Newberry Library - Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

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Open book Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

Title Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

Creator Davis, Jefferson Columbus, 1828-1879

Date 1867-1878

Place Alaska, Mississippi River, Mexico--Mexico City, Louisiana--New Orleans

Language English

Subjects United States, Indians of North America, Steamboats

Summary Original journals, correspondence, photographs, engravings, newsclippings, together with some typed copies, documenting Davis' tenure as military governor of Alaska, 1867-1870, and his and his wife's tour of Mexico in 1878. Alaskan materials include: 1867 orders and instructions issued by Maj. Gen. Henry W. Halleck, Sec. of State William H. Seward, and Asst. Adj. Gen. E.D. Townsend; correspondence and a journal written by Davis and his wife, describing the Russian cession ceremony, Sitka, daily life, and trips to tribal settlements, 1867-1870; an 1872 explanation of Davis' treaty-mandated takeover of Russian Fur Company property; correspondence from Robert N. Scott, a senior aide of Halleck's in San Francisco, commenting on military appointments, congressional funding, presidential impeachment proceedings, and Davis' handling of an 1869 incident involving a Chilkat chief; a copy of the first issue of the Sitka times (issued in ms., Sept. 19, 1868); and photographs (Metropolitan Veniaminov, Sir John Franklin, Prince Maksutov, etc.), engravings, and administrative correspondence. Mexican-related items include Mrs. Davis' 1878 diary containing detailed descriptions of an Ohio and Mississippi River steamboat passage, New Orleans, and Mexico City; and signed photographs of President and Mrs. Porfirio Diaz, whom the Davis' visited.

Biographical/Historical Note Career army officer.

Extent 0.4 linear feet (1 box)

Format Sources

User-Contributed Transcription 3and Exercised in its use, and that a sufficient supply of water is always on hand.7. You will also give particular attention to the Sanitary condition of your command and (Blank spot) of the post of Sitka. As the supply of fresh meat and vegetables will, at least for the next winter, be limited, the deficiency must be made up with fresh fish, game and antiscorbutics. This subject will demand especial attention. 8. Immediately after the exchange of the flags, and the formal transfer of the ceded territory, you will direct the District Quartermaster and Acting Commissary to take possession of all public lots and squares, vacant lands, and all public buildings, barracks and Edifices, and all public property in Sitka, ceded by the treaty and transferred to the United States. But the Russian officers and troops, who now occupy the same, and who may wish to continue such occupation temporarily, will not be required to vacate them, until such a time as may be reasonably and conveniently practicable. 9. You will also designate some officer to take possession of the fortifications, and their armaments, ordnance-stores, &c in Sitka, ceded by the treaty, and transferred to the United States; and also of all government archives, papers and documents relating to the ceded territory and dominion, which may exist in that place; and the same will be carefully preserved, in order that copies may hereafter be furnished to the Russian Government in accordance with treaty stipulations. 10. You will also, at the proper time, designate officers to take possession of the fortifications, barracks, public lots, vacant lands, public buildings, ordnance stores, archives, papers, documents, and other public property transferred to the United States, at the Several Military Posts, towns, villages and settlements in the ceded territory. Proper inventories and returns will be made of all public property so received.

Transcription Status Needs review

Transcription Note This document was transcribed by volunteers as part of the Newberry Transcribe crowdsourcing initiative.

Link to Catalog View record

Call Number VAULT Ayer MS 3057

BibID 991296448805867

Rights Status No Copyright - United States

Contributing Institution Newberry Library

Newberry Open Access Policy The Newberry makes its collections available for any lawful purpose, commercial or non-commercial, without licensing or permission fees to the library, subject to these terms and conditions.

IIIF Resource Type Canvas

Size 2172px × 2741px 17.07 MB

Filename 991296448805867_Ayer_MS_3057_FL007_00004.tif

Unique Identifier NL11E63P

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