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Sutton and Cunliffe-Owen 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

Sutton

E. F. H. Sutton (Princeton Class of 1895) was a physician and poet. After losing their European fortunes, Sutton's friends, Countess Marguerite and Frederick Cunliffe-Owen, came to the United States in 1885 from France, and they began writing careers. Frederick wrote for newspaper editorial and society columns concerning, for the most part, European affairs and the social life of the nobility, and Marguerite published a series of biographies and novels.

The collection consists of selected papers of E. F. H. Sutton (Princeton Class of 1895), a physician and poet, and his collection of papers of his longtime friends, the former Countess Marguerite (de Godart) Cunliffe-Owen and her husband, Frederick Cunliffe-Owen. After losing their European fortunes, the Cunliffe-Owens came to the United States in 1885 from France, and they began writing careers. Frederick wrote for newspaper editorial and society columns concerning, for the most part, European affairs and the social life of the nobility, and Marguerite published a series of biographies and novels. Their papers include correspondence with family, friends, and such persons as John Whitelaw Reid, Jules Jusserand, Theodore Roosevelt, and German and English ambassadors; manuscript pages, book contracts, family documents and genealogies, many photographs (mainly of Marguerite), and watercolor drawings; and letters, photographs, and documents relating to the New York City Police Department of which Marguerite was a benefactress and honorary deputy chief (ca. 1920). In addition, there are personal objects such as cigarette cases, seals, a flask, photograph frames, small daggers, medals, and decorations.

Sutton's papers include drafts for his memoir of Marguerite entitled "The Princess Au Revoir," written about 1929, and a new introduction (ca. 1940) to her book Martyrdom of an Empress (1899), neither of which has been published. Also present are typescripts and galleys for a volume of his selected verse, Carmina Nassovica (1936), miscellaneous poems, clippings, documents, and photographs.

Unprocessed.

Publication by Sutton: Carmina Nassovica (privately printed, 1936)

Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen left her papers to Sutton, the executor of her estate, who then bequeathed them to Princeton.

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.

The contents list was compiled by Rafael Abrahams in July 2010.

No appraisal information is available.

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

Letter and notes, 1950. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Letter from Edward F. Sutton to Henry L. Savage of the Princeton University Library concerning photocopied biographical notes on the Cunliffe-Owen family.

Physical Description

1 folder

The Princess Au Revoir, 1940. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Carbon copy with annotation

Physical Description

1 folder

The Princess Au Revoir, chapters 1-4, 1928-1929. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Documented first copies of chapters 1-4, typed with annotation

Physical Description

1 folder

The Princess Au Revoir, chapters 5-8, 1928-1930. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Documented first copies of chapters 5-8, typed with annotation

Physical Description

1 folder

The Princess Au Revoir, chapters 9-12, 1928-1931. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Documented first copies of chapters 9-12, typed with annotation

Physical Description

1 folder

Materials Viewable Online
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"The Martyrdom of an Empress", introduction, 1940-1941. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

2 drafts of an introduction to "The Martyrdom of an Empress", typed with annotation

Physical Description

1 folder

"Her Hand", undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Poem by E. Sutton in wood frame

Physical Description

1 folder

"The Others That Come", 1913. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Poem signed "M.M." in metal frame

Physical Description

1 folder

"The Good Old Town", 1935. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Reunion song written in 1897 in Princeton by Sutton. Four mimeograph copies of words and music, and related letter of correspondence

Physical Description

1 folder

Carmina Nassovica, 1936. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Typescript and galley proof

Physical Description

1 folder

Poetry clippings, 1911-1935. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Poems by Sutton, M. Cunliffe-Owen, and others. Extracted from magazines and newspapers, some typescript and some autograph. 40 pieces.

Physical Description

1 folder

Poetry scrapbooks, 1947. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Scrapbooks of verse by Sutton. Printed, typewritten, and autograph. 2 volumes.

Physical Description

1 folder

Printed poetry, 1912. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Printed poetry of Sutton including "For the Seventieth Birthday of His Eminence Cardinal Farley", 1912, on back of menu for celebratory lunch; 4 copies of "The Dark Star", 1916, dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Alexandra as President of the Kitchener Memorial Fund; and "The Christmas Legend of Our Lady Pity", undated, extracted from magazine.

Physical Description

1 folder

"The Sybil", undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Poem by Sutton. 36 printed copies.

