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Straus Autograph Collection
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Held at: Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
Roger W. Straus was a twentieth-century American industrialist, philanthropist, and collector.
The collection consists of Americana dating, primarily, from the period of the American Revolution and the thirty years immediately following, collected by Straus. Included are autograph letters from, and documents signed by, some of the leading figures of the period, such as George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton, John Hancock, John Adams, John Quincy Adams, John Jay (1745-1829), James Madison, James Monroe, Robert Morris, and various signers of the Declaration of Independence. In addition, there are autograph letters from later presidents--Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, William Henry Harrison, James Buchanan; a folder of letters from various other 19th-century statesmen, English and American; and a folder of colonial bills of lading, dating back to 1698.
Specific items include John Adams's letter to Richard Rush (1813) in support of the War of 1812; letters patent (1835) for a new kind of brick, with accompanying diagrams and description by the inventor; an autograph memorandum (1637) of Roger Williams; George Washington's letter to James Madison (1788) in which he rejoices at all the states having, so far, adopted the Constitution; John Hancock's letter to the Assembly of the State of Delaware (1777), enclosing a copy of the Declaration of Independence for the state's archives; the petition (1676) of Peter Freeman, Indian, to the Court of Mass. for the freedom of his wife; and a document circulated by the Massachusetts' Committee of Correspondence (1773), discussing the colonies' common grievances against Great Britain and anticipating war.
Bequest of Mrs. Gladys G. Straus, James Moore.
A list (7 pp.) of the documents is available in the Dept.
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
During 2022, restrictions on Thomas Jefferson and George Washington items were lifted as part of a restrictions review project.
No appraisal information is available.
Organization
Subject
Place
- United States -- Constitution -- History -- Sources.
- United States -- History -- Colonial period, ca. 1600-1775 -- Sources.
- United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Committees of Correspondence.
- United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783 -- Sources.
- United States -- History -- War of 1812 -- Sources.
- United States -- History -- 1783-1865 -- Sources.
- Publisher
- Manuscripts Division
- Finding Aid Date
- 2008
- Access Restrictions
-
The collection is open for research.
- Use Restrictions
-
Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. For instances beyond Fair Use, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, ADS, small 4to., 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, bond to King George II for two thousand pounds, also signed by Isaac low, Nicholas Gouveneur, Robert Yonge, William Livingston, and Elias Desbrosses, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
Signer of Constitution, member of the "Stamp Act" Congress and the Congress of 1774, DS 4to, as President of Philadelphia, PA, endorsed by Gen. James Irvine.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Honorable Robert J. Walker.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to President Day.
Physical Description1 folder
ANS to the cashier of the Bank of the United States.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Richard Rush, Esq., Comptrouler of the Treasury, regarding the War of 1812, 4pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Dear Sir" from Mount Vernon, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Mr. Ellicot asking him to attend to Mr. Gammond, Minister of Great Britain, and Mr. Smith of South Carolina as they pass through the Federal City, 1 p., Mount Vernon.
Physical Description1 folder
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, autograph signature on an addressed wrapper to Gov. Thomas Johnson of Maryland, folio.
Physical Description1 folder
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, ALS to "Sir," 4to, 2 pp., Philadelphia, relative to an enquiry by the Secretary of the Treasury in regard to the advances made in maufacturing industries.
Physical Description1 folder
Signer of the Declaration of Independence, ADS, 8vo, Baltimore.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Honorable James Campbell, Postmaster General, recommending Mrs. Maria Schell, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Dear Sir," 3 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
LS to John S. Warner, noting his receipt of medals, Philadelphia, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Morgan Neville, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to J. P. Benjamin mentioning Grant's Cabinet, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to John E. Hall, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
Autograph memoranda while Secretary of State under President Madison, with autograph signature, 2 pp., 8vo.
Physical Description1 folder
LS to "The President and Directors of the Bank of the United States," 2 pp., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, power of attorney to Thomas McEwen, signed also by Clement Biddle of Philadelphia, the "Quaker Soldier," 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
LS to "The President of the United States," forwarding a pamphlet (not present), 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Richard Henry Lee, New York, 3 pp., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
Commander in Chief of the Confederate States Army, DS, rating of Cadet Ephraim P. Abbot at West Point at the time of his resignation, also signed by Capt. Seth Williams, folio.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to C. M. Stanton, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Honorable James Campbell, Postmaster General, asking for restoration of Henry Rogers to his clerkship, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to the President of the United States, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Dear Miss Silvester," personal letter, 3 pp., 8vo.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS as Secretary of War to Ashbury Dickens, regarding the Annals of Congress, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
DS appointing James Parker as Justice of the Peace, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, patent to James Parker for a new shape for rooftop bricks, 2 pp., folio.
