Letter from William Prescott to Oliver Prescott, 1782 October 19

Two-page handwritten letter from Harvard undergraduate William Prescott to his classmate, Oliver Prescott, that chiefly describes, in florid language, the discipline received by John Rowe (Harvard AB 1783) and others from College officers for disorderly behavior.

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor, approximately

Two letters in which Tudor carefully debates the merits of careers in law versus mercantilism, and discusses the business prospects of several young merchants, a journey Tudor took with his brother, Frederic, throughout New England, and the state of politics, including the election to Congress of James Otis, and Thomas Jefferson’s prospects for the presidency.

Letter from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

This lengthy letter, written to the elder William Tudor while he was in England, describes Tudor’s plans following his graduation from Harvard and provides updates on the activities of his siblings and the management of the household in Boston and family estate, Rockwood. He also writes about local culture, describing the plans of a Boston theater to put on a play called "Bunker Hill."

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Four letters written from France in which Tudor reflects on the Coup of 18 Brumaire and expresses his admiration for Napoleon Bonaparte, writing, "Europe cannot at present boast so great a character, his indefatigueable industry, the prompt decision and austerity of his character are necessary joined to his eminent and various talents for the arduous situation he is placed in." He also details his travel plans and his activities with his employer, John Codman.

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Three letters written from Paris and Bordeaux. Tudor again writes of his approval of Bonaparte, and offers observations on the weather, crops, and culture of France.

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Two undated letters written while Tudor was traveling to Washington, D.C., which include news of friends and his general impressions of the atmosphere and economy of the capital. He also comments on President Thomas Jefferson’s informal manner of greeting visitors: "The present administration leaving the childish etiquette of the last have gone into the other extreme.... he receives the foreign ministers in his slippers."

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Two letters written from Paris, and three letters sent from London discussing his travel plans and financial situation, as well as business and political matters.

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Three letters written from London. In one, Tudor describes a debate he attended in Parliament regarding the Orders in Council and the escalating tension between the United States and England. One undated letter is missing pages, but appears to have been written some time in 1808. In it, Tudor writes at length about his unmarried sister Delia’s prospects.

Letters from William Tudor to his father, William Tudor,

Three letters written from Birmingham, England, New York, and Gardiner, Maine. In one letter he discusses the ongoing war with England. One letter written from Gardiner addresses financial matters; the letter includes a note to his mother, as well, reflecting on his sister Delia’s character and providing other local news.

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.

Letters from Thomas Handasyd Perkins to William Tudor,

Three letters written to Tudor in Peru. Perkins responds to Tudor’s reports on the prospects of trade in South America and reflects on other issues relating to trade. He also relays details of Lafayette’s visit to America and the public’s reception. One letter discusses Spanish pressure on the United States relating to the war and responds to Tudor’s letters regarding the General Carrington. He also comments on the election at home: "Adams will probably be president."

Letters from Thomas Handasyd Perkins to William Tudor,

Four letters in which Perkins relays details of his travels in Europe, local gossip about friends and associates, including John Quincy Adams and Daniel Webster, news regarding developments in Boston infrastructure, and updates on the Boston Athenaeum and the Anthology Society. Other topics include domestics politics and the movements and activities of Tudor’s family members.

Letters from Nathaniel Amory to William Tudor,

Four letters from the Boston merchant relaying news about mutual friends and associates, including John Quincy Adams, details about Amory’s real estate losses, and thoughts on Yankee sea captains.

Letters from William Lee to William Tudor,

Five letters in which Lee relays his efforts to obtain a political appointment for Tudor from President James Monroe. He also reports on the activities of Tudor’s brother-in-law, Charles Stewart, and a meeting between John Quincy Adams and Tudor’s brother-in-law, Robert Hallowell Gardiner.