Physical Description

1 folder

Frame, 1933. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Small silver frame that was made to hold baby picture of Sutton and a lock of his baby hair

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs, 1899. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

14 photographs of Sutton, all undated but one from 1899.

Physical Description

1 folder

Diplomas, 1895. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Dr. Sutton's Princeton diploma 1895; Columbia diploma 7 June 1899 (College of Physicians- Surgeon); Diploma of Resident House Physician at Roosevelt Hospital, 30 June 1901

Physical Description

1 folder

Copyright forms, 1940. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Copy of the Copyright Act and the Patent and Copyright Office of Canada Rules and Forms and related letter.

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs and drawing, 1886. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

12 photographs of Fritz Cunliffe-Owen, most undated. A drawing of Philip Cunliffe-Owen, 1886.

Physical Description

1 folder

Materials Viewable Online
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Miniature and photograph, undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Framed miniature of Fritz Cunliffe-Owen as a baby; framed photograph of Fritz as young man in Vienna

Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook, 1891-1892. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen containing newspaper clippings. Also includes Souvenir of Dinner for His Excellency J.J. Jusserand, Ambassador of France, 1920

Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook, 1918. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen containing photographs of the Memorial Day Parade, 1918; loose photographs; Christmas cards; miscellaneous other documents, most undated

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents and manuscripts, 1900-1918. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous clippings, photographs, correspondence, memorabilia. Manuscripts of poems and of M. Cunliffe-Owen's novel The Trident and the Net

Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook, 1912-1914. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen containing newspaper clippings and a program for The French Drama Society's performance of "A Husband in Love with his Wife", 1914. Also includes letter from the Police Commissioner of New York to Marguerite regarding the Third International Police Conference, 1923.

Physical Description

1 folder

Scrapbook, 1915-1918. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Scrapbook of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen containing newspaper clippings and some photographs

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter folder with correspondence, 1908-1927. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Cloth letter folder containing miscellaneous correspondence of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen

Physical Description

1 folder

Correspondence, 1908-1928. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Miscellaneous correspondence of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen in English, French, and German. Program for the Annual Banquet of The Captain's Endowment Association, 1923. Some sheet music.

Physical Description

1 folder

2 letters, 1918. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Letter from the President of the New York Police Department announcing the election of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen to full membership in the Legion, 1919. Letter from the President of the Traffic Squad Benevolent Association electing Marguerite an Honorary Member of the Association.

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter folder with correspondence, 1906-1926. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Leather letter folder containing miscellaneous correspondence of Fritz and Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, including correspondence with Queen Alexandra and King George V of the United Kingdom; some photographs; a program for a dinner of the Sergeants Benevolent Association of the Police Department of the City of New York; and a clipping of a poem by Marguerite titled "Soldiers All the Time"

Physical Description

1 folder

Letter accordion folder with correspondence, 1885. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Leather letter accordion folder containing miscellaneous correspondence of Fritz and Marguerite Cunliffe-Own, including a telegram from King George V; and a printed pamphlet titled "Scandals at Cairo in Connection with Slavery" by Fritz, 1885.

Physical Description

1 folder

Envelope with miscellaneous documents of Edward Sutton, 1944. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Envelope containing copyrights of Edward Sutton and permission from Harper, Scribner, and the Century to reprint his verse

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous French documents, 1839-1864. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Documents and letters, many related to the Gardes Nationale du Departement de la Seine

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, 1868-1885. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Correspondence. Watercolor drawings, some of which served as illustration for Marguerite's books, takes from her scrapbook, and pages with photographs and souvenirs extracted from the same.

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, 1885-1898. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Same as above. Clippings of obituaries of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, 1927.

Physical Description

1 folder

Publication contracts of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, 1898-1909. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

11 publication contracts between Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen and Harper & Brothers

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents of the Cunliffe-Owens, 1864. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Genealogical records; certificates and awards; receipt

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents of the Cunliffe-Owens, 1842-1862. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Map; certificates and awards; legal documents; correspondence.

Physical Description

1 folder

The Descendants of the Elder Branch of the Cunliffes of Wycoller, 1887. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Book on Cunliffe genealogy compiled by Major-General C.H. Owen

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents of Fritz Cunliffe-Owen, 1878-1929. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Correspondence, legal certificates, etc.

