Clements Library in Ann Arbor
17 June 2003, Tuesday
David Douglass Papers. Gift of Dr. S. W. Jackman
1814-02-21. Eleazer Derby Wood in Albany to David Douglass, Engineer at WP. Sends $20 for CPT Snowden. Just in Albany for a few days. Small train of artillery has already left for the Niagara frontier. Present my best to Mr. and Mrs. Ellicott. "I think we shall be able to do something in the Spring, toward chastening the Enemy, for their shameful & infamous conduct upon that frontier.
1814-04-04. Joseph Gardner Swift in NY to Douglas at West Point. "I wish the Carpenter to furnish Mr. Ellicott refuse lumber to make up his Jorden [Garden?] fence, please tell the Carpenter."
1814-04-18. William Cutbush (1786-1855) and Samuel Babcock (ca. 1785-1831) in NY to Douglass at WP. "Col Renwick has requested of me to beg the favor of you to collect the books, major Wood borrowed of him, last winter & send them down by some safe conveyance.""Capt Thayer has left this for Norwalk --- and I presume Cape Babcock and Ft. Dumas."
1814-06-18. Swift at WP to Lieut. Douglass of U. S. Engineers. With the Bombardiers under your command you will embark on board the Forrester and proceed to Albany. Then march to Buffalo and report to Major Wood.
1814-06-18 to 1815-07-15. Journal of my [Douglass's] March from Albany to Buffalo. No wind. 73 people in the group. Drew 73 swords and 24 muskets from the arsenal. 30 round ball cartridges for each. 2 wagons. Provisions for 7 days. Got 17 miles this day. 21, 20, 27 miles. No discussion of Wood.
1815-10-31. Edmund Pendleton Gaines (1777-1849) at Hdqts August Ga, to Douglass at WP. "The Douglass Battery, and the manner in which it was defended in the Battle of Fort Erie on the morning of the 15th August, are bright within my recollection." Praises the commander. Who was it, Douglass? Or perhaps, Wood? No one is named.
1817-02-19. Daniel Parker (1782-1846) to Douglass: Report to WP for duty.
1817-05-22. J. G. Swift at NY to Douglass at New London, Conn. "P.S. Col McRee and Lieut. Thayer are here & in good health."
1817-09-03. Swift in Boston to Douglass. Report to WP. "I think with you, that old P= [name not written out, but two dashes added after the letter]. should not have been let off, what will he do will he be able to L=e himself into a ???" "Compliments to Maj Thayer, Lt Story, and any of the gent of my acquaintance there may be at the Point" So perhaps he is not referring to Partridge earlier.
1818-05-20. Orders from Engineering Department Headquarters. "The resignation of Capt. A. Partridge was accepted to take effect on the 15th instant."
1818-08-24. Joseph Delaplaine (1777-1824) in Philadelphia to Douglass in WP. "I take the liberty of informing you that I have been engaged for several years in forming a National Gallery of the portraits of Distinguished Americans, and my object in writing now, is to request the honour of you to present to me your portrait." Your name, and also Col Totten and Col McRee, was suggested by General Mansfield. It would be nice if Samuel L. Waldo (1783-1861) of NY could do it.
1818-11-11. Note from J. G. Swift that he is retiring after 18 years.
1819-01-16. David Stanhope Bates (1777-1839) in Mexico NY to Douglass at WP. Desires a "detailed account of the nature and mode of education at the Military Academy (or by whatever else name it is called) at West Point where I have long since understood you have located your family, as having something to do with the same --- My object in making this request is to bring up one or more of my boys in a way purely mathematical" He lives near "Mexico four corners". He is engaged as an engineer for the Erie Canal. "This object gives me and many others of the surveying and engineering tribe constant and considerably Lucrative employment and the continued course of mathematical labors I am engaged in, and a sort of (perhaps enthusiastic) fondness for mathematical pursuits, and the luminous prospect of the improvement about to flow from this very important undertaking, altogether have conspired to induce me to trouble you with the application herein contained [i.e., request for info about WP]". Is it true that you are married? "You have lost your mother since I heard from you and your eldest Brother!" Need to track down the family tree. Did any relatives go to WP?
1819-02-03. John Bliss (d. 1854) in Haverhill to Douglass in WP. Wants evidence that he faithfully discharged his duties at WP. Asks Douglass to write and also Story, Gardiner and Mr. Ellicott.
1819-02-17. Douglass at WP to Peter Buell Porter (1773-1844). "From the nature of my duties in the Military Academy I have been led to take much interest in the operations of Practical Astronomy --- & I have moreover a great desire to see the region of the Upper lakes with a view to its mineralogy." There were earlier letters about mineralogy, but I ignored them.
1818-02. Date added later in pencil; also in ink at end by Douglass. Douglass to Bliss. Heavily rewritten draft. Bliss had been Commandant at WP and was relieved. This surprised Douglass. There was a court of inquiry about the conduct of Bliss. Improvement in discipline has been obvious.
