Inventory of the William G. Ritch Collection, 1539-1901, bulk 1845-1882
Processed by ; machine-readable finding aid created by
Xiuzhi Zhou
Manuscripts Department
The Huntington Library
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, California 91108
Phone: (626) 405-2203
Fax: (626) 449-5720
Email: lgarcia@huntington.org
URL: http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary.aspx?id=554
© 1998
The Huntington Library. All rights reserved.
Inventory of the William G. Ritch Collection, 1539-1901, bulk 1845-1882
The Huntington Library
San Marino, California
Contact Information
- Manuscripts Department
- The Huntington Library
- 1151 Oxford Road
- San Marino, California 91108
- Phone: (626) 405-2203
- Fax: (626) 449-5720
- Email: lgarcia@huntington.org
- URL: http://www.huntington.org/huntingtonlibrary.aspx?id=554
- Encoded by:
- Xiuzhi Zhou
© 1998 The Huntington Library. All rights reserved.
Descriptive Summary
Title: William G. Ritch Collection,
Date (inclusive): 1539-1901,
Date (bulk): bulk 1845-1882
Creator:
Ritch, William G.
Extent: The collection numbers 2,274 pieces.
Number of manuscript boxes: 33 (boxes #1-33)
Number of bound volumes: 24
Number of oversize materials: 1 flat box (box #34);1 rolled document
Repository: The
Huntington Library
San Marino, California 91108
Language:
English.
Administrative Information
Access
Collection is open to qualified researches by prior application through the Reader
Services Department. For more information please go to following
URL .
Publication Rights
In order to quote from, publish, or reproduce any of the manuscripts or visual materials,
researchers must obtain formal permission from the office of the Library Director. In
most instances, permission is given by the Huntington as owner of the physical property
rights only, and researchers must also obtain permission from the holder of the literary
rights In some instances, the Huntington owns the literary rights, as well as the
physical property rights. Researchers may contact the appropriate curator for further
information.
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], William G. Ritch Collection, The Huntington Library, San
Marino, California.
Acquisition Information
Source of acquisition: Watson L. Ritch, May 1923
Historical/Biographical Note
William Gillet Ritch (1830-1904) was territorial secretary of New Mexico from 1873 to
1885 and authored several books about New Mexico history. He was a native of New York who
moved to Michigan in 1855 and later settled in Wisconsin. After serving in the 46th
Wisconsin Cavalry in the Civil War, Ritch returned to Wisconsin and was elected state
senator. He was later proprietor and editor of the Winnebago County Press. Failing health
forced Ritch to seek a better climate, and in 1873 he was appointed secretary of the
Territory of New Mexico. He served in this capacity until 1885, with the added
responsibility of serving as acting territorial governor in 1875. He was active in the
establishment of a public school system in the Territory and became a regent of the State
Normal School. He developed an interest in the history of New Mexico and began collecting
historical documents in hopes of circumventing their destruction or dispersal. He was
elected as the first president of the New Mexico Historical Society in 1880.
Scope and Content Note
The collection contains correspondence, manuscripts, documents, and maps in both English
and Spanish related to the history of early and territorial New Mexico collected by
William G. Ritch. The very early portion of the collection (1539-1700) contains original
manuscripts, contemporary copies, and later translations of official documents and
journals of explorers, correspondence, papers of various governors, court records, church
inventories, and passport lists of American traders. The papers for the years 1846-1873
cover the American military occupation, New Mexico politics and government, New Mexico
during the US Civil War, and Indian affairs relating to the Navajo, Apache, Comanche, and
Pecos tribes. Items after 1873 tend to be the personal papers of William G. Ritch,
including biographical sketches of significant New Mexicans, drafts of articles, and
notebooks of research materials (including the biography of Father Antonio Jose Martinez
by Santiago Valdez).
Separated Material
13 scrapbooks from the Ritch Collection were transferred to the Rare Books Department and
are cataloged under the heading "Collection -New Mexico" in the printed book card
catalog. The call number for the set is #128134.
