Call Number:

000.021

Repository:

Haverford College Quaker & Special Collections

Extent:

0.01 linear ft. (1 folder )

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Thomas P. Cope letter to Jonathan Richards (HCS.000.021) Quaker and Special Collections, Haverford College, Haverford, PA.

Date:

1845

Creator:

Cope, Thomas P. (Thomas Pim), 1768-1854 and Richards, Jonathan

Abstract:

This collection contains a single letter written by Thomas P. Cope to Jonathan Richards, dated March 28, 1845.

Thomas Pim Cope (1768-1854) was born in Lancaster, Pennsylvania to parents Mary Mendenhall and Caleb Cope. He rose to prominence after founding the, Philadelphia-based, Cope family shipping company. Cope played a pivotal role in the founding of Haverford College, serving on its initial Board of Managers from 1830 to 1849 and sending his grandson (of the same name) to the school in 1835. Notably, Cope's tenure at Haverford saw the school's closure from 1845 to 1848, due to financial troubles. He died on November 22, 1854 in Philadelphia.

This collection contains a single letter written by Thomas P. Cope to Jonathan Richards, dated March 28, 1845. The letter concerns gardener and campus landscape designer William Carvill. After the school's closure in early 1845, Carvill did not vacate the premises, instead, opting to stay in his house on campus. Cope expresses concerns that Carvill's presence could result in claims of unpaid wages, or theft of unclaimed property. He expresses to Richards that Carvill must be told that their relationship will be "terminated" should he decide to continue stay on the property. An original, handwritten version of the letter is included, along with a photocopy.

Materials are arranged chronologically