Journal of Charles Coffin and David Gurney, 1781-1785

This diary appears to have been kept by two different students, both members of the Harvard College class of 1785. The first two pages contain entries made by a student named David, believed to be David Gurney because the entries relate to the freshman curriculum and Gurney was the only student named David who was a freshman in 1781. Gurney originally titled the volume "A Journal or Diary of my concerns in College of important matters." He made entries from August 28 through October 21, 1781, recording his lessons on Virgil, Tully, Homer, the Greek Testament, Hebrew grammar, English author John Ash's "Grammar," and a text called "The Art of Speaking." At the top of one of the pages recounting these studies, Gurney wrote in large, bold letters: "About how I misspent my precious time." Charles Coffin's entries begin on October 25, 1781 and fill the bulk of the journal. Coffin kept this diary while a student at Harvard College from 1781 to 1785. Although most of Coffin's entries are written in Latin, an account of his July 1781 examination for admission to the College is in English.

Gerrard, Joseph, autographed letter signed to John Winthrope [sic]; Saybrooke [sic], Conn., 1 side (2 pages), undated

Correspondence requesting Winthrop send Gerrard a purge and other medicine to treat a urinary condition.

Power of attorney for Joseph Chip, 1804 December 21

Handwritten draft of a power of attorney, in Croswell's hand, authorizing John Jones to act for mariner Joseph Chip.

Payment order for Joseph Belknap on behalf of Samuel Sewall, 1773 July 1

Handwritten order to John Sale to pay scholarship funds Joseph Belknap for use by student Samuel Sewall (Harvard AB 1776), signed by Charles Chauncey, Thomas Waite, Jonathan Williams, and Daniel Marsh.

Payment order for Joseph Belknap on behalf of Samuel Sewall, 1774 July 1

Handwritten order to John Sale to pay scholarship funds to Joseph Belknap for use by student Samuel Sewall (Harvard AB 1776), signed by Charles Chauncey, Thomas Waite, Jonathan Williams, and Daniel Marsh. The student's name is spelled "Samuel Sewal" in the document.

Payment order for Joseph Belknap on behalf of Samuel Sewall, 1776 July 1

Handwritten order to John Sale to pay scholarship funds to Joseph Belknap for use by student Samuel Sewall (Harvard AB 1776), signed by Charles Chauncey, Jonathan Williams, and Daniel Marsh. The student's name is spelled "Samuel Sewal" in the document.