Resources in Early American History
African exactAmerican in topic [X]
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Abolition, emancipation, freedom (6)
Abolitionists. (1)
Adena culture -- West Virginia (1)
African American churches (1)
African American churches -- United States (1)
African Americans -- History -- To 1863 (1)
African Americans -- Religion (1)
American Philosophical Society (3)
Anishinaabe (1)
Antislavery movements -- Pennsylvania (1)
Apprentices -- Pennsylvania. (1)
Archaeology (1)
Armies, Colonial. (1)
Astronomy -- 18th century (1)
Aymara Indians (1)
Aztecs. (1)
Banks and banking -- United States -- History -- 19th century. (1)
Banks and banking -- United States. (1)
Blacks. (1)
Blasting, Submarine (1)
Blowpipe. (1)
Botany (1)
Bunker Hill, Battle of, 1775 (1)
Capital punishment. (1)
Chemical apparatus (1)
Chemistry (1)
Chemists -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia (1)
Cherokee Indians (1)
Choctaw Indians (1)
Commercial law -- United States. (1)
Craniology. (1)
Craniometry (1)
Cyclones. (1)
Eastern Woodlands Indians (1)
Education (2)
Egyptology. (1)
Electricity -- 19th century (1)
Epidemics -- United States (1)
Ethics -- Great Britain -- Early works to 1850 (1)
Exploration (1)
Federalist Party -- Pennsylvania (1)
Fire extinction (1)
France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 (1)
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 (1)
Gage, Thomas, 1721-1787 (1)
Genealogy. (1)
Geology (1)
Germans -- United States. (1)
Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1760-1789 (1)
Guano (1)
1Author:  Edwards, BenjaminRequires cookie*
 Title:  Benjamin Edwards Papers     
 Dates:  1819-1827 
 Abstract:  Benjamin Edwards was a member of Major Stephen H. Long's "Yellowstone Expedition," also known as the Rocky Mountain Expedition, in 1819-1820. The expedition completed the first ascent of the Missouri River. This collection consists of one letter Edwards wrote to his father while on the expedition and a series (approximately 5) letters Edwards wrote to his father after leaving the expedition. These later letters primarily discuss issues surrounding winding down the expedition, including Edwards' attempt to receive wages due him. After the expedition, Edwards bounced around the Mississippi River. At one time, he worked as an overseer of slaves at a sawmill near New Orleans, which he briefly describes in one of his letters.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.Ed9 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Exploration. | Travel 
 Genre:  Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Exploration | Stephen H. Long Expedition to the Rocky Mountains (1819-1820) | West (U.S.)-Description and travel 
2Author:  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 
3Author:  Taylor, Robert Eveleigh.Requires cookie*
 Title:  An inaugural disputation, concerning the varieties of the human race, July 1800, 1830     
 Dates:  1830 
 Abstract:  This volume contains a manuscript copy of John Taylor's dissertation titled "An inaugural disputation, concerning the varieties of the human race." Taylor delivered this lecture at the University of Edinburgh in July 1800 to fulfill one of the requirements for a medical degree. The essay touches on many of the prominent theories about racial differences then circulating in the Atlantic World. Taylor, for instance, discusses the influence of climate on the different races and how geography affects the health.

