Scope and content A combined notebook and scrapbook, kept by Beckwith for his grandson and namesake, contains his handwritten histories of himself and his forefathers, including his account of soldiering at Sackett's Harbor in the War of 1812; political opinions, including a long essay entitled "Our Nation, Slavery: Its Worst Evil," describing slavery in the United States, the public attitude towards the Fugitive Slave Law, and national excitement over the Compromises of 1820 and 1850 and documenting...

Scope and content

Typewritten transcripts of a letter to Watson from Robert Troup and a letter to Elijah Miller from Watson. The originals were dated 1828-1838; the transcripts, from the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, are accompanied by an envelope dated 1939. The letters focus on New York state politics and the creation of agricultural societies.

Abstract

Personal correspondence; bills, receipts and accounts for merchandise and services. Includes an executive order issued by Governor Throop for the transfer of prisoners from Auburn to Sing Sing, the former prison being overcrowded.

Scope and content

Letter encouraging Thomas Farrington to be a candidate for state Treasurer, and briefly describing what his responsibilities would be in that position.

Scope and content

Routine short letters from prominent politicians who hailed from New York State, including Washington Hunt, Horatio Seymour, William Henry Seward, and Frederick William Seward. Also, a card signed by F.W. Seward, subscribing for a copy of the book Fifty years among authors, books and publishers, by J.C. Derby.

Scope and content

Routine notes and short letters from prominent politicians who hailed from New York State, including William Henry Seward, Oliver Phelps, and William C. Bouck. The letter from Bouck is addressed to A.C. Flagg, who was the New York State comptroller at the time (1837).

Scope and content

Printed act of March 27, 1828, to incorporate the Catskill and Ithaca Rail-Road Company; and report of the Select Committee on the memorial of the commissioners of that company, April 7, 1830. Both items are extracts from the records of the state Assembly.

Scope and content Invoices, receipts, accounts, and letters, 1802, to Isaiah Townsend and Stewart and Townsend from various companies and individuals; letters, 1809, to I. and J. Townsend from Charles Martin & Co. ordering iron, codfish, and tile. Letters written in Dunkirk, Chautauqua County (N.Y.) to Isaiah and John Townsend pertaining to local social conditions, with reference to storekeeping, local school and business concerns, and the Dunkirk Association. Also, letter to John Townsend, Albany,...