Series I: Watts Family Papers, 1800-1831

Scope and Contents note

This series contains the papers relating to the personal and business affairs of the members of the Watts family. Most of the series consists of documents relating to Charles Watts, Jr. and Charles Watts, Sr., although some correspondence from Helen Watts is included. It is not always clear which Charles Watts is represented.

Subseries I: Correspondence, 1806-1831

Scope and Contents note

The letters are arranged chronologically and consist of incoming correspondence to Charles Watts, Sr. and Charles Watts, Jr. There are a few letters from Helen Watts to her father, Charles Watts, Sr. The letters reflect the business and personal affairs of both men. The correspondence details Charles Watt Sr.'s businesses in Charleston, New York, and Liverpool and Charles Watts Jr.'s time as a merchant and an attorney. The financial troubles of Charles Watts, Jr are well documented. Letters dating from 1820 from Henry Floyd-Jones discourage Charles Watts, Jr. from remaining in the business of running the horse ferry to New Jersey. One letter to Charles Watts dated January 27, 1807 contains remarks on appropriate punishments for men guilty of sodomy.

Watts Family Correspondence, undated

Box: 1, Folder: 1 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1806-1809

Box: 1, Folder: 2 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1810

Box: 1, Folder: 3 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1811

Box: 1, Folder: 4 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1812

Box: 1, Folder: 5 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1813-1815

Box: 1, Folder: 6 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1816-1819

Box: 1, Folder: 7 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1820

Box: 1, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Watts Family Correspondence, 1831

Box: 1, Folder: 9 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Subseries II: Legal Documents, 1803-1820

Scope and Contents note

This subseries contains legal papers of the Watts family including deeds, indentures, estate papers, and the will of Charles Watts, Sr. It includes documentation of a lawsuit against Charles Watts, Jr. for a physical assault. The subseries also consists of legal papers regarding the running of the horse ferry to New Jersey and documents from cases with Charles Watts, Jr. serving as an attorney.

Family Legal Documents, 1803-1820

Box: 1, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Will of Charles Watts, Sr., 1803

Box: 1, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Legal Papers re Estate of Charles Watts, Sr., 1811-1816

Box: 1, Folder: 12 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Legal Papers re Hudson River Ferry, 1814-1819

Box: 2, Folder: 1 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Legal Papers with Charles Watts, Jr. Acting as Attorney, 1813-1819

Box: 2, Folder: 2 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Subseries III: Financial Documents, 1800-1820

Scope and Contents note

This subseries contains accounts, bills, and receipts from both personal and business expenses.

Accounts, Bills, and Receipts, undated

Box: 2, Folder: 3 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Accounts, Bills, and Receipts, 1800-1805

Box: 2, Folder: 4 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Accounts, Bills, and Receipts, 1806-1810

Box: 2, Folder: 5 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Accounts, Bills, and Receipts, 1811-1815

Box: 2, Folder: 6 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Accounts, Bills, and Receipts, 1816-1820

Box: 2, Folder: 7 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Financial Papers re Hudson River Ferry, 1819-1820

Box: 2, Folder: 8 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Finacial Papers re Estate of Charles Watts, Sr., 1811-1816

Box: 2, Folder: 9 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Financial Documents re Family Property, 1807-1814

Box: 2, Folder: 10 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Prices Current, 1809-1811

Box: 2, Folder: 11 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)

Helen Watts- House Expenses, 1808-1811

Box: 2, Folder: 12 (Material Type: Mixed Materials)