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 Head Quarters Military Division of the PacificSan Francisco, Cal., September 6th, 1867Brevet Major General J.C. Davis,Present,General:1. You have been appointed commander of the Military District of Alaska, which included all the Russian-American territory ceded to the United States by the treaty of March 30th, 1867. You will, therefore, assume command of the two companies designated, in Special Orders, No. 141, current series, from the Head Quarters, for the garrison of Sitka, as soon as the same are ready to embark on the transport chartered for that purpose.2. In accordance with instructions from the General-in-Chief of the Army, the Military District of Alaska will, until further orders, be attached to the Department of California. You will, therefore, report directly to the Head Quarters of that Department, at San Francisco, California.3. Should you reach Sitka before the arrival of the commissioners appointed to transfer and receive formal possession under the provisions of the Treaty, you will retain your command on the transport until such formal transfer is made. If, however, the commissioner on the part of the United States should request you to take part in the formal proceedings of the transfer, you will do so, either personally, or with your command. If, by any accident, the vessel carrying the commissioners should be unduly delayed, you will arrange with the Russian authorities for landing your troops, and putting them into winter-quarters, prior to any formal transfer--this being provided for in the Treaty.

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 × 2732px 17.01 MB

Filename 991296448805867_Ayer_MS_3057_FL007_00001.tif

Unique Identifier NL11E63H

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