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 William Porter to William Tudor,

One letter regarding communication enclosed from Tudor’s sister, Delia Tudor Stewart, and Secretary of State Henry Clay.

Letter from William Porter East to William Tudor,

One letter regarding the whereabouts of Tudor’s luggage.

Letter from William Croswell to Dr. E. Porter, 1828 May 20

Draft of a letter regarding Croswell's claims for compensation from the Harvard Corporation.

Letter from William Croswell to a Boston bookstore owner, 1830 October 31

Draft of a letter regarding the Harvard Triennial Catalogue.

[Deed between William Porter and Oliver Hildrith], 1808 March 31

Printed land deed between grantor William Porter, a brick-layer, and grantee Oliver Hildrith, a cordwainer, for a lot of land on Winsor street in Cambridge.

Letter from William Abbot to William Tudor,

One letter from Tudor’s Phi Beta Kappa brother thanking him for a visit to Rockwood and commenting on the deportment of his sisters, as well as the progress his brother John was making at Harvard.

Letter from William Boyd to William Tudor,

One letter outlining plans for the funeral of their Harvard classmate, John Russell.

Letters from Joseph McKean to William Tudor,

Two letters relaying news from Cambridge regarding student clubs and of mutual friends, and discussing their respective views on women.

Letter from S. Jackson Prescott to William Tudor, undated

One undated letter inviting Tudor to dine with Prescott and other friends.

Letter from John Russell to William Tudor,

One letter briefly describing Russell’s studies at the home of Rev. Dr. McClintock in Greenland, N.H., where he was staying during a nine-month suspension from Harvard for theft of college property. Tudor, who was also found to be involved, was suspended for six months. Russell also inquires about fellow classmates, some of whom participated in the theft.

Letters from Peter Thacher to William Tudor,

Four letters on topics including their suspension for breaking and entering, and theft of Harvard property, as well as gossip about classmates, and Thacher’s life as an instructor at Phillips Exeter following graduation.

Letters from John Leighton Tuttle to William Tudor,

Two letters describing the social and cultural atmosphere in Amherst and Northampton, Massachusetts.