Letters from Stephen Cassin to William Tudor,

One letter inquiring about Commodore John Orde Creighton, whom Cassin was replacing as commander of the naval squadron off the coast of Brazil. One letter asking Tudor’s advice on what action to take in regard to an altercation between two Americans and a Brazilian naval officer.

Letter from Stephen Higginson to William Tudor,

One letter introducing his son, who was traveling to South America as a ship’s clerk and assistant supercargo.

Letter from Charles Stearns to Edward Wigglesworth, 1781 November 8, and receipt signed by Stephen Sewall, 1781 November 16

In a letter to Wigglesworth, acting president of Harvard and Hollis Professor of Divinity, Stearns resigns his tutorship and writes that he will return an unnamed silver tankard and various books to the College. The folder also includes as a receipt for those objects upon their return, signed by Harvard Professor Stephen Sewall.

Notebook, 1686-1741

The hardcover-bound notebook includes entries created by Aaron Bordman and his nephew Andrew Bordman II. Both men used the notebook for personal and business entries, including accounting records kept in their capacities as Harvard Steward. There is no clear distinction of authorship beyond the knowledge of Aaron's death on January 15, 1702/3. The second half of the volume is written tête-bêche (from the back cover forward), and includes entries by both Bordmans.

Almanac, annotated, 1741

Copy of Nathaniel Ames’ An Astronomical Diary: or, An Almanack for the Year of our Lord Christ, 1741 ... (Boston, 1741) annotated by Andrew Bordman II with brief entries in only a few margins.

Letters from John Hubbard Church to William Jenks, 1795-1798

John Hubbard Church wrote these twelve letters to his friend and classmate William Jenks between 1795 and 1798. Church wrote the letters from Boston, Rutland, Cambridge, and Chatham in Massachusetts and from Somers, Connecticut; they were sent to Jenks in Cambridge and Boston, where for a time he worked as an usher in Mr. Vinall's school and Mr. Webb's school. Church's letters touch on various subjects, ranging from his increased interest in theology and his theological studies under Charles Backus to his seasickness during a sailing voyage to Cape Cod. Church also informs Jenks of what he is reading, including works by John Locke, P. Brydone, James Beattie, John Gillies, Plutarch, and Alexander Pope. He describes his work teaching that children of the Sears family in Chatham, Massachusetts, where he appears to have spent a significant amount of time between 1795 and 1797. Church's letters are at times very personal, and he often expresses great affection for Jenks and their friendship.

Papers of David Sewall, 1753-1756

Three letters written to David Sewall (Harvard AB 1755). The first letter, written on September 21, 1753 by Samuel Sewall in York, to his brother at Harvard sends general news, asks after a hat sent to David, and requests he have a wig made for him. The second letter, written by Harvard student David Wyer on August 28, 1756, enthusiastically thanks Sewall for his past advice. The third letter, also sent from his brother Samuel in York on December 9, 1766, offers David advice on love. The two later letters were sent to Sewall while he was a schoolmaster in Wells, Maine.