Significant Persons Represented in the Collection
Abert, J. W. (James William), 1820-1897
Allen, William S. (William Stickney), 1805-1868
Alvarez, Manuel, 1794-1856
Arny, William Frederick Milton
Axtell, Samuel B. (Samuel Beach), 1819-1891
Bandelier, Adolph Frances Alphonse, 1840-1914
Becknell, William, 1787 or 8-1856
Benedict, Kirby, 1810-1874
Burnside, Ambrose Everett, 1824-1881
Bustamante, Anastasio, 1780-1853
Carleton, James Henry, 1814-1873
Chandler, Zachariah, 1813-1879
Clark, William, 1770-1838
Clever, Charles P., 1830-1874
Physical Description: 107
Cooke, Philip St. George, 1809-1895
Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872
Fernández de la Cueva Enríquez, Francisco [Duque de Alburquerque]
Howe, Timothy O. (Timothy Otis), 1816-1883
Kearny, Steven Watts, 1794-1848
Kennedy, John Pendleton, 1795-1870
Lamy, John Baptist, 1814-1888
Lane, William Carr, 1789-1863
Leavenworth, Henry, 1783-1834
Santa Anna, Antonio López de
MacKenzie, Ranald Slidell, 1840-1889
McMullen, William, 1824-1901
Maxwell, Lucien Bonaparte, 1818-1875
Meriwether, D. (David), 1800-1893
Otero, Miguel A. (Miguel Antonio), 1829-1882
Paredes y Arrillaga, Mariano, 1797-1849
Philip III, King of Spain, 1578-1621
Prince, L. Bradford (LeBaron Bradford), 1840-1922
Rencher, Abraham, 1798-1883
Riley, Bennett, 1787-1853
Salcedo y Salcedo, Nemesio, 1754-1814
Sturgis, Samuel Davis, 1822-1889
Sumner, Edwin V. (Edwin Vose), 1797-1863
Vargas, Diego de, 1643-1704
Vigil, Donaciano, 1802-1877
Vigil y Alarid, Juan Bautista
Washington, John Macrae, 1797-1853
Watts, John S. (John Sebrie), 1816-1876
West, J. R. (Joseph Rodman), b. 1822
Container List
Volume RI 66
Fernando VII, King of Spain.
Death Warrant for Antonio Carbojal... Apr. 5, 1809.
Biografía del Reverendo Padre. 1877.
Biografía del Reverendo Padre... 1877.
Topical Index to his own Works. c. 1890.
Topical Index to his own... c. 1890.
Volume RI 2215
New Mexico. Board of Commissioners...
Letterbook. Jan. 19, 1853-Nov. 28, 1854.
Letterbook. General correspondence... Dec. 4, 1863-May 18, 1867.
Volume RI 2269
New Mexico. Valencia County. (oversize rolled document)
Libro de Matricula de la Eleccíon... Sept. 4, 1865.
Box 1
1539 Mar. 7 -1694 Dec. 31
Box 3
1794 June 21 -1830 Dec. 31
Box 4
1831 Jan. 1 -1838 Dec. 31
Box 7
1848 Jan. 1 -1850 Dec. 31
Box 8
1851 Jan. 1 -1851 Nov. 31
Box 9
1851 Dec. 1 -1852 Apr. 30
Box 13
1855 Jan. 1 -1855 Nov. 30
Box 14
1855 Dec. 1 -1856 Dec. 31
Box 15
1857 Jan. 1 -1858 June 30
Box 16
1858 July 1 -1860 Feb. 28
Box 17
1860 Mar. 1 -1861 Aug. 31
Box 18
1861 Sept. 1 -1862 Oct. 31
Box 19
1862 Nov. 1 -1863 Feb. 28
Box 20
1863 Mar. 1 -1863 Sept. 30
Box 21
1863 Oct. 1 -1864 June 30
Box 22
1864 July 1 -1864 Dec. 31
Box 23
1865 Jan. 1 -1866 Mar. 31
Box 24
1866 Apr. 1 -1875 Mar. 31
Box 25
1875 Apr. 1 -1877 June 30
Box 26
1877 July 1 -1878 Aug. 31
Box 27
1878 Sept. 1 -1880 Nov. 30
Box 28
1880 Dec. 1 -1881 Dec. 31
Box 29
1882 Jan. 1 -1882 Nov. 30
Box 30
1882 Dec. 1 -1883 Dec. 31
Box 31
1884 Jan. 1 -1900 Dec. 31
Box 32
Newspaper clippings, 1856-1885
Box 33
Newspaper clippings, 1886-1901 & undated
General Subjects for Each Box
Box Box 1:
Mar. 7, 1539 -Dec. 31, 1694
Scope and Content Note
Early documents (1539-1694) concerning the history of Spanish exploration and settlement
in New Mexico, many translated by Samuel Ellison. Many of these documents discuss events
in the wake of the public uprising and the reconquest.
