Student notebook of James Varney, 1721-1725

The bound notebook contains academic texts copied by Harvard student James Varney in the early 1720s. The texts are written tête-bêche (where both ends of the volume are used to begin writing). The front paste-down endpaper reads 'James Varney his book 1724,' and the rear paste-down endpaper reads 'Joseph Lovett' [AB 1728].

Student notes of Elijah Dunbar, 1792-1793

Three unlined pages with notes written by Harvard undergraduate Elijah Dunbar. The documents consist of two pages of chemistry notes compiled in September 1792 when Dunbar was a junior and an undated, untitled list of theological themes. The chemistry notes include a summary of the discipline and a set of laws regarding the "affinity of composition." The verso of the second page was later annotated: "Borrow- He that discerneth Youth & Beau[ty] Elij. Dunar 2'd 1793. Rec'd David Tappan, Professor of Divinity in the University--Elijah Dunbar, jun." followed by a list of students identified as "Alchemists" in the "Ridiculous Society": Joseph Perkins, Isaac Braman, William Biglow, and Elijah Dunbar. The second document is an untitled list of 27 theological themes beginning "1. Doctrine of the Trinity," and ending "27. Family worship," and may refer to sermon or lecture topics.

Letter from William Abbot to William Tudor,

One letter from Tudor’s Phi Beta Kappa brother thanking him for a visit to Rockwood and commenting on the deportment of his sisters, as well as the progress his brother John was making at Harvard.

Letter from William Boyd to William Tudor,

One letter outlining plans for the funeral of their Harvard classmate, John Russell.

Letters from Joseph McKean to William Tudor,

Two letters relaying news from Cambridge regarding student clubs and of mutual friends, and discussing their respective views on women.

Letter from S. Jackson Prescott to William Tudor, undated

One undated letter inviting Tudor to dine with Prescott and other friends.

Letter from John Russell to William Tudor,

One letter briefly describing Russell’s studies at the home of Rev. Dr. McClintock in Greenland, N.H., where he was staying during a nine-month suspension from Harvard for theft of college property. Tudor, who was also found to be involved, was suspended for six months. Russell also inquires about fellow classmates, some of whom participated in the theft.

Letters from Peter Thacher to William Tudor,

Four letters on topics including their suspension for breaking and entering, and theft of Harvard property, as well as gossip about classmates, and Thacher’s life as an instructor at Phillips Exeter following graduation.

Letters from John Leighton Tuttle to William Tudor,

Two letters describing the social and cultural atmosphere in Amherst and Northampton, Massachusetts.

Letter from Leonard Woods to William Tudor,

One letter written from Princeton discussing his activities over the holidays and requesting news of classmates and friends.

Letter from Luther Wright to William Tudor,

One letter sympathizing with Tudor regarding his suspension from Harvard and assuring him his company is missed.

Letters from John Thornton Kirkland to William Tudor,

One letter regarding a stone chapel being built at Harvard, and one letter providing biographical information on James Otis.

Letters from William Tudor to John Thornton Kirkland,

Four letters written from Birmingham, England, in which Tudor suggests changes to Harvard’s grounds and facilities, hiring practices for tutors, and university publications. He also alludes to the War of 1812.

Letters from William Tudor to John Thornton Kirkland,

Four letters written from Boston regarding plans to establish a new literary periodical, the North American Review. Tudor asks Kirkland to contribute to the periodical and describes plans to establish a lecture series at the Boston Athenaum.

Letters from William Tudor to John Thornton Kirkland,

Six letters written from Boston mainly discussing Tudor’s efforts to obtain content for the North American Review and printing deadlines.