[I have looked through the first pile, about 1.5 in. This was 1 of 5 volumes.]
1819-05-08. Donald Fraser to Douglass. Heard you will accompany us on Northwest Boundary Survey. "have seen our old friend Mr. Ellicott."
1819-05-18. Swift in NY to Douglass at WP. Recd your letter of the 15th. "I do not know of a finished Theodolite in this city." "I have a Connoisonce ["connoisseur" is on the file] des Gems for 1819 which I will loan you as it will be more usefully employed than be me in my now vocation.
1819-05. Douglass to Richard Patten. Wants a chronometer for survey of Northwestern Boundary. He heard Patten brought one from England with him. Careful astronomical calculation on back.
1819-05-19. Patten in NY to Douglass at WP. Has London made theodolite with telescope and also a pocket Chronometer and can furnish them for $300 to $500.
1819-05-01. W. A. Bird in Troy to Douglass at WP. Saw theodolite at Porters. "I do not hesitate to pronounce it unworthy of notice."
1819-05-03. Richard Patten to Douglass. CPT LeConte bought the theodolite.
Lots of corr re the theodolite.
Next: 1819-09-16. Back at it on Thursday, 19 June 2003.
1819-08-28 Peter Buell Porter at Black Rock to Douglass "near Put in Bay". Came by steamboat. Pleased with progress being made on the survey. Mentions "Mr. Mansfield's map" but nothing else is said of it. Theodolite arrived.
1819-10-08. Douglas to Ferguson. Instructions about surveying in Put in Bay islands. Where to place stakes and measurements to take.
1820-01-24. William A. Trimble (1790-1849) in Washington to Douglass at WP. "Govr. Cass of the Michigan Territory is fitting out (under the direction of the War Department) and expedition which will leave Detroit in the Spring for the purpose of exploring the country bordering on the North Western Lakes." Cass wants Douglass to go along. "mineroalogy, botany, ornathology, & zoology of that country will be very interesting."
1820-01-31. William Woodbridge (1780-1861) in Washington to Douglass at WP. Sect. Calhoun has just said you will be detailed for the Cass expedition "thro' (sic) Lake Superior into the Mississippi."
1820-02-07. Douglass at WP to Porter. Have been detailed to Cass expedition. "As the time allotted to this enterprise may be such as to require me to resign my Assistant Professorship at this place, and as I shall be unwilling that any obstacle should prevent my going on the proposed service, I am anxious to effect some arrangement for being employed after the return of the party in such a way as would justify such resignation --- under these circumstances the idea of a reemployment in the Service of the Boundary Commisn has occurred to me --- and I trouble you on that score --- ." "The Survey will of necessity acquire a character almost wholly Astronomical in the Lake Huron & Superior --- the distance of the Ilands in those Lakes from the main Shore and from each other, rendering it utterly impossible to determine their relative position or to lay them down upon any other than Astronomical data --- With the means of obtaining these data I have acquired a practical acquaintance, and for the purpose of doing it in the most accurate & least expensive manner I propose to bring into the service of the Commission all the most useful and necessary Astronomical Instruments --- Among these I would mention the following viz A zenith Sector of approved make --- an Astronomical quadrant (not the manni [?] reflecting quadrant) a Transit Instrument, an excellent Chronomr perhaps two. and a first rate Sextant --- These are generally Instruments of great cost; some of them very difficult to be procurd at any price; none of them at present in the hands of the Commisn thou' all very important, I might say almost essential to the determination of Latitudes and Longitudes." This letter indicates that Douglass knows he has lots of abilities and he is lauding himself so that he can move up later.
1820-02-14. W. A. Bird in Troy to Douglass at WP. "forward me a copy of the notes taken by you for ascertaining a true Meridian" as notes were left with the Station Notes.
1820-02-16. David Thompson (1770-1858) in Montreal to Douglass at WP. "I am happy to hear that you had a pleasant journey to your home, and the satisfaction of a present of a fine Boy from your Lady [[ Andrew Ellicott Douglass was born November 18, 1819 at West Point ]]. My wife also made me a present of a Boy last November." Sent a map to England to be engraved that is based on work of Mr. Donald McKensie. It will confirm work of Lewis and Clark "who certainly deserve great praise." "Unfortunately Mr. Donald McKensie's astronomical observations [?] witgh his Instruments even destroyed by a part of Indians when near the Columbia, but being a Gentleman af good memory and verfy intelligent went to work to gather, and traces as accurately as possible those five [fine?] Countries." This syntax is garbled and not clear to me.
1820-02-17 Douglass at WP to W. A. Bird "of the Boundary Commission." Apologizes for being so late in answering letter from December. "Your letter came to hand when we were on the eve of commenc. one half yearly examination --- that employed exclusively almost four weeks and since it has been finished other Acadc business has been imposed upon me which has engrossed every moment of my time." Then he reports some astronomical observations.
