Resources in Early American History
Manuscript Essays in genre [X]
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Abolition, emancipation, freedom (4)
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Algonquian Indians (1)
American Academy of Music (Philadelphia, Pa.) (1)
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Bible - Criticism, interpretation, etc. (1)
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Braddock's Campaign, 1755. (1)
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Cakchikel language (1)
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Copernican system (1)
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1Author:  Maillet, Benoît de,1656-1738.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Nouveau système du monde, 1715-1724     
 Dates:  1715-1724 
 Abstract:  This three volume set is one of eight known manuscripts of Benoit De Maillet's Nouveau System du Monde. Although it is listed as being an extract, that designation only applies to the first eighty-two pages. The remaining three volumes are a complete version of the work, which may differ significantly from the printed version. This set came from Benjamin Franklin's private library.

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 Call #:  Mss.113.M28e 
 Extent:  3 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Earth sciences. | Formations (Geology) | Marine biology. | Oceanography. 
2Author:  Bruno, M. deRequires cookie*
 Title:  Essai metaphysique, physique et phisiologistique relativement à la découverte de M. Mesmer, 1786     
 Dates:  1786 
 Abstract:  This is a handwritten essay on Franz Mesmer and his claims to have healing and other metaphysical powers. Mesmer is today thought of as an early user of hypnosis. Throughout the 1770s and 1780s, he captivated French society. Marie Antoinette was particularly interested in his abilities. Finally, King Louis convened a scientific body in 1784 to examine the claims of Mesmer and his disciples. Benjamin Franklin, still in France as an American envoy, headed the committee, which debunked Mesmerism. The report can be found in the Papers of Benjamin Franklin and in the Diary of Benjamin Franklin Bache, both of which are at the APS.

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 Call #:  Mss.134.B83 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Medicine | Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Animal magnetism. | Hypnotism. | Mesmerism. 
3Author:  unknownRequires cookie*
 Title:  H. I. Z., Advice and instruction to the Palatines newly arrived in the Province of Pennsylvania     
 Dates:  1727 
 Abstract:  This short piece offers a satirical take on some Philadelphians. Framed as a list of advice for new German immigrants, the piece has a more political tone in which it offers a critical appraisal of some prominent members of society and business. These two pages are in Benjamin Franklin's hand. Once thought to a work of Franklin's, since 1963, it has been believed that Franklin was not the original author of this piece.

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 Call #:  Mss.171.6.Z1 
 Extent:  1 item(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Philadelphia History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
4Author:  Freeman, TomRequires cookie*
 Title:  Adviser advised by Tom Freeman, pseud.     
 Dates:  n.d. 
 Abstract:  This single page is a manuscript essay in Benjamin Franklin's hand that attacks prominent proprietary figures in Pennsylvania's government, especially James Logan. The document is in a standalone volume, but it was originally part of Benjamin Franklin's papers. Not much is known about it. It may have been an essay submitted to him for publication in the Pennsylvania Gazette or, as scholars of Franklin have suspected, it could be an early, unpublished essay of Franklin's.

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 Call #:  Mss.172.2.F87 
 Extent:  1 item(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
5Author:  Coxe, John Redman, 1773-1864Requires cookie*
 Title:  Observations & remarks tending to explain certain parts of the sacred scriptures, 1812-1813     
 Dates:  1812-1813 
 Abstract:  John Redman Coxe was a premier physician in nineteenth century America best known for his work in medicine as a physician, teacher, and author. The John Redman Coxe Collection shows a different side of Coxe. The APS Collection is a bound, handwritten essay by Coxe entitled, "Observations and Remarks Tending to Explain Certain Parts of the Sacred Scriptures, 1812-1813." This fascinating and often-sophisticated volume deals with various arguments put forward by skeptics that challenge the accuracy of the Bible, with particular attention paid to Genesis. Coxe then offers his own rebuttal or the rebuttal of others. Coxe frequently challenges prevailing translations of Hebrew words, believing that more accurate definitions can sometimes solve confusion or controversy. Although the work was never published, it does offer insight into the types of debates about the Bible accessible to Americans in the nineteenth century.

