Reports to the Harvard Board of Overseers, 1799-1917

This collection contains the reports of the committee appointed by the Harvard Board of Overseers to visit and inspect the Harvard College Library, dating from 1799 to 1917.

Report of the Committee on Composition and Rhetoric to the Board of Overseers of Harvard College.

Date from advertisement: Publications in regard to the entrance requirements in English.

Memorial to the Harvard Board of Overseers, 1822 April

Two drafts of a letter.

Memorial to the Harvard Board of Overseers, 1823 November 3

Five drafts of a letter.

Minutes of the Proceedings of the Board of Overseers of Harvard College, 1775-1776

This is a small, paper-bound "waste book" containing minutes taken by the Secretary pro tempore, Samuel Cooke, at meetings held on the following dates: July 31, 1775; August 8, 1775; August 22, 1775; September 5, 1775; October 3, 1775; October 23, 1775 (fragmentary); November 5, 1775; April 16, 1776; and April 23, 1776. Because these meetings took place during the American Revolutionary War, they were held in the "Council chamber at Watertown."

Complaint of Harvard President and Tutors against Nathan Prince, submitted to Governor William Shirley and the Board of Overseers on Jan. 29, 1741

President Edward Holyoke and Tutors Henry Flynt, Joseph Mayhew, and Thomas Marsh accused Prince of "sundry crimes & misdemeanors" and "sundry evil actions," including weakening and undermining the College government, showing contempt towards his fellow Tutors and towards Hollis Professor John Winthrop (who he claimed "knew no more of Philosophy than a Brute"), and making insulting remarks on numerous occasions. Prince was accused of calling others "Fool, Rogue, Rascal, Puppy &c." and of calling Col. Brattle "a Devilish Lyar." He was also accused of "appearing often times, to be what is commonly stil'd the worse for Drink" and of neglecting his duties towards his students.

[Notes from the minutes of the Board of Overseers, ca. 1799]

Small notebook containing handwritten entries of actions for the years 1718-1799 recorded in Volumes I-IV of the Harvard Board of Overseers formal meeting minutes. The entries note the appointment of Committees of inquiry and votes related to salary increases and allowances.

Letter from Samuel Checkley to Nathan Prince, Dec. 14, 1741 with copy of Board of Overseers' meeting minutes from Nov. 27, 1741 on verso

The minutes contain votes of the Overseers relative to Prince's case. Checkley appears to have served as the Overseers' Clerk pro hac vice on several occasions.

Copy of Board of Overseers meeting minutes, Dec. 24, 1741

The minutes contain votes of the Overseers relative to Prince's case.

Remarks on a report of a committee of the Overseers of Harvard College, proposing certain changes, relating to the instruction and discipline of the College; read May 4, 1824, and to be taken into consideration June 1, 1824.

Attributed to Andrews Norton by himself in his Speech delivered before the Overseers of Harvard College, February 3, 1825 ... Boston, Cummings, Hilliard, & Co. University Press--Hilliard & Metcalf, 1825 (p.4).

Report of the Committee of the Overseers of Harvard College Appointed to Visit the Library

Mode of access: Internet.