Of special note:
RI 1: 19th century translation of A relation...touching his discovery of...Cibola...by
Marcos de Niza. March 7, 1539.
Box Box 2:
Mar. 16, 1758-March
Scope and Content Note
Early documents concerning Spanish resettlement and governance of New Mexico (1696-) and
letters by the Duke of Albuquerque.
Of special note:
RI 55: Journal of events & operations against the Moqui. May 14 -Oct. 18, 1716. [extract]
Box Box 3:
June 21, 1794 -Dec. 31, 1830
Scope and Content Note
Commerce and trade with the United States.
Of special note:
RI 70: Record of vaccinations, giving names of fathers and children. [summer 1815]
RI 74: Contemporary copy of treaty of Cordova between Spain and Mexico, establishing
Mexican independence. Aug. 24, 1821.
RI 81: Customs house, New Mexico. Jan. 1 -July 15, 1825.
Box Box 4:
Jan. 1, 1831-Dec. 31, 1838
Scope and Content Note
Americans adopting Mexican nationality, passports, petitions for naturalization, fur
traders from Taos, customs and commerce with the US including Josiah Gregg, and the
Revolution of 1837.
Box Box 5:
Feb. 9, 1839 -July 9, 1846
Scope and Content Note
American commerce, abortive Texan invasion of 1841, conflict between Texas and Mexico in
NM, 1841-43.
Box Box 6:
Aug. 1, 1846 -Dec. 31, 1847
Scope and Content Note
Documents related to the conquest of New Mexico and the operation of local courts in
1846-47 under American rule.
Box Box 7:
Jan. 1, 1848 -Dec. 31, 1850
Scope and Content Note
Assumption of American control over New Mexico, including letters of Governor Vigil and
military affairs. Also Indian trading licenses (RI 365, 366, 368, 371, 367, 374, 375,
376, 389, 400, 402, 404, 406, 407).
Box Box 8:
Jan. 1, 1851 -Nov. 31, 1851
Scope and Content Note
Territorial government and legislative activities of New Mexico. Also contains a document
related to Indian trading (RI 1415).
Box Box 9:
Dec. 1, 1851 -Apr. 30, 1852
Scope and Content Note
Territorial legislative activities and courts, and Indian affairs.
Of special note:
RI 493 & 494: Receipts for return of captive Hispanic children from Indians and Indian
trading bonds. 1852.
RI 2150: Statement in regard to buying and selling Paiute children.
Box Box 10:
May 1, 1852 -Apr. 30, 1853
Scope and Content Note
Indian affairs, including statements of supplies and services provided to the Navajos on
their reservation in 1852.
Box Box 11:
May 1, 1853 -Apr. 30, 1854
Scope and Content Note
Work of the Territorial Commission on Public Buildings (June 1853), complaint about
election fraud, and the US Army.
Box Box 12:
May 1, 1854 -Dec. 31, 1854
Scope and Content Note
New Mexican militia affairs, including muster rolls (RI 1624, 2134, 643, 1622, 1623, 649,
689).
Box Box 13:
Jan. 1, 1855 -Nov. 30, 1855
Scope and Content Note
Territorial administration, including letters from Elisha Whittlesey, call for volunteers
by governor, and an Indian raid (RI 701).