1920-03-12. John Sylvanus Allanson (d. 1830) to Douglass at WP. Asks for details on death of Col John Ogilvie. Got a letter from Story about a month ago. Now there is a rumor that he was killed in a duel. What do you know? Planning on leaving the army. Will take a wife. "Please present my best [torn] to Mrs. D. and to the Ellicott family".
1820-03-20. Harvey Brown (1795-1874) at Ft. Trumbull, New London to Douglass at WP. Has been meaning to write Mr. Ellicott b but nothing to say. Has not heard from any WP friends in 6 mo. except Cousin Rachel. "Please to give my best love to my Uncle Aunt and Cousin".
1820-03-28. Porter in Albany to Douglass at WP. Mr Garnet has sold the two chronometers. Can you get one?
1820-04-04. Nathan Towson (1784-1854) in Washington to Douglass at WP. You may draw 3 mo. advanced pay if Paymaster Leslie "has funds sufficient."
1820-09-27. A. G. Whitney, corr. sect of the new Lyceum of the City of Detroit, to Douglass at WP notifying him of membership. It was set up Sept. 26.
1820-10-28. Douglass to Samuel Latham Mitchell (1764-1831). Draft. Cass expedition was hard but rewarding esp wrt mineral collecting. Located 50 points in latitude and a "goodly number" also in longitude.
1820-10-30. John Lind Smith (d. 1858) of the Engineering Department in DC to Capt. Douglass at WP. "I am directed by the Secretary of War [Calhoun] to inform you that you will be appointed Professor of Mathematics at the Military Academy at West Point to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the late Mr. Ellicott, and that it is expected, should you accept that appointment, that you will resign your Commission in the Corps of Engineers. The annexation of this condition to your acceptance conforms to a rule, of the War Department, founded upon the inadequacy of the Corps of Engineers, from its limited numbers, to the fulfillment of even its professional duties, that "no officer of the Corps of Engineers shall hold a permanent Staff appointment which will render his services unavailable to their professional objects." This rule has been enforced with respect to Colonel Gadsdei [??] whose resignation as a Captain of Engineers is now on file in the Engineer Department." [one set of internal quotes].
1820-11-08. Douglass at WP to John C. Calhoun. "Your letter of Appointment of the Sec. of War conferring on me the office of Professor of Mathematics in the Military Academy, I have received; and though I am induced by the wishes of my friends and especially by the relationship in which I stand to the widow of the Late professor, to accept it. I assure you Sir that I enter up;on the duties of the Station, not without great fears that my ability to discharge them with effect, have been over-estimated by the friends who have so kindly interested themselves in my behalf on this occasion." Whole letter. On the same sheet is
1820-11-08. Douglass at WP to Walker Keith Armistead (1785-1845). "This will accompany my acceptance of the appointment of Prof. of Mathematics in the Military Academy & you will please therefore to consider it my resignation as Capt. of Engineers --- I await your orders as to the disposal of the Instruments in my hands."
1820-12-01. Douglass at WP to Benjamin Silliman (1779-1864) at Yale. 6pp. Would have written sooner "had I not been laboring under and extreme press of domestic duties arising out of the decease of my father in law the late professor Ellicott, which together with some of an official kind have employed every moment of my time." Discusses geology and Cass. "To return from my travels to West Point --- I pray you not to hold the Scientific Character of our institution in low estimation when you are informed who is appointed to succeed Professor Ellicott. The successor has been encouraged to accept an appointment procured for him without any steps on his part by the singularly corresponding efforts of some much honored friends but with this circumstance before him and with every dispositions to apply himself to his duties he assumed no one is more sensible than himself of his inability to perform them adequately --- his relation to the family of the late professor was the strongest motive for accepting." He never does say that he was appointed. Is there a new edition of Henry's Chemistry?
1820-12-23. Douglass at WP to Silliman at Yale. Recd letter of 14th inst. Will write about Cass expedition for your journal.
1821-01-08. Lyman Foot (d. 1846) to Douglass. Just appointed surgeon at WP. Thanks D.
1821-07-06 Douglas to Robert Adrain (1775-1843). ADf. 2pp + 4pp. Delay in response caused by duties when your letter came. "It came to hand while I was engaged at the rate of ten or eleven hours per hay in the Examination hall and this has continued to be the case until a week past since when an alarming illness in my family has engrossed every amount of my time. Then this breaks into an error in Hutton dealing with the radius of curvature. Several pages of computation. No specific proposition stated; no doubt that was in Adrain's letter, which is not here (at least yet).
I should examine Hutton on radius of curvature. This letter may be worth a return thrip.
1821-07-20. Douglas to Silliman, ADf. May not be able to do article as "I have been engaged in sessions of ten and eleven hours per day in our examination hall".
