Call Number:

C1076

Repository:

Princeton University Library: Manuscripts Division

Extent:

• 1 box
• 0.2 linear feet

Language:

English

Preferred Citation:

Citations should be as follows: Henry Hill Collection, Box #, Folder #, Special Collections, Princeton University Library.

Date:

1808-1839 (inclusive)

Creator:

Hill, Henry, 1778-1841

Form:

Correspondence -- 19th century and Diplomatic documents--19th century.

Abstract:

Consists of a file of nineteeth-century correspondence and documents primarily relating to Henry Hill's commission as United States consul in Salvador, Brazil.

Henry Hill was born in Guilford, Connecticut, on 4 July 1778. In 1808 he was appointed by President Thomas Jefferson as U.S. Consul to the port of Salvador (Bahia), Brazil. He served until 1815, when he resigned because of failing health, and moved to a large plantation, Columbiano, some distance from Bahia. He and his family lived there for fourteen years before returning to the United States in 1833. Hill resided in Buffalo, New York, until his death on 24 July 1841.

The collection consists of a file of correspondence and documents primarily relating to Hill's commission as United States consul in Salvador, Brazil. The first letter in the file, dated 3 May 1808 and signed by Secretary of State James Madison, offers the appointment. Subsequent letters and documents contain details about Hill's consular instructions and duties during his tenure in Brazil, including his vellum passport, dated 7 March 1809 and signed by President Madison. There are also printed circulars from the Department of State regarding the consular uniform and expenditures on the Public Account, and a statement of Hill's account summarizing his official expenses (1808-1815). Other correspondents include Daniel Brent, John Graham, and Stephen Pleasonton.

The documents are arranged chronologically.