American Philosophical Society
Robert Woodruff journal. December 17, 1785 - May 1, 1788
Woodruff, Robert.
Mss.917.4.W852
/repositories/2/resources/705
1 volume(s)
1 volume, 136 p.
1785-1788
1 volume, 136 p.
Robert Woodruff was secretary to John Anstey, Loyalists' Claims Commissioner. This journal relates his travels with John Anstey. He describes the towns he visited, and comments on episodes of the American Revolution and on the Federal Convention and state ratifying conventions. The journal covers a trip through New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, South Carolina and Georgia. He and Anstey spent a night at Mount Vernon in 1786. Mentions B. Franklin, G. Washington, APS Hall. Also refers to Five Nations country, Georgia's warfare with Creek Indians, and Chief McGillivray. For identification, see G. Washington's Diary, Dec.11, 1786.
LH-MV-E-12
English .
1
Early American History Note
This travel journal offers fascinating insight on the early republic. Robert Woodruff accompanied John Anstey, the official British emissary representing Loyalist claims, on his travels throughout the United States from 1785-1788. Woodruff travels corresponded with the drafting of the Federal Constitution and its ratification, and his journal often records observations on the debates surrounding the document. Among the more notable stories is that of a public procession in Boston after the ratification of the Constitution. Aside from the political, Woodruff gives detailed accounts of towns and cities he visited throughout the east coast. He often relays stories of the revolutionary war he hears and learns about as he travels. He also recounts dinners with some of the most prominent figures in the early republic, including one with George Washington at Mount Vernon. The details of his afternoon at Mount Vernon accounts for one of the longest entries. Finally, Woodruff also reports briefly on Native American affairs in the South and North. He discusses the Creek Indians and ongoing strife and war in Georgia. He also visited the Five Nations in New York.
Immediate Source of Acquisition note
Purchased from Sotheby's and accessioned, 1948 (1948 86659).
Existence and Location of Copies note
This item is also available on microfilm (Film 54, Reel 63, Frame 3).
Biographical/Historical note
Robert Woodruff was a British clerk of John Anstey, who was the commissioner for American Loyalists' claims.
South Carolina -- Description and travel.
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Personal histories.
Virginia -- Description and travel.
Early National Politics
Travel
Travel Narratives and Journals
Native America
Indians of North America
Diplomatic Material
Diplomatic History
Journals (notebooks).
Constitutional conventions -- United States.
Delaware -- Description and travel.
Georgia -- Description and travel.
Maryland -- Description and travel.
Massachusetts -- Description and travel.
Mount Vernon (Va. : Estate)
New Jersey -- Description and travel.
New York (State) -- Description and travel.
North Carolina -- Description and travel.
Pennsylvania -- Description and travel.
Rhode Island -- Description and travel.
Anstey, John, d. 1819
Robert Woodruff journal. December 17, 1785 - May 1, 1788
/repositories/2/archival_objects/33297
Robert Woodruff journal. December 17, 1785 - May 1, 1788