1821-11-25. Douglass to Joseph Anderson (1757-1837, first comptroller of the treasury. ADfS. He has ordered books from Europe and argues that they should be duty free because all books for "Seminaries of Learning" are. These were "imported with express refererence to the discharge of my professional duties as a professor in the Military Academy; --- had I not held that station I should never have thought of ordering them and have now done so only with the view to render the mathematical instruction as useful as possible to the Cadets. --- The use of them therefore becomes a matter of public consideration, although in point of fact the Books are my property." They relate to "pure and mixed Mathemati". He enclosed a list of particulars from the Paris bookseller. "My Dept. in the Academy embraces necessarily six or seven assistants; all of whom have free access to my library and have constantly as well the Cadets themselves more or less of my books in use." "The Military Academy is gradually acquiring a reputation for science & usefulness among the co:ordinate (sic) institutions of our Country." Signed prof of math. Letter of 1821-12-07 instructs collector in NY about the subject of this letter, but enclosure is absent.
1822-05-02. Douglas. ADf. 1p. Recomm of Charles Davies (1798-1876) to become prof of math at Princeton. Asked for copy. Scratched out:
1. might.
2 It may be known to you that the mathematical instruction of our
3. Can't read.
4. in the discharge of which duty he has acquited himself with great zeal and fidelity and with
1822-05-03. John Torrey (1796-1873) in NY to Douglass at WP. ALS 3pp. "So you have Mr. Eaton with you! I hope he will inspire some of the young men of the Point with a ??? for the charming sciences which he is engaged in teaching. You must get him to look at the Geology of the region" even though you have done so as he has novel ideas.
1822-05-06. Joseph Snelling (1782-1828) to Douglass at WP about his son. Sent him as a boy of 14 with a promise from Thayer that he would inform him of any improprieties. "I never heard from him until he notified me in answer to a letter of mine, that my son was not willing, or obstinately refused to follow the course of studies prescribed, & there was no alternative but resignation to save him from the disgrace of a dismission: in this letter Majr Thayer only objects that he was not a mathematician, I certainly agree with him that young gentlemen who wll not follow the course of studies prescribed should not remain at the institution; but when I reflect that two persons at least, (Cts Giles & Genant) have been sent to the 5th & rifle regts with no more knowledge of mathematics than they brought into the world with them, and that several others whom from respect to their moral characters I shall not name, are at least equally, ignorant of mathematics with my unfortunate boy, I do not hesitate to say that the son of a soldier has not an equal chance with one who has relatives in congress , or influential friends near the seat of government."
1822-05-21. Andrew A. Ellicott of Shelby [Conn] to Douglass about Lewis Buckley a friend who will be a cadet. He did not graduate. Letter begins "Dear Brother --- // The girls have pestered me, until I agree to write"
Is this "Brother Quaker" or who?
1822-06-03. Robert Patterson (1792-1881) in Philadelphia to Douglass at WP introducing new cadet Maskell C. Ewing (1807-1849). "Give me leave to introduce to your friendly nature my nephew Maskell Ewing junr." "Give my best respects (I was going to say love) to your most amiable spouse --- My affectionate regards also to Mrs. Elliot (sic) & any of her family who may be at the Point."
There are several letters introducing cadets. The senders all seem to know Douglass.
1822-07-29. William Townshend Washington in Paris to Douglass. Asks if he or Thayer have any commissions for him in Paris. "I have found my friend Cadet Williams deeply engaged in the prossecution of his studies & already no inconsiderable Mathematician."
21 June 2003. Friday. My third day at the Clements.
Beginning box 3
1823-01 John Torrey in NY to Douglass at WP. Is aware of a position at WP that Clevelaid [?] and Silliman, "These are giants," have applied for, but will not accept due to the terms, which are unstated. "They have made great exertions among the Eastern members of Congress to have a law passed to establish a secular Professorship at the Point. But LeConte & others say there is little hope of the bill passing." He opens the letter to add a postscript that Perceval got the job.
1823-02-11. Douglass at WP to Lardner Vanuxem (1792-1848), ADf. "We had just completed a long and laborious examination, during which a considerable mass of minor business had accumulated on my hands".
1823-04-28. Lewis Caleb Beck (1798-1853) in Albany to Douglass at WP. This evening you have been elected to the "Albany Lyceum of Natural History." Beck is corr. sect.
1823-04-28. AdfS of Douglass. Recommendation for Dr. John P. Emmett, x1818. Was a cadet 1815-6. "Dr Emmett as is well known enjoyed a high standing in the Class to which he belonged, and I believe it will very readily be conceeded (sic) by all his companions that he was justly entitled to so do. By a rare and happy union of application and intellect he very soon distinguished himself for the facility with which he acquired the different branches of study and in consequence of this was selected by the then Professor of Mathematics to act as an Assistant in that Dept which duty he performed in a very satisfactory manner until the state of his health rendered it necessary for him to leave the Academy."
1823-05-01. Lewis Cass in Detroit to Douglass at WP. Introduction for his nephew ("son of my sister"), Wyllys Silliman, Jr., x1827.