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 Call #:  Mss.572.2.T2li.b 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Beyond Early America | Medicine 
 Genre:  Dissertations | Educational Material | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data 
 Subjects:  Blacks. | Race. 
4Author:  Adye, Stephen PayneRequires cookie*
 Title:  Stephen Payne Adye correspondence, 1769-1783     
 Dates:  1769-1783 
 Abstract:  The collection consists of Stephen Payne Adye's correspondence during some of his time in North America (1769-1783), where he served as a Deputy Judge Advocate General of the British Army during the Revolutionary War. The correspondence is primarily related to wartime events and trials, although there are four letters that predate Independence and make vague references to events happening during the imperial crisis, especially military courts in Boston during 1774 and 1775 when the colony was put under martial law.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.Ad95 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | American Revolution | Law | Military History 
 Subjects:  Armies, Colonial. | Trials (Military offenses) -- New York (State). 
5Author:  Morton, Samuel George, 1799-1851Requires cookie*
 Title:  Samuel George Morton Papers     
 Dates:  1819-1850 
 Abstract:  The Samuel George Morton Collection provides a window into the life of this nineteenth century scientist, explorer, and natural historian. The collection holds a wide-range of materials, and the correspondence touches on many different subjects. The entry in MOLE contains an item level accounting of the collection and its contents. The collection begins in the 1820s, when Morton is just beginning his career and continues through to the 1840s. Letters touch on topics, such as the treatment of Native Americans, Indian burial grounds, discoveries of fossilized remains, and medical education. Material on the Wilkes Expedition and especially on Morton's early medical career is covered in depth. One letter contains a request from General Lafayette for a skull of an Indian for his own scientific collection. Most of the letters are to Morton and contain results of experiments or observations from travel and exploration. Additionally, the Diary to the West Indies form 1834 offers insight into the culture of the islands. Morton's own involvement in the scientific racism is prominent in much of his later writing. Included in the collection are sketches of his "craniometrical drawings," which were used by pro-slavery advocates.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.M843 
 Extent:  2.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Exploration. | International Travel | Travel 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Scientific Correspondence | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Archaeology | Aymara Indians | Botany | Craniology. | Craniometry | Education | Egyptology. | Geology | Indians of North America -- Kentucky | Indians of North America -- Massachusetts | Indians of North America -- Mississippi | Indians of North America -- Ohio | Indians of North America -- Physical characteristics | Indians of North America -- Rhode Island | Indians of North America -- Tennessee | Indians of South America -- Peru | Indians of South America -- Physical characteristics | Medicine | Mineralogy | Miscegenation | Natural history | Naumkeag Indians | Ornithology | Paleontology | Pentland, Joseph Barclay | Phrenology | Race | Race, race relations, racism | Science and technology | Skull. | Slavery -- Barbados | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842) 
6Author:  Price, Richard, 1723-1791Requires cookie*
 Title:  Richard Price Papers     
 Dates:  1767-1790 
 Abstract:  This collection contains a series of letters from Richard Price, a prominent English minister who was also a prominent supporter of the American Revolution. There are several letters that are written in code. Prominent correspondents include Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Chauncy, and Benjamin Rush. Some Price correspondence also discusses his opposition to slavery.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.P93 
 Extent:  90 items 
 Topics:  African American | American Revolution | Colonial Politics | Religion 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Political Correspondence 
 Subjects:  Abolition, emancipation, freedom | American Philosophical Society | Bunker Hill, Battle of, 1775 | Ethics -- Great Britain -- Early works to 1850 | France -- History -- Revolution, 1789-1799 | Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 | Gage, Thomas, 1721-1787 | Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1760-1789 | Harvard College | Howard, John, 1726-1790 | Italy -- Description and travel -- 18th century | Lexington, Battle of, 1775 | Life expectancy | Massachusetts -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 | Pensions -- Massachusetts | Prisons | Slavery. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Smith, Adam, 1723-1790 | Smith, Isaac, 1744-1817 | Social conditions, social advocacy, social reform | United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 | United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Religious aspects | United States -- Politics and government, 1783-1788 
7Author:  Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813Requires cookie*
 Title:  Benjamin Rush correspondence, 1759-1813     
 Dates:  1759-1813 
 Abstract:  This collection of Benjamin Rush Papers was compiled by Lyman Butterfield for his biography of Rush. The papers are photocopies of Rush's correspondence.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.R89p 
 Extent:  2.5 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Early National Politics | Medicine | Religion 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Political Correspondence | Research Records and Reports 
 Subjects:  Abolitionists. | African American churches | African Americans -- Religion | Medicine. | Slavery. | Yellow fever -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia. 
8Author:  Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of FriendsRequires cookie*
 Title:  Book of Discipline     
 Dates:  1719 (1820) 
 Abstract:  This slender volume is an 1820 transcription of the Society of Friends 1719 Discipline Book, which was handed down by Timothy Matlack. The discipline book provides guidance and rules on a range of matters.