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 Call #:  Mss.220.2.C836 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Religion | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Bible - Criticism, interpretation, etc. 
6Author:  Pérez, Antonio,d. 1611.Requires cookie*
 Title:  El conocimiento de las naciones, 1599     
 Dates:  1599 
 Abstract:  This volume contains a long essay written in Spanish that appears to chronicle the history and operation of Spain and its colonies.

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 Call #:  Mss.320.P41 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Political science -- Spain. 
7Author:  Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790Requires cookie*
 Title:  To the freeholders and freemen     
 Dates:  1727 
 Abstract:  This essay, written in 1727, advocates free and open election in Philadelphia. It criticizes the recent practice of governor's appointing assessors and other officers. Instead, it argues that more power should reside in the legislature of the colony. This document is in Benjamin Franklin's hand, although it is likely that Franklin transcribed a printed pamphlet published by Andrew Bradford.

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 Call #:  Mss.324.F85 
 Extent:  1 item(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Philadelphia History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
8Author:  Galiani, Ferdinando, 1728-1787Requires cookie*
 Title:  Laws of neutrality     
 Dates:  1775 
 Abstract:  Sometime in the 19th Century, Stephen Du Ponceau translated Ferdinando Galiani's famous tract on the laws of neutrality. These two bound volumes of Galiani's work appear to be in Du Ponceau's hand and bound within the text are long and detailed notes on the work. Du Ponceau's interest likely had to do with his legal career that dealt with issues of international trade, a focus that is a prominent part of Du Ponceau's papers at the APS.

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 Call #:  Mss.341.3.G13 
 Extent:  2 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Diplomatic History | International Affairs | Trade 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  International trade | Law. | Neutrality 
9Author:  Vaux, Roberts,1786-1836.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Address on the impolicy of slavery, 1824     
 Dates:  1824 
 Abstract:  This collection contains the text of a speech Robert Vaux, a Philadelphia-area philanthropist, delivered to the Association for the Education of Men of Colour. The speech's content is aimed at criticizing the institution of slavery and its effects on society. Vaux's speech sometimes applies a comparative historical account of slavery, discussing its practice in Europe, such as in Sicily and during Roman times. More often, he describes the ill-effects of slavery on the economy and general development of slave societies, often drawing comparisons to what life is like in the free states.

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 Call #:  Mss.371.974.As7 
 Extent:  1 item(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Antebellum Politics 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Abolition, emancipation, freedom | Slavery -- United States. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Social conditions, social advocacy, social reform 
10Author:  Saz, Antonio del.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Libro de sermones. . . Cakchiquel     
 Dates:  1647 
 Abstract:  This large, bound volume contains seven Kaqchikel sermons delivered by Antonio Saz. A gift from the Academy of the Sciences in Guatemala in 1836, the sermons lend insight into sixteenth century religion in Latin America. The manuscript is calligraphy is very well done. The Kaqchikel are an ethnic group of the Mayans.

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 Call #:  Mss.497.4.Sa9 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America | Religion 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Cakchikel language | Mayan languages 
11Author:  Vater, Johann Severin,1771-182Requires cookie*
 Title:  An enquiry into the origin of the population of America from the old continent, [ca. 1820]     
 Dates:  Circa 1820 
 Abstract:  This volume contains Peter DuPonceau's translation of Johann Vater's analysis of the origins of Amerindians.

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 Call #:  Mss.572.97.V45d 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Native America 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Population -- History. 
12Author:  Nicklin, Philip Houlbrooke,178Requires cookie*
 Title:  Lamarck's genera of shells, [ca. 1831]     
 Dates:  Circa 1831 
 Abstract:  This volume is a manuscript copy of of Lamarck's Genera of Shells. It was copied from various sources, including the "London Quarterly Journal of Science."

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 Call #:  Mss.594.L16 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Natural history | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Mollusks. | Natural history. | Zoology. 
13Author:  Hopkinson, Francis, 1737-1791Requires cookie*
 Title:  Miscellaneous works, [n.d.]     
 Dates:  n.d. 
 Abstract:  This collection contains the original manuscripts for Francis Hopkinson's Miscellaneous Essays and Occasional Writing, published in 1792. The five volumes at the APS do not include his verse.