Physical Description

1 folder

Police passes of Sutton. Certificates of Fritz Cunliffe-Owen, 1918-1922. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Cards permitting Edward F Sutton to pass through police lines; documents related to the appointment of Fritz to the Cross of the Knight of the Royal Order of Orange-Nassau; diploma confirming Fritz as a Knight Commander of the Order of the Crown of Italy; Warrant of the Appointment of Fritz to the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire; bound obituary of Fritz written by The Pilgrims of the United States.

Physical Description

1 folder

Certificates of Fritz Cunliffe-Owen, 1919. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Certificate confirming appointment of Fritz to the French Ordre National de la Legion D'Honneur; Arabic certificate

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen, 1879-1903. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

15 photographs, some at age 20 (1879); some at age 44 (1903); and others, undated.

Physical Description

1 folder

Materials Viewable Online
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Photographs of the Cunliffe-Owens, 1900-1969. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Undated photographs of Marguerite and brother Gontran in their youth. Photographs of the Cunliffe-Owen estate. Glass locket with photographs of Pierrot (Mrs. Cunliffe-Owen) and her father. 2 scapular medals (gold one was used by Marguerite's father), undated.

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous photographs, 1879. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photographs of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen at age 20 (1879) and others, undated; photograph marked "View at Davenport's Neck, Westchester County, taken by Marguerite, of which she was quite proud"

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen and of her son Alger non, 1884. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photographs of Algernon at age 15; photograph of Marguerite at age 25 (1884); others, undated.

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs of Marguerite Cunliffe-Owen and others, 1875-1923. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photograph of Marguerite at age 16 (1875); age 24 (1883); age 27 (1886); age 40 (1899) at the Foster House, her then residence on 158th Street in Manhattan; age 44 (1903); age 65 (1923) wearing her shield of Honorary Deputy Chief Suspector of the New York City Police Department; and others, undated. Photographs of her son Algernon, brother Gontran, and others.

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs of the New York Police Parade, 6/15/1820, 1820. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

7 photographs

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents relating to the Police Department of the City of New York, 1893-1923. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

2 wallets containing various police certificates and passes of Marguerite's; program for the Annual Banquet of the Captain's Endowment Association of the Police Department of the City of New York, 1923; police Christmas cards; leather bound booklet titled "Souvenir of the reception given to Captain Martin Sylvester Owens on his return from the World War", 1919; miscellaneous photographs, drawings, correspondence.

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous documents relating to the Police Department of the City of New York, 1920-1925. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photographs of Marguerite at the Police Games, 1923; correspondence concerning Fritz's appointment as Brevet-Officer in the House of Orange-Nassau, 1920; program for the International Police Conference in New York City, 1925, and for a related banquet; Christmas greeting card from police squad; documents and photographs relating to the decoration of New York Police Commissioner Richard Enright with the French Cross of the Legion of Honor; photograph of the Detectives' Endowment Association of the Police Department, City of New York, 1924; photographs of the New York Police Parade, 1920-1923.

Physical Description

1 folder

"They Shall Not Pass", undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Battle of the Marne War Song. Sheet music, 5 copies. "Respectfully dedicated to Countess Marguerite Cunliffe-Owens"

Physical Description

1 folder

Framed photographs, undated. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

4 framed photographs of Marguerite, one with baby

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs of Marguerite, Frtitz, and Marguerite's friends and acquaintances. Some other material, 1903-1929. 3 folders.
Scope and Contents

Photographs of distinguished people including mayors, archbishops, the German emperor, and others, many autographed. Clipping on "The Home of a World Famous Writer" with photographs of Marguerite's dining room and bedroom.

Physical Description

3 folders

Autographed photograph, 1920. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photograph of decorated official. Inscription in French.

Physical Description

1 folder

Books and printed works of Marguerite's, 1889-1920. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

10 books and printed works including: 2 copies of Special Edition Printed to Commemorate a Meeting of the National Sculpture Society for a Statue of Joan of Arc in the City of New York, 1913; 2 copies of The Dedication of the Statue of Joan of Arc in the City of New York on the 6th of December, 1915, 1916; "The Sentinel of the Blessed Sacrament", June, 1912; A Living Lie by Paul Bourget, translated by Marguerite, 1893; Beyond the Pale by B.M. Croker, 1896; A Servant of Satan by Louis Berard, 1889; The France-America Society Yearbook 1917-1918; and The Police Department of the City of New York Annual Report, 1920.

