Newberry Library - Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

Jefferson Columbus Davis papers, 1867-1878

Overview

Image w/ Text

Loading details...

You do not have the permission to view Original image

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 San Francisco. Cala.May 24. 1868.Dear General. The tables of distances that I send you by this mail, are compiled from the best information to be obtained, but of course they are only approximately correct. I have asked Capt. White to verify them.General Halleck intended leaving here on last Victoria Steamer for Sitka, but could not get a satisfactory answer as to terms from the only boat at that time available from Victoria northward. We may start sometime next month.Mr. unclear unclear starts from Vancouver on 1st. proximo for Kenary?. It goes by Steamer to Port Crambie, Puget Sound, and then on Barque "Torrent". Batteau G, sailed from here on 2nd instant, in Barque "Atlanta", for Kodiak. Smedberg, who went with them, may return via Sitka. We have heard of the establishment of Forts Tongass and Wrangell. Fry is still suffering from an affection of the eyes, and is not doing much duty. Some affection of the optic nerve I believe. He is getting better however.

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 2209px × 2773px 17.55 MB

Filename 991296448805867_Ayer_MS_3057_FL003_00005.tif

Unique Identifier NL11E5ZH

Help Need help finding, searching, sharing, or downloading? Check out our help page!