1823-05-15. Cass in Detroit to Douglass at WP. Recd appointment from Sect of War "to attend the examinations at the Military Academy. It would have gratified me exceedingly to be there" but has been charged with reclaiming lands granted to Moravians in Ohio.
1823-06-06. John N. Dillahunty (ca 1800-1844) at WP to Douglass at WP. Elected to West Point Lyceum of Natural History. Why was he not a founding member?
1823-06-10. George Augustus Elliot (sic) at Erie PA to Douglass at WP. "It is sometime since I had the pleasure of seeing you but College friends, and especially Class-mates are rarely forgotten". Introduces James Wilson, x1827.
1823-12-09. Douglass to unknown recipient, but associated with Yale. ADf. Wants a school master for children of WP officers. If you don't know someone, perhaps President Day or Prof. Silliman can recommend one. "Col Thayer I believe wrote to Howe & Spalding some time since about another importation of books, but has not heard from them in reply to say whether my order is forwarded."
1823-12-10. John Torrey in NY to Douglass. Swift has encouraged Torrey to apply for position of Cutbush, who died. Re Schoolcraft: "By the way, the old dog has married that half breed at last! Another cross will be just the mark, though indeed, S is about half himself."
1824-02-06. John Haxlehurst Boneval Latrobe (1803-1891) in Baltimore to Douglass at WP. Studying law. "unforeseen circumstances compelled me to leave the academy" and so now he wants to use his WP education to serve his country.
1824-02-25. Samuel Latham Mitchell (1764-1831) in NY to Douglass at WP. Douglass has asked for information about canals and roads as he intends to write a book on the topic.
1824-05-16. Edmund Pendleton Gaines (1777-1849) in NY to Douglass at WP. Wants sketch by Douglass of Battle of Fort Erie, 15 August 1814. "You must not omit the little battery, where Lieut Douglass "flashed his maiden sword." The state of Virginia is giving Gaines this sword.
1824-05-21. E. Buckingham in Putnam [Ohio?] to Douglass at WP. Intro for his son Catharinus Putnam Buckingham, USMA 1829. "This will be handed you by my son Catharinus Putnam Buckingham who should he pass his examiation and obtain admittance at the School will of course in fact be under your instruction permit me to ask of you, for his benefit that you will have the goodness to give him such council and advice in relation to his general conduct as your experience & observation may sugest (sic). [par] General Trimble & myself were favored with as pleasant a Journey as could be reasonably [be] expected from your place home. With best wishes for your health & happiness I am dear Sir with great respect your obt Servant. E. Buckingham."
1824-10-01. J. Franics [??] in Cambridge to Douglass at WP. Asks for errata and emendations for his Arithmetic as a new edition will be published.
1824-12-14. William Hyslop Sumner (1780-1861) in Boston to Douglass at WP. Will collect specimines for you. Hope the European voyage takes place. "I always recollect, my visit to the Point, and your beautiful gardens with great pleasure" and hope to reciprocate.
1825-01-10. Gerard Ralston corr sect in Philadelphia to Douglass in WP. On Jan 2 Douglass was elected an honorary member of the Pennsylvania Society for the promotion of Internal Improvements in the Commonwealth. Wants to correspond.
1825-02-08. Mary Griffith (1772-1846) in Charlieshope, New Brunswick, [NJ] to Douglass at WP about theories on the origins of springs and artesian wells. Last issue of The American Farmer have two papers on boring for water by "two of your gentlemen" Mr. Tyson and Mr. Mansfield. She is a friend of Douglass.
1825-02-16. John Sylvanus Allanson (d. 1830) in NY to Douglass at WP. Get Gimbrede to finish portrait of Judge Story or return it.
1825-05-14. John Thornton Kirkland (1770-1840) at Harvard College to Douglass. Letter of intro for James [Jones?] Hayward, "Tutor in Mathematics & Natural Philosophy, who has much scientific reputation & Academic consideration here" who will pay a visit to WP.
There are quite a few letters from fathers asking for another chance for their sons at WP. Usually they know Douglass.
1825-07-24. Sylvanus Thayer (1785-1875) in NY to Douglass at WP. Arrived yesterday. "I found my father somewhat improved [?? but no p] & left him much better than I found him but he has failed very much since I last saw him & it is not likely that I shall ever see him again. He enjoyed good health until about two years ago when the hand of death siezed him & appears determined not to let go it's hold." Remember me to Mrs. Douglass, Mrs. Ellicott, Miss Rachael.