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 Call #:  Mss.289.6.So1 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Native America | Philadelphia History | Religion 
 Genre:  Miscellaneous 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America | Quakers -- Pennsylvania | Religion, religious organizations | Slavery -- Pennsylvania. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Society of Friends -- Doctrines. 
9Author:  Feinstone, Sol,1888-1980,colleRequires cookie*
 Title:  Sol Feinstone Slavery collection, 1773-1888     
 Dates:  1773-1888 
 Abstract:  The Feinstone Slavery Collection complements the much larger Sol Feinstone Collection of American Revolution. This smaller collection (one box) contains documents pertaining to slavery in the early republic. There are records of sale and emancipation along with some correspondence and other miscellaneous materials. Much of the material is from Virginia.

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 Call #:  Mss.326.F33 
 Extent:  0.5 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Early National Politics | Pennsylvania History 
 Genre:  Legal Records | Miscellaneous | Official Government Documents and Records 
 Subjects:  Abolition, emancipation, freedom | African Americans -- History -- To 1863 | Reconstruction | Slavery -- United States. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade 
10Author:  Price, Eli K. (Eli Kirk), 1797-1884Requires cookie*
 Title:  Eli K. (Eli Kirk) Price papers, 1820-1853     
 Dates:  1820-1853 
 Abstract:  Eli Price was a prominent Philadelphia lawyer who became a member of the APS in 1854. This small manuscript collection is primarily related to his legal career and financial dealings. Court records and other legal documents comprise much of the collection. There are other types of documents as well, including some correspondence about international trade, business, and politics. The most notable letters include one to Daniel Webster regarding patent applications, a series of letters on lobbying efforts to reduce the tariffs on teas coming from Asia, and an essay by Price on the "impolicy" of slavery that he delivered to the "association formed for the education of men of colour."

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 Call #:  Mss.B.P926 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Early National Politics | Education | International Trade. | Law 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | General Correspondence | Legal Records | Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Commercial law -- United States. | Personal property. | Real property. 
11Author:  AnonymousRequires cookie*
 Title:  Mandingo dictionary, [ca. 19th century]     
 Dates:  Circa 19th century 
 Abstract:  This volume contains Latin translations of what appears to be the Mandingo language and likely dates to the early-19th century.

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 Call #:  Mss.499.22.D56 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Beyond Early America | Language and Linguistics 
 Genre:  Language Material 
 Subjects:  Mandingo language 
12Author:  Shippen, Joseph,1732-1810.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Joseph Shippen letterbook, 1763-1773     
 Dates:  1763-1773 
 Abstract:  The Joseph Shippen letterbooks consist of Shippen's outgoing correspondence from 1763-1773. Shippen was active during the Seven Years' War and a prominent official in the colonial government before the American Revolution. His letters touch on a wide range of important events happening within the colony in the years preceding the American Revolution.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.Sh62.j 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Colonial Politics | Pennsylvania History | Social Life and Custom | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Maps and Surveys | Political Correspondence 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America 
13Author:  Pennsylvania. General AssemblyRequires cookie*
 Title:  Forms for the return of slaves, 1798, for tax purposes in Pennsylvania     
 Dates:  1798 
 Abstract:  These two volumes contain tax returns on the the number of slaves in York and Franklin Counties. They list 59 total slaves. The data includes the name of the owner, often the town of residence, and the number of slaves owned.

