Resources in Early American History
Exploration in topic [X]
Sorted by:  
Results:  21 Items   Page: 1 2  Next
1Author:  Biddle, Nicholas, 1786-1844Requires cookie*
 Title:  Nicholas Biddle collection, 1803-1810     
 Dates:  1803-1810 
 Abstract:  This collection contains two volumes, both of which have been published elsewhere. The first consists of a travel journal, likely kept by Meriwether Lewis, on his trip from Pittsburgh west to Winter Camp in 1803. The second volume contains a list of questions Nicholas Biddle had for William Clark. These queries include Clark's response.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.L58b 
 Extent:  2 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Exploration | Indians of North America | Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. 
2Author:  unknownRequires cookie*
 Title:  Zebulon Montgomery Pike biographical materials, 1780-1956     
 Dates:  1780-1956 
 Abstract:  The Zebulon Montgomery Pike Biographical Material Collection contains research data on Pike that Eugene Hollon compiled for his biography of Pike. There are some photocopies and transcriptions of correspondence and other primary sources.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.P63 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Travel 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Research Records and Reports 
 Subjects:  Explorers. 
3Author:  Lewis, Meriwether, 1774-1809Requires cookie*
 Title:  Meriwether Lewis journal, August 30, 1803 - December 12, 1803; 1810     
 Dates:  August 30 - December 12, 1803; 1810 
 Abstract:  This collection contains two volumes, both of which have been published elsewhere. The first consists of a travel journal, likely kept by Meriwether Lewis, on his trip from Pittsburgh west to Winter Camp in 1803. The second volume contains a list of questions Nicholas Biddle had for William Clark. These queries include Clark's response.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.L58p 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Travel 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America | Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. 
4Author:  Bénard de La Harpe, Jean Baptiste, 1683-1765Requires cookie*
 Title:  Journal historique concernant l'établissement des Francais à la Louisianne, 1699-1723     
 Dates:  1699-1723 
 Abstract:  This volume appears to be a record of early French colonization efforts in Louisiana (1699-1723). Historical Collections of Louisiana published in 1851 contains a translation of this journal.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.976.3.B43 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals 
5Author:  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.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 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 
6Author:  Hunter, George, 1755-1824Requires cookie*
 Title:  George Hunter Journals     
 Dates:  1796-1809 
 Abstract:  This rich four volume collection contains the travel journals of George Hunter kept during his various expeditions in the early republic. The journals provide intricate details on travel, life in the west, and natural history in very readable prose.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.H912 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Travel 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Cherokee Indians | Chickasaw Indians | Choctaw Indians | Delaware Indians | Exploration | Geology -- Kentucky | Hot springs -- Arkansas | Meteorology -- Louisiana | Natural history -- Louisiana | Osage Indians 
7Author:  Paulmier, Charles Francois AdrRequires cookie*
 Title:  Mémoire sur le district du Ouachita dans la province de la Louisianne, [1803]     
 Dates:  Circa 1803 
 Abstract:  This collection includes three different travel accounts to the Louisiana Territory in the early 19th century.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.6.Ex7 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Travel 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Alabama -- History | Cherokee Indians | Chickasaw Indians | Choctaw Indians | Indians of North America -- Social life and customs | Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. | Mines and mineral resources -- Arkansas. | Mississippi -- History 
8Author:  LeConte, John L. (John Lawrence), 1825-1883Requires cookie*
 Title:  John L. (John Lawrence) LeConte papers, 1812-1897     
 Dates:  1812-1897 
 Abstract:  Summary(s) of Collection: The John Lawrence LeConte Collection contains a vast array of material. John Lawrence LeConte, son of John Eatton LeConte, was a scientist whose interests, like his father's, were in natural history, especially entomology. Like his father, J.L. LeConte undertook many scientific expeditions, primarily to the Midwest region. He is known as the "father of American beetle study" because of his entomological work. With over 1,900 documents, the collection touches on a wide range of scientific topics and includes correspondence from many of the most prominent scientists and citizens of the day. The vast majority of the scientific discussions – indeed the vast majority of the collection in general – deals with entomology. The LeConte's were both active in many scientific institutions, many based in Philadelphia, and the history of these institutions can also be gleaned from some of their correspondence.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.L493 
 Extent:  7.7 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Education | Exploration. | Medicine | Science and technology 
 Genre:  Educational Material | Family Correspondence | General Correspondence | Miscellaneous | Notebooks | Scientific Data | Sketchbooks 
 Subjects:  Entomology -- Europe. | Entomology -- United States. | Hospitals -- United States -- Civil War, 1861-1865. | Insects. | Medicine -- United States -- History -- 19th century. | Natural history -- United States. 