1825-11-25. Jeremiah Van Rennselaer (1793-1871) to Douglass at WP. "May I take the liberty to ask if your influence is pledged for the support of any candidate for the Mathematical Chair of Union College? If not, may I venture to name to you as worthy of support Mr. Quimby of this city, who intends being an applicant? You will probably remember his mathematical papers in Silliman's Journal, wh. are pronounced by Prof. Adrain the ablest papers in that Journal in which you will also recollect appeared the papers of our learned and lamented Classmate Fisher." "The reputation & ability of Mr. Quimby be sufficient guarantee that you do not throw away your influence, & that it will be properly appreciated." "Mr. Q is an American by birth, & would not apply but that Prof. Potter, who now holds the Chair, will vacate it in a few days, having been appointed at Geneva College."
1825 or 1826. Douglass ADf to Sec of War [?] recommending Maj. Bliss as deputy quarter master. In 1817 he took charge of dept of tactics. The corps was then "badly organized and badly disciplined".
1826-12-14. Harrison Hall (1775-1866) in Philadelphia to Douglass at WP. Wants a correct history of West Point to publish in the Port Folio. There is one in the Quarterly Journal of Science published in London but Col. Abert says it is "not altogether correct."
1826? Winfield Scott (1786-1850) to Douglass, both at WP. "Will you come over to eat a piece of a cold turkey pie at 10?"
Box 4.
1827-06-03. Lewis Cass in Detroit to Douglass at WP. Intro for his nephew George Washington Cass (1810-1888) who graduatedd 4th in the class of 1832.
1827-06-15. Daniel Henry Barnes (1785-1828) in NY to Douglass at WP. Recommends Thomas Warner to replace Chaplain McIlvain.
1827-09-01. Lewis Caleb Beck (1798-1853) in Albany to Douglass at WP. Letter of intro for Professor Hall of Washington College, Conn., who wishes to see the library and cabinet of minerals. So this is evidence that some people knew WP was building a good library.
Lots of letters of introduction for scientists and future cadets. Parents ask about their boys. Dougless seems to be best known as a geologist. Several people have sent him samples or asked for them. Also a good deal of talk of maps.
1829-09-20. William Bryant at Charleston WVa to Douglass. Loaned Bryant a flute. Neglegent in return.
1829-10-31. Roger S. Skinner in Albany to Douglass wants info on WP for a register of NY. Two or three duodecimal pages. Check if it ever got published.
1830-01-20. Jacob Bigelow (1787-1879) in Boston to Douglass at WP. Asks about architectural models Douglass imported from Fouquet in Paris. Is he still alive? He has Fouquet's printed list. There was an earlier letter about these models that I made no note of. I just went back and looked at the outsides of the folders and this list must have been in box 3. The list in the letter was handwritten and contained perhaps 10 models.
1830-08-15. L. A. Smith in Newark NJ to Maj. Douglass, Civil Engineer, Newark. "the Newark Mechanics Association for Mutual Improvement in the Arts and Sciences" elected him an honorary member.
1830-10-20. Roger Jones in Washington to Douglass at WP. "Captain D. B. Douglass Professor of Engineering in the Military Academy having tendered his Resignation to the War Department, the same has been accepted to take effect the 1st of March next."
1830. Douglass to John Henry Eaton (1790-1856), Secretary of War [?] recommending William Smith as a cadet. He graduated first in the class of 1834 and later changed his name to William Davidson Fraser (ca. 1814-1856). Son of John Smith a mechanic long a resident at this place [WP?]. "He has been known to us from a very early age as a youth of extraordinary quickness and intelligence, unexceptional in morals and manners, and an excellent student".
1831-03-12. Dennis Hart Mahan (1802-1871) at WP to Douglass at Dover NJ. Mrs. Douglass may have the quarters as long as she finds it convenient.
1831-05-13. David Stanhope Bates (1777-1839), his uncle in Packet Boat Walk-in-the-Water, to David Bates Douglass at WP. A rambling letter, quite well written, where he says several times that he has nothing to say. "I am, only gratifying myself, (not you) by Seizing he opportunity presented by Miss Elicotts (sic) Journey, to send you word that I am in the land of the living". He is 56 and has had a hard live. "I have not seen you since 1813 --- You had then just left College, and I to be sure supposed that your destination, was the pulpit --- but the next thing I heard of you was, that you was firing a battery of canon at Fort Erie, --- and by the by, Gen. Gaines, with whom I became well acquainted, gave me a good account of Your bearing, in that said canon shooting business, and asked me if You was not my Grandson". "I am yours // Uncle".
1832-02-12. John Rogers Vinton (1801-1849) in Newport RI to Douglass, civil engineer, in Philadelphia. Interested in purchasing some of the instruments that D wrote about. They are D's own.
Several letters about selling books, but it does not seem they are mathematical.
1833-07-24. Chauncey Colton in Washington to Douglass in Brooklyn. Hopes Douglass can secure the services of Mr. Hackley for Bristol College and that Hackley "would throw himself fully into the interests of the Institution with a aim to the hightest usefulness in building it up as a Christian College in the broadest and best sense." Letter opens "My dear brother" and ends "I remain your friend & bro. in Christ." Is he really a brother? Several letters before this religion appeared for the first time.