Box Box 14:
Dec. 1, 1855 -Dec. 31, 1856
Scope and Content Note
Scope and Content Note
Construction of public buildings for the Territorial government.
Of special note:
RI 2257: List of inhabitants and property for Indians in New Mexico towns. [c. 1855]
Box Box 15:
Jan. 1, 1857 -June 30, 1858
Scope and Content Note
Many statements and bills related to the costs of the territorial government.
Correspondence of Miguel Antonio Otero to Charles Clever.
Box Box 16:
July 1, 1858 -Feb. 28, 1860
Scope and Content Note
Expenses of per diem and mileage for legislators and descriptive list of paid Treasury
warrants. Territorial politics and national politics. Correspondence of Miguel Antonio
Otero to Charles Clever.
Box Box 17:
Mar. 1, 1860 -Aug. 31, 1861
Scope and Content Note
Correspondence of Miguel Antonio Otero to Charles Clever.
Box Box 18:
Sept. 1, 1861 -Oct. 31, 1862
Scope and Content Note
Map of the military district of New Mexico, per diem of legislative officers, New Mexico
militia, New Mexico politics and elections, Indians (Apache & Navajo).
Of special note:
RI 2159: Libro de Matricula de la eleccíon. Sept. 1, 1862. Berrdillo County.
RI 1126 & 1127: Kit Carson. New Mexico Militia. Sept. 27, 1862.
Box Box 19:
Nov. 1, 1862 -Feb. 28, 1863
Scope and Content Note
Civil War in New Mexico, legislative affairs, applications and recommendations for
militia officers.
RI 1193: Petition to President and Sec. Of War concerning Indian depradations by county.
Jan. 26, 1863.
Box Box 20:
Mar. 1, 1863 -Sept. 30, 1863
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government, including some election returns, Civil War in the
West, military officers, and Navajo campaign.
Box Box 21:
Oct. 1, 1863 -June 30, 1864
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government, Civil War in the West, and Indian affairs.
Box Box 22:
July 1, 1864 -Dec. 31, 1864
Scope and Content Note
Mexico, territorial politics and government, including election returns.
Box Box 23:
Jan. 1, 1865 -Mar. 31, 1866
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government, including legislative actions and election returns,
as well as Indian affairs.
Box Box 24:
Apr. 1, 1866 -Mar. 31, 1875
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government, land holdings and population figures, and Indian
affairs.
Of special note:
RI 1486: Report of a Comm. on the Indians of the Bosque Redondo. 1866.
RI 2151: Enumeration of inhabitants of County of Taos. 1866.
Box Box 25:
Apr. 1, 1875 -June 30, 1877
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government.
Box Box 26:
July 1, 1877 -Aug. 31, 1878
Scope and Content Note
Territorial politics and government, Indian affairs, education, Lincoln County War, and
Colfax County War.
Box Box 27:
Sept. 1, 1878 -Nov. 30, 1880
Scope and Content Note
Affairs in Lincoln County, Roman Catholicism in New Mexico, including the role of the
Jesuits, public education, the penitentes, and Indian affairs.
Box Box 28:
Dec. 1, 1880 -Dec. 31, 1881
Scope and Content Note
Politics and government, Indians (Utes), education, land, mines and mineral resources
(coal & iron), education, disturbance in Socorro.
Of special note:
RI 2234: Free public schools. c. 1880.
Box Box 29:
Jan. 1, 1882 -Nov. 30, 1882
Scope and Content Note
Biographical notes about various individuals compiled by William G. Ritch.
Box Box 30:
Dec. 1, 1882 -Dec. 31, 1883
Scope and Content Note
Biographical sketches, Indian affairs, Civil War, and R.S. McKenzie.
Box Box 31:
Jan. 1, 1884 -Dec. 31, 1900
Scope and Content Note
Lists of biographical notes by individuals and Revista Catholica -"A School Law" (March
9, 1884).
Box Boxes 32 & 33:
Newspaper clippings arranged chronologically.