9Author:  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.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 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) 
10Author:  Nuttall, Thomas, 1786-1859Requires cookie*
 Title:  Thomas Nuttall diary, 1810     
 Dates:  1810 
 Abstract:  Thomas Nuttall's travel narrative tracks his journey from Philadelphia to Detroit during the spring and summer of 1810. Nuttall makes a range of observations, including discussions of the weather, plant life, rivers, and the various people he meets, including Native peoples. The last portion of the narrative, which takes place around Detroit, discusses Indians a fair amount – their history in the area, the various groups he met (Chippewa in particular), and their customs.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.N96 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Natural history | Travel 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Botany -- North America. | Goiter. | Indians of North America | Voyages and travels. | Zoology -- North America. 
11Author:  Ordway, John,b. ca. 1775.Requires cookie*
 Title:  John Ordway journal, 1804-1806     
 Dates:  1804-1806 
 Abstract:  These three volumes contain the journal kept by John Ordway from May 1804 to September 1806, while serving as a sergeant of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Ordway's journals note wildlife, daily happenings on the expedition, and interactions with Native peoples. These volumes can serve as a good complement to the original Lewis and Clark ones. The journals have been edited and printed elsewhere, including a recent edition published by the APS.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.3.Or2 
 Extent:  3 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Natural history 
 Genre:  Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Indians of North America | Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. | Natural history. 
12Author:  Dunbar, William, 1749-1810Requires cookie*
 Title:  Expedition Journals     
 Dates:  1804-1806 
 Abstract:  The William Dunbar expedition journal contains a variety of information on his travel through what would become Arkansas. His writing is lucid and detailed. Dunbar noted meteorological observations and a variety of flora and fauna the expedition encountered, sometimes drawing comparisons to what other naturalists had observed, such as William Bartram in East Florida. He also described encounters with settlers and comments on the geopolitical history of the region. Finally, he chronicles the customs of Native Americans in the area, which are often based on not personal interactions. Notably, George Hunter, the second in command on the expedition, did tend to note interactions with Native peoples. His journal is also held at the APS.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.7.D91 
 Extent:  0.1 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Native America | Trade | Travel 
 Genre:  Meteorological Data | Sketchbooks | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Caddo Indians | Chickasaw Indians | Chippewa Indians | Dakota Indians | Exploration | Hot springs -- Arkansas | Meteorology -- Louisiana | Natural history -- Louisiana | Ojibwa Indians | Osage Indians 
13Author:  Le Conte, John Eatton, 1784-1860Requires cookie*
 Title:  John Eatton Le Conte papers, 1816-1877     
 Dates:  1816-1877 
 Abstract:  The John Le Conte Papers contain a range of correspondence, most of which deals with discussions of natural history. Le Conte was a scientist whose interests were in natural history, especially entomology. Le Conte worked at the United States Army Corp of Topographical Engineers, and his correspondence relating to their surveys provide details on the state of eastern seaports and harbors in the mid-eighteenth century. Most of the correspondence is incoming and it is often either orders from superiors to Le Conte or field reports from subordinates to LeConte. The orders for Le Conte to organize an expedition to explore Florida are included.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.L493.3 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Education | Exploration. | Military History | Science and technology 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Military Records | Official Government Documents and Records 
 Subjects:  Harbors -- United States. | Military topography. | Natural history. | Topographical surveying -- United States. 
14Author:  Newman, John.Requires cookie*
 Title:  A short account of the situation, soil, production, etc. of the state of Tennessee, 1797     
 Dates:  1797 
 Abstract:  Written in 1797, this essay discusses Tennessee's soil, climate, and environment. The tract appears to be promotional – noting that "no other milk or butter has such flavor and richness as that afforded from the cows that feed" in the state – but also reflects the enthusiasm many Americans held for the opportunity these western lands afforded them. The essay includes a map of settlements near William Dunbar on the Natchez River as well, providing a snapshot of a recently settled frontier community.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.68.N46 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Exploration. | Land and Speculation | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Maps and Surveys 
 Subjects:  Agriculture -- Tennessee. | Crops and soils. | Natchez Indians | Plant growing media -- Tennessee. 