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 Call #:  Mss.326.F76 
 Extent:  2 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Business and Skilled Trades | Early National Politics | Government Affairs | Pennsylvania History 
 Genre:  Official Government Documents and Records 
 Subjects:  Slavery -- Pennsylvania. 
14Author:  Hare, Robert, 1781-1858Requires cookie*
 Title:  Robert Hare papers, 1764-1858     
 Dates:  1764-1858 
 Abstract:  The Robert Hare collection is a large, diverse, and rich collection. The collection contains essays, lectures, and letters to and from Robert Hare, the preeminent chemist in the United States during much of the nineteenth century. But as this collection shows, Hare was far more than a chemist. His essays and lectures touch on an array of topics, including discussions of democracy, currency, history, slavery, among others. The APS collection captures the sophistication of Hare's thought.

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 Call #:  Mss.B.H22 
 Extent:  3 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Antebellum Politics | Business and Skilled Trades | Early National Politics | Education | Literature, Arts, and Culture 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Educational Material | General Correspondence | Literature | Manuscript Essays | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Abolition, emancipation, freedom | American Philosophical Society | Antislavery movements -- Pennsylvania | Banks and banking -- United States. | Blasting, Submarine | Blowpipe. | Capital punishment. | Chemical apparatus | Chemistry | Chemists -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia | Cyclones. | Electricity -- 19th century | Epidemics -- United States | Federalist Party -- Pennsylvania | Fire extinction | Guano | Mesmerism | Money | Paper money -- United States -- 19th century | Philadelphia (Pa.) -- Politics and government -- 19th century | Race, race relations, racism | Railroads | Religion | Rome (Italy) -- Antiquities | Science and technology | Slaughtering and slaughter-houses -- United States -- 19th century | Slavery -- Pennsylvania. | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Smithsonian Institution | Spiritualism -- Pennsylvania | Storms | Tornadoes | United States -- Politics and government -- 19th century 
15Author:  Yeates, JasperRequires cookie*
 Title:  Jasper Yeates Papers     
 Dates:  1738-1910 
 Abstract:  The Jasper Yeates Collection contains a range of documents from this prominent Pennsylvania lawyer and judge, most of which are from the early republic. Because the collection is new to the APS, the MOLE entry contains an item level catalogue of the collection's content. Yeates was active during the American Revolution as a leader of opposition to Great Britain in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After the Revolution, he became an Associate Justice on the State Supreme Court. He was also related through marriage to the Shippen and Burd families. This collection contains personal letters written between Jasper and his wife Sally. There are also legal records and court proceedings. Within these documents, there is an account of a slave insurrection in Lancaster County during the American Revoltuion.

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 Call #:  Mss.Ms.Coll.151 
 Extent:  3 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Law | Marriage and Family Life | Pennsylvania History | Seven Years' War | Social Life and Custom 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Legal Records | Political Correspondence 
 Subjects:  Lancaster County (Pa.) -- History | Pennsylvania -- History -- French and Indian War, 1755-1763 | Pennsylvania Supreme Court | Slavery -- Pennsylvania. | United States -- History -- French and Indian War, 1755-1763 
16Author:  Philadelphia (Pa.).Mayor.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Record of indentures of individuals bound out as apprentices, servants, etc., and of German and other redemptioners, 1771 October 3 - 1773 October 5     
 Dates:  1771-1773 
 Abstract:  This large volume contains the records of those entering contracts of indentured servitude in Philadelphia from 1771-1773. The records not only list the name of the person, but contain details on their profession and on the terms of the indenture. Although the volume is described as the records of German immigrants, there are other indentures included, such as that of John Slour, "a free negro," records of those arriving from Ireland, and of young Philadelphians choosing to enter indentured contracts. The volume had been on loan to the City Archives until 1987. During that time, approximately twenty pages went missing. Otherwise, the volume appears to be complete and contains over 800 pages of records with each page containing information for about four to six individuals.

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 Call #:  Mss.647.P53 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  African American | Business and Skilled Trades | Government Affairs | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | Women's History 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Legal Records | Official Government Documents and Records 
 Subjects:  Apprentices -- Pennsylvania. | Germans -- United States. | Indentured servants -- Pennsylvania. 
18Author:  Hare-Willing family.Requires cookie*
 Title:  Hare-Willing Family Papers     
 Dates:  1724-1965 
 Abstract:  This is a large and wide ranging collection on materials. The collection contains over 1300 individual items along with 53 bound volumes, which range from letter books to records of the First Colored Wesley Methodist Church. Letters to and from the various members of the extended Hare-Willing family compose the bulk of the loose correspondence.