Physical Description1 folder
ADS releasing George Ludlow of any money owed him, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
LS to Theodoria Blander, severely criticising Franklin and Silas Deane, and charging that the latter had made 60,000 pounds while he was Commissioner; also refers to the defeat of Col. Baylor and to Washington, of whom he writes "there never was a soldier of more circumspection that your Commander in chief," Paris, 5 pp., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Mr. Madison, expressing pleasure at Mr. Jefferson's acceptance of the appointment of Secretary of Sate, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to James Madison rejoicing at all the States having, so far, adopted the Constitution, 2 pp., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to General Putnam giving military advice, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to the Assembly of the State of Delaware, enclosing a copy of the Declaration of Independence for preservation, 2 pp.; ADS, copy of the Declaration of Independence, also signed by Charles Thompson, 4 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to David S. Fransk, Assistant Cashier of the Bank of the United States, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
"Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States," DS, signed as Secretary of State, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to The Secretary of State, requesting a draft, Mount Vernon, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, resolution appointing a committee to meet in September in Philadelphia to confer with representatives of other colonies regarding the relationship between the colonies and Great Britain, 1 p., folio. This resolution was the first official movement for a Continental Congress. It was passed, 117 to 12, behind locked doors, to prevent Governor Gage from dissolving the Assembly.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS, unaddressed, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, presenting a report on encroachments made by British Subjects on the Eastern Territories of the Commonwealth (not present) to the Senate and House of Representatives, with added notes from each body that it had been read, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Arthur Lee, regarding Virginia's ratification of the Constitution, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Sir," 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
AD, description of the news of Lexington when recieved in New York, companies arming, and the destruction of a cargo of tea, 4 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
DS, commission signed as President of Congress appointing Joshua Jacobs Captain of a Company, also signed by Charles Thomson, 1 p., folio.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Sir" discussing religion, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
AL (signature cut off) to "Dear Sir," regarding gift of land in Orleans to the Marquis de La Fayette, suggesting he be given the most valuable land possible, as his presence would improve the opinion of the French inhabitants there, 1 p., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
LS to Robert Walsh, expressing esteem and gratitude for a favor, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Aron Vad, introducing Arthur P. Hayne, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "My Dear Sir," friendly letter, including a letter to be forwarded to a mutual friend, Mr. Crawford, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
ALs to William V. Murray, 2 pp., 4to.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Sir" regarding international affairs, St. Petersburg, 4 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to the editor of the New York Daily Times giving information from Vienna regarding international affairs, 4 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
48 DsS, bills of lading and sales, with 2 articles regarding the bills.
Physical Description1 folder
ADS, Certificate of M. Tanner, Deputy Clerk of the Peace, that J. Forneard has given security to transport to Virginia, in the ship Honour, R. Langley master, 60 convicts (whose names are given), with signitures of M. Tanner and R. Langley, and of the witnesses, J. Parry and T. Brownell, small folio.
Physical Description1 folder
138 autograph signatures in autograph book, including John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, Millard Fillmore, Andrew Johnson, Martin Van Buren, James Madison, James Monore, John Tyler, and many more.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to the Commissioners in France in relation to the policy to be pursued, signed also by James Lovell, York Town, 3 pp., folio.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to the president of New Hampshire, regarding commerce under the new Constitution, from the office of Secretary of Congress, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Approximately 40 various documents (ALsS, autographed photgraphs, playbills, DsS) of various statesmen.
Physical Description1 folder
One pound war note with signature of George.
Physical Description1 folder
Copy of AL to Oscar Straus, 4 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Straus, 3 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Article from "The Sun."
Physical Description1 folder
Pamphlet titled "Remarks in the Senate of the United States, Vindicating the late James A. Bayard of Delaware and Refuting the Groundless Charges Contained in the "Anas" of Thomas Jeferson, Aspersing his Character."
Physical Description1 folder
DS, certifying that a black man, Benjamin Ammir, is free, 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
Printed booklet, "an account of the churches and their constitutions, ministers, members, associations, their plan and sentiments, rule and order, proceedings and correspondence, also remarks upon practical religion."
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to Colonel Francis, discussing the idea of moving to America and promising to send a formal power of Attorney, 3 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Petition of Freeman, Indian, to the General Court of Mass., for the freedom of his wife by reason of services rendered the English and as promised by Gov. Winslow. Ordered by the General Court, but disapproved by the council, signed by Edward Rawson, 1 p., folio.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Dear Sir" regarding an oration on the 4th of July, Monticello, 2 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
ALS to "Sir" signed by Stratford Canning, Constantinople, 11 June 1827; "Constantinople, from Cassin Pacha," copy of engraving, n.d.; copy of engraving of Lord Viscount Stratford de Redcliffe, n.d.; copy of engraving of Captain William Downe, n.d.
Physical Description1 folder
D, addressed to "Gentlemen," discussing grievances with the British ministry.
Physical Description1 folder
Published copy of Washington's Letter accepting his appointment as Lieutenant-General and Commander in Chief of the Army.
Physical Description1 folder
ANS, two-dollar Confederate bill.
Physical Description1 folder
11 ADs, receipts of Oscar S. Strauss for the purchase of various documents.
Physical Description1 folder
"A Sermon Preached at Plimmoth in New-England... Wherein is Shewed the danger of self-love and the sweetness of true Friendship," printed document, 19 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
"A Sermon Preached at Plimmoth, in New England," printed document, 8 pp.
Physical Description1 folder
Facsimile of the Declaration of Independence, certified by J. John Hay.
Physical Description1 folder
Photocopy of ALS to Mr. Madison, expressing pleasure at Mr. Jefferson's acceptance of the appointment of Secretary of Sate, 1 p., 4to. Copy of letter in Folder 36.
Physical Description1 folder
Copy of ALS, "I never knew a man who wishes to be himself a slave. Consider if you know any good thing, that no man desires for himself," 1 p.
Physical Description1 folder
2 copies of ALS to Richard Rush, Esq., Comptrouler of the Treasury, regarding the War of 1812, 4pp. Original in Folder 7.
Physical Description1 folder
4 copies of engravings: 1 of Elbridge Gerry, 2 of George Washington, and 1 of John Hancock.
Physical Description1 folder
1 folder