William Sullivan papers, 1795-1822, bulk 1796-1812

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Summary

Creators:
Sullivan, William, 1774-1839
Abstract:
A collection of material related to the personal and professional life of William Sullivan, Boston lawyer, Federalist and author.
Extent:
1.25 Linear Feet (1 box)
Language:
Materials are in English.
Preferred citation:

[Identification of item]. William Sullivan papers, The Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of 74 items from 1795 to 1822, which consists of personal, political, and legal correspondence of William Sullivan; the collection consists entirely of retained copies of his letters. The largest group comprises letters dealing with Sullivan's early legal career from 1796 to 1798, including his involvement in collecting bad debts for General Henry Lee. Also included are letters written by Sullivan to his family during his journey to Philadelphia and Virginia in 1796. The letters dating from 1811 to 1812 contain political correspondence and deal chiefly with the foreign policy and the Federalist strategies for the impending Presidential election.

Biographical / historical:

William Sullivan (1774-1839) was a prominent Boston lawyer, Federalist politician, and author. Sullivan was active in Federalist party politics and helped to plan party policies. In addition to his party activities, Sullivan held numerous state and city positions and held various elective offices in Massachusetts (representative, senator, and Executive Council member) until 1830. In 1802, Sullivan married Sarah Webb Swan, the daughter of Colonel James Swan, a wealthy Boston merchant. Sullivan was also an author; among his publications were historical works, as well as a series of "class-books" designed to further popular education in the country.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from William J. B. Burger, 1982.
Processing information:

Processed by Huntington Library Staff, February 1983. In 2020, Gayle Richardson created the finding aid derived from a legacy summary report.

Arrangement:

Arranged chronologically.

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]. William Sullivan papers, 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
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