Physical Description

1 box

Dictionnaire Universel D'Histoire et de Geographie, 1845. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

French encyclopedia of history, geography, and biography, owned by Marguerite

Physical Description

1 box

Flags, medallions, decorations, seals, cigarette cases, bottle, and other items of the Cunliffe-Owens, 1809. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

New York City Police flag; medallions marking the positions of Grand Officer in the Order of Osmanieh and of Grand Officer in the Order of Charles III of Spain; 2 medallions for the New York Police Order of Merit; medallion of Marguerite's marking the position of Officier de l'Instruction Publique; cup of Marguerite's, designed by Sutton; metal statuette and seal of Louis Joseph, Marquis du Plandy, 1809; medal presented to Marguerite by the General Lafayette Police Post, 1920; pin presented to Marguerite marking her Honoroary Deputy Chief of the Police Department of New York; button with diamonds marking honorary membership in the Police Band; medallion for the Chevalier Legion of Honor of the House of Orange-Nassau; medallion presented to Marguerite marking her honorary member in the General Lafayette Police Post, American Legion, 1920; medallion presented to Marguerite marking her an honorary member of the McClellan Garrison Police Post of the Army and Navy Union, 1920; Commander's badge for a New York City Police celebration; medallion of the French Colonial Order bearing the Star of Morocco; gold chain bracelet bearing 7 miniature decoration of Comte Jules du Planty; Marguerite's father; printing block used by Marguerite to head her letter paper; seal of police department sent to Marguerite when she prepared some European correspondence for the Commissioner on the occasion of his receiving Decorations (it was mislaid and not returned); seal of Marguerite's bearing arms of Godart du Planty; barrettes bearing miniature decorations; leather folder presented to Marguerite by the City of New York Police Detective Endowment Association, 1923, containging many police decorations and medallions; leather case containing 2 Indian arrowheads; medallion bearing White Eagle of Poland; box of 4 decorations including medals from Charles III of Spain, Osmanieh of Egypt, the Crown of Italy, and the Rising Sun of Japan; box of decorations from France; gold cufflinks from the Seargeants Benevolent Association Banquet, 1922; oblong glass bottle; miscellaneous other unlabeled medallions, decorations, seals, and cigarette cases.

Physical Description

1 box

Photographs, frames, matchboxes, medallions, knives, and other items of the Cunliffe-Owens, 1882. 2 boxes.
Scope and Contents

Cigar case with silver matchboxes; Belgian decorative medallion; 16 meals commemorating the New York City Police in France in the First World War; decoration marking Fritz a member of the Reception Committee of the National Police Conference; decoration marking Marguerite a member of the Executive Committee of the International Police Conference, 1925; framed photographs of Marguerite and her family; gold, jeweled folding frame for 3 photographs bearing a crown and the inscription "Marguerite 1882", but with no photographs; 2 folding knives, one in tusk or animal tooth; other frames and photograph holders.

Physical Description

2 boxes

Watercolor and pencil sketches of Brittany, 1872-1897. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Painted and drawn by Marguerite's mother

Physical Description

1 folder

Photographs, 1914-1915. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photographs of Marguerite's residence on Staten Island, and Riverside Drive, N.Y.C., and of the Duc de Montpensier's yacht, "The Mekong". February 1915 issue of The Spur, containing account of Riverside Drive home.

Physical Description

1 folder

Miscellaneous items relating to the New York Police Department, 1917-1923. 1 folder.
Scope and Contents

Photographs relating to Marguerite's activities in connection with the New York Police Department including parades, banquets, and portraits; tapestry of New York Police insignia mounted on cardboard; sheet music for "They Shall Not Pass"; prints, posters, and certificates.

Physical Description

1 folder

Watercolor portrait of Marguerite painted by the artist Dietler, 1869. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

Portrait of Marguerite at age 10.

Physical Description

1 box

3 watercolor portraits of Marguerite's family by the artist Dietler, 1869. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

Portraits of Jules de Godart, Comte du Plany et de Sourdis; Comtess Isaure; and Marquis Gontran.

Physical Description

1 box

Du Planty Family Documents Related to the House of Gonzaga, 1859. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

2 rolled parchment documents.

Physical Description

1 box

Du Planty Family Documents: Life Saver's Diploma, 1863. 1 box.
Scope and Contents

2 rolled documents, including a French "Life Saver's Diploma" and another unidentified document.

Physical Description

1 box

Print, Suggest