Call Number:

C0037

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

3 boxes

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Edward Coles Papers, Box and Folder Number; Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1797-1881 (inclusive)

Creator:

Coles, Edward (1786-1868)

Form:

Passports --Soviet Union. -- 19th century

Abstract:

Edward Coles was a prominent anti-slavery political figure, who most notably served as governor of Illinois when the state became officially anti-slavery through a referendum vote. These papers include personal notes from Coles, correspondence to and by Coles with friends, colleagues, and family, documents about Coles, and the writings of other people.

Edward Coles was born on December 15, 1786 into one of the oldest Virginia families. When he inherited his family's estate in 1808, Coles felt somewhat conflicted about slavery. After serving as President James Madison's private secretary from 1809-1815, Coles purchased land in Illinois with the intention of eventually moving his estate west. In 1816 Madison sent Coles to Russia for diplomatic purposes, and Coles spent the next two years traveling in Europe. When he returned to the United States, Coles arranged to move to Illinois, which had adopted an anti-slavery stance. On the way to his new home, Coles told his assembled slaves that they were free, giving each documents of emancipation and each family 160 acres of land. In 1822, Coles was elected governor of Illinois in a tightly contested and somewhat controversial election. For the next two years, the slavery debate remained in the forefront, and in 1824 the state held a referendum. Coles, the only anti-slavery elected official in the Illinois government devoted himself to the referendum, and, after record voter turn-out, the anti-slavery movement won. Never truly popular in mid-western society, Coles retired to his farm in Edwardsville after his term as governor, and then eventually moved to Philadelphia in 1832. Coles lived to be 82 years old, long enough to see the Emancipation Proclamation. He passed away on July 7, 1868 in Philadelphia.

Included are Coles' written and collected notes on slavery; his highly personal correspondence with James and Dolley Madison covering over 30 years; a remarkable letter (1814) by Thomas Jefferson presenting his views on abolishing slavery; a Russian passport (1816); a contemporary copy of Madison's will; Madison's "Advice to my Country," a 1-page manuscript in the hand of his wife, Dolley; and various letters of political significance by Martin Van Buren, Henry Clay, James Monroe, John Tyler, Winfield Scott, and Daniel Webster. Other correspondents include Nicholas Biddle, Albert Gallatin, Elbridge Gerry, Lafayette, Richard Rush, and Jared Sparks.

The following standard abbreviations, or their variations, are used to identify materials in this collection: ALsS = autograph letters signed, LS = Letter Signed.