William Blair Townsend letter and receipt books, 1743-1805, bulk 1744-1777

The collection consists of two volumes, which date from 1743 to 1805, spanning his whole career as a merchant. Volume one is a letter book containing Townsend's business correspondence from November 23, 1743 to December 12, 1774. Most of the letters were written to American (many in North Carolina) and British (predominately in London) merchants. His earliest letters document his efforts to establish himself as a trader. Over time his letters turn to illustrate the common problems faced by many merchants: damaged goods, overpriced goods, embargos, and high freight costs. Particularly enlightening are his comments on the challenges of doing business throughout the French and Indian War and the years leading up to the American Revolution. He most frequently corresponded with London merchants Champion & Hayley, Lane & Booth, Lane Son & Fraser, Harrison & Ansley, and Leeds merchant Samuel Elam. In addition he frequently corresponded with Eliakim Palmer, colonial agent and merchant in London, as well as Dr. Walley Chauncy of North Carolina. He dealt in a wide variety of goods including molasses, rum, tar, medicines, pitch, saddles, tallow, hides, skins, pickled beef and pork, and wine. The letters also document Townsend's involvement in the slave trade through his occasional purchases of slaves.

Letter from Joseph Willard to John Lowell, 1799 January 17

One folded leaf containing a handwritten letter from President Willard to lawyer John Lowell of Roxbury, Mass. describing the papers accompanying the letter that relating to "the College business with the General Court."

Vote of the Corporation, 1799 June 10

Two octavo-sized leaves containing a handwritten copy of the vote of the Harvard Corporation during the June 10, 1799 meeting authorizing Judge John Lowell and Judge Oliver Wendell to be a committee to attend to business with the state legislature related to the pending bill before the General Court regarding the College's real estate tax exemptions. The vote also authorized Professor Pearson to work with the Committee as needed. The document is addressed to Professor Pearson and signed by President Willard.