The first account of Thomas B. Gannett Executor of the last will & testament of Caleb Gannett late of Cambridge Esq. deceased, [1820]

One-page handwritten accounting document with the note on the verso: "changes of from which items in 1st account of administration are formed." The document is undated.

[Letter from Andrew Eliot to the Revd Mr. Appleton in Cambridge, 3 June 1769]

Short one-paragraph letter declining to write "in the paper" of the recent death of President Edward Holyoke, and suggesting Mr. Winthrop as the "most proper person."

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, to William Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, October 18, 1798

This letter written to his father presumably discusses his concern regarding the appointment of a new pastor in his hometown of Petersham.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 18, 1799

Willard asks his sister to bring some of his clothes to a tailor, and also to make him a pair of linen gloves, and to send him various items from home, including books, a jacket, and a hat.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, February 3, 1800

Willard mentions that he spent his vacation in Lancaster, comments on the weather, and asks his family to write more often.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Lancaster, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, October 14, 1800

Willard apologizes for and describes disciplinary action taken against him by Harvard’s government, and explains that he has been sent to study under Reverend Thayer in Lancaster.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Groton, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, January 19, 1803

Willard discusses his potential future professional plans in either divinity or law. He asks his parents for their advice, compares and contrasts the benefits and disadvantages of each potential profession, and seems to be leaning towards law: “On the other hand my nearsightedness pleads against the profession of divinity. That a clergyman may be useful, he should possess a high degree of sociability, the most winning manners, and an accommodating disposition. In these every one knows me deficient.”

Letter from Samuel Willard, Brunswick, Maine, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, February 18, 1804

Willard describes his trip from Petersham to Brunswick and complains that somebody stole his saddlebags.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Brunswick, Maine, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, May 13, 1804

Willard complains about his eyesight, discusses upcoming plans to visit Penobscot, and describes river boat accident in which four of his neighbors drowned.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Exeter, New Hampshire, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 1, 1804

Willard discusses his brother Ephraim Willard’s death.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Brunswick, Maine, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, July 31, 1804

Willard complains about not hearing from his family often enough: “I have been expecting a letter from Petersham by every mail for six weeks and have been grievously disappointed eighteen times.” He also mentions that his eyesight is not doing well.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Brunswick, Maine, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, October 17, 1804

Willard describes his tutoring job at Bowdoin College, explains his contract and salary, terms and conditions, and describes President Joseph McKeen, as well as the town of Brunswick. He mentions that he saw his Aunt Chadwick, and that she discussed the death of her brother. He also describes his aunt’s house, and mentions the death of another close relation.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Exeter, New Hampshire, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, November 25, 1805

Willard describes his usual daily routines relating to teaching at Philips Academy and his plans to leave Exeter.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Deerfield, Massachusetts, to Catherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, April 16, 1807

Willard explains that the town of Deerfield has asked him to stay and preach for an extra six weeks, but he consented to stay four. He also asks his sister if she can send him some of his sermons.

Letter from Samuel Willard, Deerfield, Massachusetts, to William Willard and Katherine Willard, Petersham, Massachusetts, June 5, 1807

Willard says that the town of Deerfield voted to keep him as a preacher at their church, and explains that it will probably be a generous salary, although he does not know if he will accept. He also describes the duties he will be expected to perform and the expectations the congregation will have of him.