Historical Society of Delaware collection, 1660-1929, bulk 1700-1799

Printable guide [HTML]
Request items

Summary

Abstract:
This collection contains photostat reproductions of original letters and documents held by the the Historical Society of Delaware, including state and county records, military documents, and about 350 letters, mostly from the time of the American Revolution. The inclusive dates are 1660 to 1929, with an emphasis on the 18th century.
Extent:
6.25 Linear Feet (5 boxes)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Historical Society of Delaware collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains photostat reproductions of original letters and documents in the Historical Society of Delaware, including state and county records, military documents, and about 350 letters, mostly from the time of the American Revolution. The inclusive dates are 1660 to 1929, with an emphasis on the 18th century.

Within the correspondence, virtually all the governors and holders of important offices of Delaware are represented. Many of the letters have to do with with local government and many concern Delaware's part in the American Revolution. A few have no value beyond autograph-collector interest

The state records consist of: executive orders by Presidents and Governors of Delaware (1798-1908), court records (1738-1898); documents and letters of the General Assembly Council and House (1775-1849); State Treasurer's papers (1779-1869); and State Auditor's papers (1789-1898).

The county records reflect Kent County (1679-1849); New Castle County (1706-1849); and Sussex County (1748-1877).

Finally, the military returns (1775-1808) include the Delaware Line of the Continental Army and Delaware Militia.

Notable authors represented by 4 or more pieces are: James Asheton Bayard (4 pieces), Benjamin Chew (4 pieces), Joshua Clayton (7 pieces), John Dagworthy (5 pieces), John Dickinson (4 pieces), David Hall (5 pieces), John Jay (4 pieces), Thomas Jefferson (6 pieces), Thomas McKean (6 pieces), John McKinly (4 pieces), Allan McLane (4 pieces), Samuel Osgood (4 pieces), Samuel Patterson (4 pieces), Timothy Pickering (8 pieces), Edmund Randolph (5 pieces), George Read (4 pieces), Caesar Rodney (9 pieces), and Thomas Rodney (7 pieces).

The collection was formerly known as the Delaware State Archives Collection. The name of the collection was changed in 1979.

Biographical / historical:

The Delaware Historical Society is located in Wilmington, Delaware. It changed its name in from the Historical Society of Delaware in 2008.

Acquisition information:
The photostats were acquired through E. Terry in 1939 from the Historical Society of Delaware. The originals at the Historical Society of Delaware were gifts of Willard S. Morse in 1923, 1928 and 1929.
Arrangement:

This material is made up of all photostats in 5 boxes:

  1. Boxes 1-3: Correspondence (arranged alphabetically)
  2. Box 4: State and county records
  3. Box 5: Military documents
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Access and use

Restrictions:

Open for use by qualified researchers and by appointment. Please contact Reader Services at the Huntington Library for more information.

Terms of access:

The Huntington Library does not require that researchers request permission to quote from or publish images of this material, nor does it charge fees for such activities. The responsibility for identifying the copyright holder, if there is one, and obtaining necessary permissions rests with the researcher.

Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. Historical Society of Delaware collection, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Location of this collection:
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108, US
Contact:
(626) 405-2191
reference@huntington.org
Website