16Author:  Ord, George, 1781-1866Requires cookie*
 Title:  George Ord Collection     
 Dates:  1831-1864 
 Abstract:  The collection of George Ord correspondence is a relatively small but significant collection. Most of the letters are from George Ord to Charles Waterton, a British naturalist, and reflect their shared interest in natural history, especially ornithology. The letters deal with Ord's rivalry with Audubon. Many of Ord's letters question the accuracy of Audobon's work. Other letters touch on Alexander Wilson and on new techniques for capturing images of animal life, such as the use of the Daguerre process.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.Or2 
 Extent:  0.25 Linear Feet 
 Topics:  Early National Politics | Exploration. | Natural history | Philadelphia History | Science and technology 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Scientific Correspondence 
 Subjects:  Abolitionists -- United States -- Attitudes | Animals -- Habits and behavior of | Audubon, John James, 1785-1851. Birds of America | Banks and banking -- United States. | Birds -- Study and teaching | Birds. | Cholic Acid | Church buildings -- Pennsylvania-Philadelphia | Cicada (Genus) | Columbidia | Cuckoos | Daguerreotypes | Dictionary of the English language. Johnson, Samuel, 1709-1784 | Dove | English language -- Dictionaries | Famines -- Ireland | France -- 19th century | Frogs -- United States | Frost -- Great Britain | Geese | Gold mines and mining -- California -- 19th century | Heatstroke | Immigrants -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia | Influenza -- United States | Irish -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia | Memorials -- Great Britain | Mercury | Mexican War, 1846-1848 | Monk, Maria, d. 1850 | Partridges | Peale, Charles Willson, 1741-1827 -- Art collections. | Potatoes | Railroads -- 19th century | Rattlesnake | Religion | Reptiles | Sea monsters | Secession -- Southern States | Skin -- Diseases-Treatment | Slaves -- Emancipation-America | Smoking -- Health aspects -- United States | Soap trade -- Pennsylvania | Steam-navigation -- Atlantic Ocean | Steamboat disasters | Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 1811-1896 Uncle Tom's Cabin. | Telegraph | United States Exploring Expedition (1838-1842). | Wilkes, Charles, 1798-1872. Narrative of the United States exploring expedition. | Williams, Eleazer, 1787-1858 
17Author:  Gauld, George.Requires cookie*
 Title:  A general description of the sea-coasts, harbours, lakes, rivers, etc. of the province of West Florida, 1769     
 Dates:  1769 
 Abstract:  George Gauld served as a surveyor in the British Army. Stationed in Florida after the Seven Years' War, this collection contains his general observations of the recently acquired territory. Its MOLE entry is very detailed. There are two other general features that should be mentioned. First, Gauld's essay contains smatterings of references to Native Americans and occasionally local Native American names for geographic features. The second is that this document captures part of the imperial consolidation Great Britain began in the wake of the Seven Years' War.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.917.59.G23 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colonial Politics | Exploration. | Government Affairs | Science and technology | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Maps and Surveys | Official Government Documents and Records 
 Subjects:  Hydrographic surveying -- Florida. | Rivers -- Florida. 
18Author:  Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826Requires cookie*
 Title:  Thomas Jefferson, letters to and from various persons, 1791-1840     
 Dates:  1791-1840 
 Abstract:  This is a particularly rich collection of Thomas Jefferson's letters from his retirement years. The letters primarily cover the years 1813-1820s, although there are some from earlier. Most of the letters are outgoing, and L. H. Girardin is the primary recipient. The letters to Girardin often discuss Virginia's history and sometimes Jefferson's own recollections of events, including letters on Virginia during the American Revolution and a supposed attempt to create a dictatorship in Virginia in 1776. Some letters also convey information on contemporary events and offer a window into Jefferson's personal and family life. A few letters from 1791 discuss Jefferson's memory of Benjamin Franklin, including anecdotes of Franklin in France. One document is a draft of a profile of Baron Humboldt. A series of letters to Peter Du Ponceau discuss Thomas Jefferson's attempt to acquire a copy of William Byrd's "A Secret History of the Line" and, once acquired, his interpretation of it. Another portion discusses the journals of Lewis and Clark.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.B.J35.Le 
 Extent:  63 item(s) 
 Topics:  American Revolution | Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Native America | War of 1812 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Political Correspondence 
19Author:  Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826Requires cookie*
 Title:  Chronological series of facts relating to Louisiana; its limits and bounds, 1804     
 Dates:  1804 
 Abstract:  This bound volume contains two discreet documents written by Thomas Jefferson (which have been subsequently printed in various sources). The first is a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Peter Du Ponceau dated Monticello, December 30, 1817. In it, Jefferson discusses his acquisition of Louisiana, his Indian vocabularies, and Meriwether Lewis' contributions to it.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.973.4.J35c 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Diplomatic History | Exploration. | Language and Linguistics | Military History 
 Genre:  General Correspondence | Manuscript Essays 
 Subjects:  Louisiana Purchase -- Discovery and exploration. 
20Author:  Byrd, William, 1674-1744Requires cookie*
 Title:  The history of the dividing line between Virginia and North Carolina, 1728     
 Dates:  1728 
 Abstract:  The collection of William Byrd's writings consists of two leather bound, handwritten copies of Byrd's History of the Dividing Line Run in the Year 1728 (Mss.975.5.B99h) and A Secret History of the Dividing Line (Mss.975.5.B99s). The former was likely written for public audiences and contains the details of drawing the lines, interactions with Indians, observations of the flora and fauna of the area, the health and culture of settlers, and the official actions of the commissioners. Byrd regularly wrote Peter Collinson, an English scientist, about his journal and his hope that it would be of interest and benefit to a wide audience. The Secret History, on the other hand, contains a wealth of the more personal, private, and often humorous anecdotes of the trip. Neither manuscript was published in Byrd's lifetime, although both were eventually published.

View finding aid for a full description

 
 Call #:  Mss.975.5.B99h 
 Extent:  1 volume(s) 
 Topics:  Colony and State Specific History | Exploration. | Native America | Natural history | Surveying and Maps 
 Genre:  Manuscript Essays | Travel Narratives and Journals 
 Subjects:  Boundaries, State. 
Page: 1 2  Next