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 Steamer DianaChatham Sound. B.C.October 12th 1867Dear General. I was very sorry that we were not in Victoria on arrival of the John L. Stevens. I started back from Frazers River on purpose to meet you, but had no idea you would have so quick a passage from San Francisco. On 30th ult. we saw you off Stewart's Island bound north. We are going to Fort Simpson and Metkahtla to collect information in regard to Indians on Portland Channel and the unclear River with a view to the establishment of a military post opposite Fort Simpson. By the way Capt. Coffin (who goes as Pilot of the Ossippe from Fort Simpson) can give you a great deal of valuable information in regard to indians within your jurisdiction. He is the best pilot you can find and is in every way a reliable man. The Ossippee could not get a pilot at Victoria, and our captain consented to Capt. Coffin going on board of her - so we have been in company thus far. We will trust to faith and good luck going back. Please remember me to Mrs. Davis, Col and Mrs. Weeks.

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 2221px × 2761px 17.57 MB

Filename 991296448805867_Ayer_MS_3057_FL003_00001.tif

Unique Identifier NL11E5ZB

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