front pastedown, and "43 W. 39." written on the front flyleaf. There is also a pasted bookseller's ticket: "A. Turnbull, Books & Stationery, 663 6th Ave., N.Y." The notebook measures 22 x 14 cm. and includes 155 pages numbered by Morse. The notebook is not dated at the front of the volume, but some of the poems are dated 1884. Many of the poems are fair copies, but some include Morse's edits. He has marked poems published in Summer Haven Songs with "SHS." This notebook does not include an index.
Summer Haven Songs, 1886
Scope and Contents
A green cloth-bound copy of Morse's Summer Haven Songs, published in New York and London by G.P. Putnam's Sons in 1886.
Harvard College--Class of 1863. Verses by James Herbert Morse. Read June 25, 1901, at the class dinner., 1901
Scope and Contents
A printed pamphlet (8 pages) of Morse's poems read at a Harvard class dinner for the Class of 1863. The upper left corner is inscribed by Morse: "Compliments of the author."