Student notebook of James Blake on Hebrew grammar, 1767

A small paper notebook containing eight-pages of English notes on Hebrew grammar and Hebrew script written by Harvard undergraduate James Blake in 1767. The title of the first page, "Of Nouns," is annotated with the note, "Benj'm Wadsworth, 1767" and the recto of the back cover contains a personal note to "Rev'd Mr. Wadsworth" signed "J. B.," presumably referring to Benjamin Wadsworth (1750-1826; Harvard AB 1769).

Certification of payment from Oliver Prescott, 1747 September 23

Handwritten certificate of payment for a new red and plaid gown purchased by Harvard sophomore Oliver Prescott in 1747. The certificate is witnessed by upperclassmen Artemas Ward, Jacob Cushing, and Timothy Pond.

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.

Letter from Edward Holyoke to his child, 1766, January 18

One-page handwritten letter from Harvard President Edward Holyoke (1689-1769) requesting that the letter's unidentified recipient locate a book on academic costume previously mentioned by "Secry Oliver," referring to the Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Andrew Oliver (1706-1774; Harvard AB 1724). In the letter, Holyoke explained that College alumni wished to give him a gown, and he wanted to determine the appropriate design for the head of a college. The recipient of the letter is identified only as "My dear Child" from "Yo'r Affect. Father, E. Holyoke." The letter also includes the note, "Give my love to my Dau'ter."

Letter from John Avery to Cotton Tufts, 1790 April 9

A handwritten invitation from John Avery to Cotton Tufts for a meeting of the Harvard Board of Overseers' "Committee to enquire into the state of the College" on April 13, 1790.

Diploma of Cornelius Coolidge, AB, 1798

Handwritten diploma with the Harvard University seal conferring a bachelor's degree on Cornelius Coolidge and signed by the members of the Harvard Corporation: President Joseph Willard; Fellows Oliver Wendell, John Lowell, James Bowdoin, Simeon Howard, and John Lathrop; and Treasurer Ebenezer Storer.