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 Call #:  Mss.817.H77 
 Extent:  6 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture | Philadelphia History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
14Author:  Trevelyan, Charles E.(CharlesRequires cookie*
 Title:  The natural process by which a conquered people in an inferior grade of civilization adopt the language and system of learning of their more civilized conquerors, 1832     
 Dates:  1832 
 Abstract:  This manuscript essay from 1832 was written by Charles Trevelyan, the governor of Madras. Broken into eleven sections, he outlines the ways in which imperial governments can force assimilation and acculturation through state policies and institutions in India.

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 Call #:  Mss.954.T725 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Beyond Early America 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Imperialism. 
15Author:  UnidentifiedRequires cookie*
 Title:  Criticism of Franklin's historical review of the constitution and government of Pennsylvania     
 Dates:  Circa 1760 
 Abstract:  This manuscript offers a critique of A Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania (1759). A Historical review was anonymously published, but it has been credited to either Benjamin Franklin or Richard Jackson. Written in the wake of the politically divisive 1750s, the pamphlet attacked the proprietors of Pennsylvania and the proprietary nature of the colonial government and defended the actions of the Assembly and Quaker Party during the Seven Years' War. The manuscript in the APS's vault was written in 1759 or 1760, likely in London. It defends the proprietor and the government in general. Largely unknown to historians, this manuscript provides insight into the deep political divisions within colonial Pennsylvania by offering a clear view into the beliefs of the proprietors and the proprietary party. The anonymous author of the work is almost certainly Thomas Penn. The manuscript was never published.

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 Call #:  Mss.974.8.C86 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Seven Years' War 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
16Author:  Keith, William, 1680-1749Requires cookie*
 Title:  Letter. . . To Mr. James Logan. . . On occasion of Mr. Logan's having sent to Sir William a copy of his printed paper called the Antidote     
 Dates:  1725 
 Abstract:  This bound volume contains a long letter – more like an essay – from Sir William Keith, the governor of Pennsylvania, to James Logan, the secretary for the proprietors. The letter discusses Logan's recent pamphlet, "The Antidote." The letter was printed by Andrew Bradford in Philadelphia, and this handwritten copy was likely made of this printed pamphlet.

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 Call #:  Mss.974.8.K26 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
17Author:  Watson, JohnRequires cookie*
 Title:  Narrative of the Indian walk, 1822     
 Dates:  1822 
 Abstract:  Printed in Hazard's Register, this essay recounts the history of the Walking Purchase. It focuses less on the walk itself, and more on the historical origins of the walk and the subsequent disillusionment of the Delaware, including accounts of treaties. At the back of the document, John Watson includes a letter that recounts the recollections of the Walk by Moses Marshall, whose father was one of those who made the walk. This letter contains details on the actual walk itself.

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 Call #:  Mss.974.8.W32 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Land and Speculation | Native America | Pennsylvania History 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Delaware Indians | Indians of North America | Land speculation 
18Author:  Spencer, Nathan.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Nathan Spencer's account of Godfrey, 1809     
 Dates:  1809 
 Abstract:  This volume contains an essay, apparently written by Pennsylvania farmer Nathan Spencer, about Thomas Godfrey. There are also copies of James Logan's correspondence. Some believe Godfrey invented the quadrant, and Spencer's biography argues this point. Spencer also claims to live on the same farm that Godfrey had owned.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.G54s 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Science and technology 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Astronomy. | Hydrographic surveying. | Navigation. | Quadrant. 
19Author:  Rush, Samuel,1795-1859.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Samuel Rush notebook, 1859     
 Dates:  1859 
 Abstract:  This volume contains an assortment of essays presumably written by Samuel Rush. The topics are wide ranging and cover many cultural and social issues of the day. The opening essay critiques "public singers," while others touch on suicide, music, and public life.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.R895 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Literature, Arts, and Culture 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
20Author:  Hays, I. Minis (Isaac Minis), 1847-1925Requires cookie*
 Title:  Biographical tributes to Caspar Wistar, 1918     
 Dates:  1918 
 Abstract:  This volume contains a series of essays and papers that were read at the APS to mark the one-hundredth anniversary of Caspar Wistar's death. The essays contain information on Wistar's life and some include transcriptions of letters.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.W76a 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Medicine 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays 
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