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 Call #:  Mss.Ms.Coll.104 
 Extent:  52 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | Americans Abroad | Business and Skilled Trades | Early National Politics | Education | International Travel | Law | Natural history | Philadelphia History | Religion | Science and technology | Travel | Women's History 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Educational Material | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Institutional Records | Legal Records | Miscellaneous | Notebooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  African American churches -- United States | Banks and banking -- United States -- History -- 19th century. | Religion, religious organizations | Science -- United States -- 19th century. | Social conditions, social advocacy, social reform | Steam-engines. | Titantic (Steamship) | World War I | World War II 
19Author:  Vaux, George, V, 1721-1803Requires cookie*
 Title:  Vaux Family Papers, 1690-1996     
 Dates:  1690-1996 
 Abstract:  The George Vaux Papers is a massive collection which is focused on the business and financial interests of a prominent Philadelphia family. What follows is a list of some of the more notable parts of this expansive collection: - Correspondence: There is a massive amount of correspondence, much of which is personal and familial in nature. Nonetheless, the letters often discuss politics, current affairs, and society. The earliest records date to 1701, although the great bulk are focused on the revolutionary era to the first quarter of the nineteenth century. - Almanacs, 1790-1870: The collection contains a large collection of small pocket almanacs from Philadelphia. Some of the earliest ones contain records of financial transactions and diaries. - Charles Thomson Correspondence: The collection has a series of letters from Charles Thomson, the Secretary of the Continental Congress. These letters are from the 1780s, after Thomson had largely retired from the political arena. - Legal and Estate Documents: This portion of the collection is extensive and difficult to summarize. The family owned a huge amount of property throughout the state. These papers contain deeds, information on rents, surveys of land, and other transactions. Moreover, the Vaux family had ties through marriage and friendship to other prominent families, and some of their estate business is included in this collection. Among the notable papers are documents pertaining to John and Sally Norris Dickinson's properties and the estates of the Emlens and the Sansoms. One document complements the Jane Aitken Collection, as it has an accounting of the Bible that she printed. - Travel Accounts: Most notably, George Vaux VII made a trip to "Indian Country" in 1802-1803. He wrote numerous letters home and kept a small and incomplete travel journal. - Philadelphia City Affairs: The Vaux were active in civic life. The collection contains information on city improvements, with specific letters and records relating to the water supply. The collection has letters that discuss building the Water Works, records of a Committee on the Sewers, and an agreement between the city and Peale's Museum. - Business Affairs: The record of the Vaux's diverse business interests is contained in this collection. In addition to their land holdings, the Vaux's were very active in internal improvements, with records from numerous navigation companies held in the collection. The Vaux's were also involved in mining and mineralogy, including Pennsylvania's oil lands, which is also reflected in the content of this collection. Finally, there are partial records of some prominent Philadelphia institutions, such as the Bank of Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia Contributorship. - Native American Documents - In addition to George Vaux's travels into Indian Country, there are extracts from Indian Treaties and some records of the Friendly Association in this collection.

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 Call #:  Mss.Ms.Coll.73 
 Extent:  150 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  African American | American Revolution | Antebellum Politics | Early National Politics | Marriage and Family Life | Native America | Pennsylvania History | Philadelphia History | Social Life and Custom | Surveying and Maps | Travel 
 Genre:  Business Records and Accounts | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Institutional Records | Legal Records | Maps and Surveys 
 Subjects:  Abolition, emancipation, freedom | Genealogy. | Land speculation | Mineralogy. | Quaker businesspeople | Quakers -- Missions. | Seneca Indians | Slaves, slavery, slave trade | Social conditions, social advocacy, social reform | Yellow fever.