1834-05-28. Henry Pickney (d. 1848) in NY to Douglass in Brooklyn. Elected corr member of the U. S. Naval Lyceum.
1834-05-08. Charles Davies at WP to Douglass in Brooklyn. "My Dear Sir, [par] I have just learned that Professor Adrain has rendered his resignation of the Professorship of Mathematics in the University of Pennsylvania and that the Trustees meet on tuesday next to consider it. There seems to be no doubt but that it will be promptly accepted. [par] Now Professor, you know I have long been anxious to strike my tent, and leave forever the Military Camp. This opportunity seems to be to be a very good one, and I feel assured tht you will do all in your power to aid me in following the excellent advice which you have so frequently given me. [par] The object of this letter is to request you to write to Mr. Sergant [?], Mr McIlvaine, and such other of the Trustees as you may know, and to say of me all the good which you can, and as little that is otherwise as your conscience will allow. [par] Among the good things are, that I have been here for 18 years, a Professor for 11, and am now 36 years old. I mention the last, because they think Prof. Adrain too old. [par] You may say in your letter, that you have no doubt but that I will accept the appointment if offered to me. I would not of course like to appear before the Board in the light of an applicant. That character would I think be derogatory to the institution to which I at present belong. But you understand that matter better than I do, and need no suggestions. [par] As the meeting of the Board takes place so soon it will be necessary that what you do, should be done quickly. [par] I shall request my brother to call and converse wit you on the subject, to save you the trouble of writing me, for I know that your time is Valuable & I shall feel obliged to you if you will mention the contents of this letter to no one else."
1834-10-05. William Nelson Pendleton (1809-1883) at Bristol College PA to Douglass in Brooklyn Long Island. Wants to translate LaPlace's Systeme du Monde which he has studied, but needs a copy. Wants to supplement his salary at "this cheap college". 100 students. Mr Colton is well. "Bishop McIlvanie told me when only a short time since, that you had abandoned for the present, the intention of going to Gambier."
There are about 15 more in this box, but it is time to quit. Alas.
Back on Monday the 23rd of June. Continuing box 4.
1835-03-19 Theodore Eames to Douglass about a lecture scheduled for 30 April at the Brooklyn Lyceum. There have been several earlier such letters, so this could be a source of future documents.
1835-04-08. John Torrey to Douglass in NY. Wants to introduce Charles Ellet who worked on Erie and NY Rail Road. Mentions $50 for analysis "of water from the wells of the city." So this is the first mention of the Croton aquaduct.
1836-08-09. Thomas Warner (d. 1848) at WP to Douglass. Reply to inquiry about religious views Cpt Tillinghast (USMA 1820 & instructor there till resignation in 1836 for health reasons). He is a unitarian.
1836-11-30. Nicholas Tillinghast (1804-1856) in Pawtucket RI to Douglass. Thanks for forwarding my name to the College at Buffalo; have never heard from them. "My friend Prof. Hackley wrote to me a short time since on the subject of the college in ohio, & informs me that he had mentioned my name to Bishop McIlvanie for the Professorship which you mention." Is concerned that his unitarian views may disqualify him. Not an Episcopalian (is that the Kenyon connection?).
At 10 the bell rings for tea. Met John Dann, director of the Clements and he had lots of advice and other places to look for information, several of which are not on the list that Barbara DeWolfe gave me. The papers have been donated by Dr. S. W. Jackson and he has written a biography of Douglass. He is a retired Canadian professor.
1838-04-16. Torrey in NY to Douglass in Brooklyn. Wants letter for Ellet "swho is a candidate for the vacant chair of mathematics in the South Carolina College, at Columbia. His health I fear will suffer by the exposures to which he must subject himself in attending to the duties of an engineer & he is very anxious for more leisure for study particulaily of the mathematics of which he is very fond. Adrain, who has known him from a child, has given him a very strong letter, but a recommendation from you would be of great use to him." Address letter to Trustees of Columbia College of S. Carolina.
Finished box 4. Now on to the fifth and last box.
Box 5. This one is thinner.
1839-09-23. A. Abraham in Liverpoole England to Douglass at USMA. Has sent box of drawing instruments. I am not sure about the date, especially the year.
1839-11-11. William Smith, Capt Engr, at Fort Niagara to Doublass in Brooklyn. Received your calatog of books. Would like to buy some, but short on funds. I wonder if this was printed. The folder indicates in brackets that this is from William Davidson Fraser, (ca 1814-1856). See 1830 letter above about change of name.
1840-04-08. Cass in Paris to Douglass. Can't find employment for Douglass in Paris. French opposed to using foreign talent.
