Student mathematical notebook of William Tudor, 1795

Notebook containing the handwritten mathematical exercises of William Tudor, kept in 1795 while he was an undergraduate at Harvard College. The volume contains rules, definitions, problems, drawings, and tables on geometry, trigonometry, surveying, calculating distances, sailing, and dialing. Some of the exercises are illustrated with hand-drawn diagrams. The Menusration of Heights and Distances section contains color drawings of buildings and trees, and some have been altered with notes in different hands and with humorous additions. For instance, a drawing of a tower was drawn into a figure titled “Egyptian Mummy.” Some of the images are identified: “A rude sketch of the Middlesex canal,” Genl Warren’s monument on Bunker Hill,” “Noddles Island,” “the fields of Elysium,” and the “Roxbury Canal.” The annotations and additional drawings are unattributed.

Letter from Charles Stewart to his brother-in-law, William Tudor,

This letter was written aboard the U.S.S. Franklin. Stewart writes in detail about William’s brother Henry James (Harry) Tudor, and concerns about his character, particularly his "natural indolence and indifference." He notes that like his wife, Delia, Harry spends money irresponsibly. Stewart also writes he tried to interest Harry in the pursership of the Franklin, and had hoped he would be appointed to the Consulate of Tripoli or Tunis.

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,

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 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 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.

Letter from William Bentley to William Tudor,

One letter from Bentley, a Unitarian minister in Salem, praising Tudor’s work on James Otis and offering his recollections of Otis from the late 18th century.

Letter from Alden Bradford to William Tudor, undated

One letter that was enclosed with a copy of a petition written by James Otis.

Letter from Gamaliel Bradford to William Tudor,

One letter regarding penetentiary expenses.

Letter from S. Brown to William Tudor,

One letter thanking Tudor for sending Brown a memoir of the late William Tudor.

Letter from Parker Cleaveland to William Tudor,

One letter requesting information Tudor may have regarding minerals for Cleaveland���s second edition of his treatise on mineralogy and geology. Also includes a two-page description of Gay Head by Frederic Tudor.

Letter from John Cooper to William Tudor,

One letter regarding the death of Tudor’s father and the acreage of his estate.

Letters from Samuel Davis to William Tudor,

Three letters regarding Tudor’s literary works.

Letters from C.F. Degen to William Tudor,

Five letters written from Ligorno, Italy, on topics including the travels of Tudor and other friends, piracy in the Mediterranean, and Degen’s recollections of a visit to the Tudor family in Boston.

Letters from Elizabeth Degen to William Tudor,

Four letters on topics such as Tudor’s travel plans, news of friends, and the Degen children.