" Lines upon the late proceedings of the College Government" collection, 1787-1917

This collection contains various manifestations of a humorous poem, most often called "Lines upon the late proceedings of the College Government," written by classmates John Quincy Adams and John Murray Forbes in 1787. Both Adams and Forbes were members of the class of 1787, and the poem recounts events surrounding the pranks and ensuing punishment of two members of the class behind them, Robert Wier and James Prescott. Wier and Prescott had been caught drinking wine and making "riotous noise," and they were publicly reprimanded by Harvard President Joseph Willard and several professors and tutors, including Eliphalet Pearson, Eleazar James, Jonathan Burr, Nathan Read, and Timothy Lindall Jennison. The poem mocks these authority figures, but it spares Samuel Williams, whom it suggests was the only professor to find their antics humorous.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Seven letters in which Forbes updates Tudor on relations between the provinces and provides introductions to various Argentinian diplomats sent to Brazil. He also includes a copy of a letter in Spanish sent to him from the Argentinian minister of war and foreign relations regarding peace negotiations with Brazil along with letters to the United States legation and Tudor regarding American involvement in light of the Monroe Doctrine.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Five letters relaying news of the Decembrist revolution and Buenos Aires Governor Manuel Dorrego’s execution, as well as developments in other Argentinean provinces. Forbes also writes about a personal conflict with Commodore James Creighton, and requests Tudor’s assistance in intervening on behalf of American citizens.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Five letters regarding the arrival of English Admiral Robert Waller Otway, the movements of Juan Lavalle and his troops, and the "feverish state" of the population of Buenos Aires in light of the recent violence associated with the Decembrist revolution.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Six letters regarding ongoing civil wars in the Argentinean provinces, peace negotiations, and Forbes’ implementation of the Monroe Doctrine, as well as diplomatic discussions with the provisional government in Buenos Aires, which sought American intervention. Forbes also includes a copy of a letter he wrote to the provisional government regarding privateering.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Five letters regarding the peace negotiations between Argentinean factions. He also writes of news of the intentions of Spain to establish a "paternal government" in Mexico.

Letters from John Murray Forbes to William Tudor,

Four letters in which Forbes discusses the peace achieved in Buenos Aires, and the question of whether to reinstall the junta that was overthrown in the Decembrist revolution, as well as a meeting with the new governor, Juan Manuel Rosas. He also describes the response in Buenos Aires to the peace reached between Colombia and Peru, and the funeral of executed Buenos Aires Governor Manuel Dorrego.

Winthrop, John, 1606-1676, autographed letter signed (copy) to Richard Odell; Pequot, Conn., 1 side (4 pages), 1652 November 27

Copy of correspondence responding to a November 16, 1652, letter from Odell regarding his daughter's illness, which Winthrop speculates is hemiplegia. According to Winthrop, "The cure depends upon the knowledge of the right cause, and not only that but the constand and due aplication of such things as may conduce them thereto, which is difficult to doe at a distance." Winthrop further writes that he did not at present have medicine to send for her condition, but recommends "some general things that might be helpfull." These included keeping the child warm with fox or rabbit furs, an ointment consisting of herbs, wax, castor oil, worm grease, fox grease, or an ointment of balsam. Winthrop writes he has sent an ointment, but does not specify its ingredients. His other suggestions for treatment include cupping without scarification, and an decoction containing sarsaparilla, guaiacum, and spirit of rosemary.

Ward, John, 1606-1693, autographed letter signed to John Winthrop; Cotohit [sic], Mass., 1 side (2 pages), 1652 May 29

Correspondence requesting advice for treating occasional fits of pain and cold Ward was suffering.