1840-08-12. ADfS of Douglass in Brooklyn to John Forsyth (1780-1841), Secretary of State in Washington. Professor Parker Cleveland has refused to serve on the Maine Boundary Survey and Douglass wants the job. The have met on one or two occasions at West Point. "I became connected with it as an officer of Engineers in 1815 immediately after the war ["peace" is crossed out in this draft/copy] and during a residence of about seventeen ["six" is crosssed out and seven written above] years, filled successively the stations of adjunct Professor of Natural Philosophy, Professor of Mathematics, and Professor of Engineering --- which last I held nearly eight years. Previously to my residence at West Point I had several --- I may be permitted to say --- with some [inserted above] distinction as an officer of Engineers in the arduous campaigns of 1814 on the Niagara and during that residence was allowed to act, under a leave of absence, for one season as conductor of the Boundary survey under the 6th Article of the Treaty --- my resignation took place in 1831 and I am now a member of the profession of Civil Engineer. My "character --- professional & personal" is known to the Sect of Navy, Chief of Topo Engs, Pay Master General, and others in DC.
1840-08-14. Joseph Gilbert Totten (1788-1864) in Washington to Douglass in Brooklyn. "My Dear Major" I have already recommended another for the Boundary Survey, but I did mention your name previously. Don't hold out much hope.
1840-08-17. John Forsyth to Douglass. President has selected another person for the position.
1840-08-22. William Pennington (1796-1862) to Douglass. Douglass is a Whig.
1840-09-05. Invited on excursion on Croton River, Lake and Aqueduct.
1840-09-01. Samuel Ward Jr (1786-1839) in NY to Douglass. Requests letter of intro for Charles A Bristed who is off to study at Cambridge and wants letter to Douglass's son.
1840-11-07. A. de Mornay in London to Douglass. Lady Westmorland told me you have been made President of a College, but don't know which one. Didn't see your eldest son at Cambridge.
1840 [i.e., 1841]-01-04. James S. Wooley at La Grange, Texas, to Douglass, "Major D. B. Douglass, Profs of // Military and Civil Engineering, W. P. M. A. // No. 9 Wall St. // New York //N.Y." "While Studying under Prof. Hackly I heard him pass very high elogies upon Mr. S. Ward Jr. These elogies in connexion with , the fact, he being the American editor of Youngs Algebra inspired in me the highest reverence for his mind; in as much as in my reflection, there was, no other obvious cause for his progresss in science but the thirst of a high & noble mind. In consequence of this enthusiastic opinion, I immediately, upon finding out your acquaintance with him, requested an introduction. I shall never forget the flattering reception I met with; but the contrast with the cold of suspicious manner by which I was afterwards perceived (when I was disabled by reverse fourtune & sickness; and that there was but little hope of I ever being able to rise to a commanding height in my profession) over powered me. He refusing to receive me at him home under cover of it not being his place of business; reminding me of it being once my intention to go to Paris but then I was compeled (sic) to teach for my bread; interpreting my desire for the advancement of Science to those of geting (sic) clear of trouble; my firmness into stubbornn-ess (sic); and lastly as I was not established in what he would call society I should be less stubborn with such men as W. B. Astor, in other words I should crouch to the man of money, even if that man has an ignoble soul." He is very agitated and goes on for another paragraph.
????-09-26 [no year given in this ADf]. Douglass to an unknown person. Duties and health preventing me from answering earlier your query about "the effect which the removal of Mr. Mahan will have upon my Department. --- The present organization of the Class for studies and exercises in Engineering is called for alike by the previous distributions and by their numbers and is so obviously essential to the successful progress in the course, that I need not attempt to render it more so; it will be sufficient to remark that the instructions agrerably (?) to this arrangement. Cannot possibley proceed if either of the officers now attached should be removed without being regularly relieved."
n. d. Adf of Douglass to unidentified. Letter of recommendation for Alexander Dallas Bache (1806-1867). In compliance with your wish --- so this is a requested letter giving "my opinion of the character & qualifications of Lt. A. D. Bache of the Corps of Engineers. --- At the Mil. Acad. Lt Bache studied his course of Mathematics and his course of Engineering under my particular care and among the many young men I have had charge of in both those departments I have seldom known a brighter example of talent to application united. The class of which he was a member, I have generally considered as containing a greater number of superior young men than any we have produced --- Nearly the whole of the first section, 18 in number were pupils of extraordinary merit; and the competition for precedance [?] was as annimated as any I have ever witnessed." "During the last year he has been employed as an assistant in my Dept and has discharged his duties entirely to my satisfaction. His section was the lowest in the class and perhaps the most difficult to instruct with effect, he however, succeeded in imparting to it a very respectable knowledge of teh subject and enabled it to pass a better examination than any section of the same grade had ever before done --- Had it met with his own wishes, I should gladly have continued him in the employment and with a much higher responsibility."
n. d. ADf of Douglass to unidentified. Letter of recommendation for Edward Deering Mansfield who proposes becoming a civil engineer. One of the best graduates of class of 1820.
There are several folders with notes on the surveying of the Lake Erie Islands. Hand drawn maps, compass bearings, rough computations. It would take immense work to decipher this.
Finished at 2:20.