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Charles Lanman
Collection, 1829-1869; bulk 1855-1869

SC16481

Quantity: 5 boxes (1.50 cubic ft.)
Access: Open to research
Acquisition: Purchase: Maury Bronson, Boston, Mass., 1976
Processed By: James Corsaro, Manuscripts and Special Collections, 1977

View catalog record

Biographical Note:

Charles Lanman was born June 14, 1819, in Monroe, Michigan. He worked ten years at a business in New York City before returning to Michigan to edit the Monroe Gazette in 1845; the next year he was the associate editor of the Cincinnati Chronicle, and in 1847 he joined the staff of the Express. In 1849 he became the librarian of the War Department in Washington, D.C.; in 1850 he became librarian of copyrights and the private secretary of Daniel Webster. In 1853 he was the examiner of depositories for the southern states, and from 1855 to 1857 he served as librarian and head of the returns office in the Interior Department. In 1866 he was the librarian of the House of Representatives, and from 1871 to 1882 he served as secretary to the Japanese legation.

Lanman was also an amateur explorer, writer and artist. He wrote travel accounts of his explorations of wilderness areas of the eastern United States and is best known as the publisher of the Dictionary of the United States Congress, first issued in 1859. He revised the dictionary at frequent intervals and eventually turned publishing rights over to the federal government. He also published The Private Life of Daniel Webster (1852). Lanman died in 1895.

Scope and Content Note:

This collection consists of autobiographies, biographies, and manuscripts related to Congressmen from New York State submitted to Lanman for his Dictionary of the United States Congress (1859); also included are calotype portraits of congressmen by James E. McClees.

The letters and narratives provide details about the lives of the individuals and also comments on what they thought about themselves. In addition to personal information, the material documents what they did in their careers in politics and government. As would be expected, there is information on individuals who rose to national prominence, but the collection also includes material on individuals whose congressional careers were relatively short and are almost forgotten. 

In addition to the manuscripts there are calotype portraits for many of the individuals represented in this collection. The production of these images is attributed to James E. McClees (1821-1887), who was a prominent photographer at the time and operated a photographic studio in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for many years.

The collection is divided into four groups:

Group I: Autobiographies, biographies and accompanying related manuscripts and original
proof-photographs (calotypes by James E. McClees) by, about and depicting New York State Congressmen.

Group II: Photographs (calotypes) of Congressmen for which there is no manuscript material. This material consists of three proof-photographs by James E. McClees and one carte-de-visite photograph by Matthew Brady.

Group III: Letters by New York Congressmen collected by Charles Lanman (not addressed to him)

Group IV: Letters by distinguished New Yorkers who were not Congressmen

Related Collections:

The Charles Lanman collection originally consisted of material related to the congressional delegations of all of the states in the union at the time. The collection was dispersed, with all the material relative to a specific state delegation being sold to a historical repository in that state.  Information about the collection relative to other state delegations can be found in numerous online and published sources.

Box and Folder List:


Box Folder Description

  Group I: Autobiographies, biographies and accompanying related manuscripts and original proof-photographs (calotypes by James E. McClees) by, about and depicting New York State Congressmen.
1 1 Andrews, Samuel George. A.Ms.S. (caption). 1p. 4to. (1858)
1 2 (Andrews, Samuel George). Original calotype photograph. (1858)
1 3 (Armstrong, John). A.L.S. and A.Ms. by Con. John W. Chanler. Washington, March 11, 1865. 2pp. 8vo.
1 4 Bailey, Alexander Hamilton. A.L.S. Washington, November 30, 1867. 2pp. 8vo.
1 5 Baker, Stephen. A.L.S. Washington, July 8, 1861. 1p. 8vo.
1 6 Barnes, Demas. A.L.S. Brooklyn, November 19, 1866. 1p. 4to.
1 7 Barr, Thomas Jefferson. A.L.S. and A.Ms.S. (1st line). New York, October 22, 1859. 2pp. 8vo. and 4to.
1 8 Beale, Charles Lewis. A.L.S. Kinderhook, October 4, 1859. 4pp. 8vo.
1 9 Bergen, Teunis Garret. A.L.S. Bay Ridge, Kings County, March 4, 1865. 1p. 4to.
1 10 (Betts, Samuel Rossiter). A.L.S. New York, May 16, 1867. By Judge Samuel Blatchford. 1p. 4to. With a printed biographical article from the New York Citizen (1867).
1 11 Bokee, David Alexander. A.L.S. Brooklyn, August 19, 1858. 1p. 8vo. A.L.S. Brooklyn, April 1, 1859. 1p. 8vo.
1 12 Briggs, George. A.L.S. New York, September 27, 1859. 2½ pp. 8vo. With an original sketch (cartoon) in crayon by Charles Lanman, N.A.
1 13 Brooks, James. A.L.S. New York, August 10, 1859. 2pp. 8vo. A.L.S. Washington, July 20, 1864. 1p. 8vo.
1 14 (Brooks, Micah). A.L.S. New York, October 13, 1858. By his son-in-law, Henry O'Rielly, pioneer telegraph constructor of New York City. 2pp. 4to. With a mounted obituary of Brooks from the Morning Express, July 13, 1857.
1 15 Calkin, Hervey Chittenden. A.L.S. New York, December 19, 1858. 4pp. 4to.
1 16 Camberling, Churchill Caldom. A.L.S. Huntington, September 7, 1858. 1p. 4to. Calling attention to desired information in the Democratic Review, September 1842.
1 17 Campbell, William W. A.L.S. Cherry Valley, August 11, 1858. 3pp. 4to.
1 18 Carter, Luther Cullen. A.Ms.S. (caption). 2pp. 4to. (1858)
1 19 Cary, Jeremiah Eaton. A.L.S. New York, August 24, 1858. 6pp. 8vo.
1 20 Chanler, John Winthrop. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 1p. 4to. (1863)
1 21 Churchill, John Charles. A.L.S. Oswego, November 23, 1866. 2pp. 8vo.
1 22 Clarke, Bayard. A.L.S. Brattleboro, Vt., September 1, 1858. 2pp. 8vo.
1 23 Clarke, Freeman. A.L.S. Rochester, May 21, 1863. 3pp. 8vo.
1 24 Cochrane, Clark Betton. A.Ms.S. 1p. 4to. Completing the circular. (1858)
1 25 (Cochrane, Clarke Betton). Original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858)
1 26 (Cochrane, Clark Betton). Original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858)
1 27 Cochrane, John. A.Ms.S. (mounted free-frank). 1p. 4to. (1858) Completing Lanman's questionnaire.
1 28 (Cochrane, John). Original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858) Missing, 3/2013
1 29 Collin, John Francis. A.L.S. Hillside, July 10, 1858. 3pp. 8vo.
1 30 Conkling, Alfred. A.L.S. Genesee, March 25, 1866. 4pp. 8vo.
1 31 Conkling, Frederick Augustus. A.L.S. (New York City). July 4, 1861. 1p. 8vo.
1 32 Conkling, Roscoe. A.L.S. "House of Reps." January 4, 1860. 2pp. 4to.
1 33 Cornell, Thomas. A.L.S. "Roundout, N.Y." January 18, 1867. 1p. 4to.
1 34 Corning, Erastus. Washington, June 2, 1858. 1p. 8vo. Sending a book with the desired information.
1 35 (Corning, Erastus). An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858) Missing, 3/2013
1 36 Cox, Samuel Sullivan. A.Ms.S. (with mounted free-frank signature). 1p. 4to. Completing Lanman's questionnaire. With Xerox of the biographical article from J. Hope Sutor's Past and Present of the City of Zanesville and Muskingum County, Ohioand a volume by Wm. Van Zandt, Cox.
1 37 Cowls, Henry Booth. A.L.S. New York, September 14, 1858; A.L.S. January 28, 1850; A.L.S. December 30, 1858; A.Ms.S. 3pp. folio. (December 1858)
1 38 Darling, William Augustus. A.L.S. New York, March 2, 1865. 2pp. 4to. A.L.S. "House of Reps." May 16, 1866. 3pp. 8vo.
1 39 Davis, Noah. A.L.S. Albion, December 14, 1868. 1p. 4to. On verso of Charles Lanman's prospectus (for 5th edition). 2pp. 4to. (includes a note from Lanman, Georgetown, December 8, 1868, above the reply of Davis. 3 pages in all (printed and manuscript).
1 40 Davis, Thomas Tredwell. A.L.S. Syracuse, October 6, 1863. 4pp. 4to.
1 41 Dickinson, Daniel Stevens. A.L.S. Binghamton, June 26, 1858. 3pp. 4to.
1 42 Diven, Alexander Samuel. L.S. January 25, 1862. 1p. 8vo. Implying he will support Lanman's petition for congressional aid, and send a copy of two speeches shortly.
1 43 Dix, John Adams. A.L.S. New York, September 15, 1858 2pp. 4to.
1 44 Dodge, William Earle. A.L.S. Washington, April 30, 1866. 3pp. 4to.
1 45 Duell, Rodolphus Holland. A.L.S. Washington, December 13, 1859. 1½ pp. 4to.
1 46 Fenton, Reuben Eaton. A.Ms.S. 1p. 4to. (1858) Completing the form.
1 47 (Fenton, Reuben Eaton). An original calotype photograph by J.E. McClees. (1858)
1 48 Ferriss, Orange. A.L.S. Glens Falls, November 26, 1866. 3pp. 8vo.
1 49 Fields, William Craig. A.L.S. Laurens, December 5, 1866. 1p. 4to.
1 50 Fish, Hamilton. A.L.S. Washington, April 12, 1869. 1p. 8vo.
2 51 Fisher, John. A.L.S. Batavia, Genesee County, December 22, 1868. 2pp. 4to.
2 52 Fosdick, Nicoll. A.Ms.S. (1st line). In pencil. (1858) 2pp. obl. 8vo.
2 53 Fox, John. A.L.S. New York, January 14, 1867. 1p. 8vo.
2 54 Frank, Augustus. A.L.S. Washington, January 2, 1860. 1p. 8vo. A.L.S. Warsaw, April 24, 1863. 1p. 8vo.
2 55 Ganson, John. A.L.S. Buffalo, May 20, 1863. 2pp. 8vo.
2 56 Gates, Seth Merrill. A.L.S. Warsaw, April 20, 1864. 3pp. 8vo. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 2pp. folio. (1864)
2 57 Goodwin, Henry Charles. A.Ms.S. (1858). Completing the questionnaire of Lanman. With Lanman's circular letter present, attached as issued.
2 58 (Goodwin, Henry Charles). An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858)
2 59 Goodyear, Charles. A. Note S. (1865). 16mo. A.Ms. 1p. 4to. "Schoharie County Bank," 1865. The note is on the verso of a fragment of a letter from Lanman, Georgetown, February 25, 1865.
2 60 Greene, George. A.L.S. (Washington), April 2, 1869. 2pp. 4to. Written below Lanman's letter, Georgetown, March 24, 1869.
2 61 (Grinnell, Moses Hicks). A.L.S. New Bedford, Mass., June 26, 1858. 1p. large 8vo. By his brother, Joseph Grinnell, a Congressman from Massachusetts
2 62 Griswold, John Ashley. A.L.S. Troy, November 3, 1863. 4pp. 8vo. A.L.S. Catskill, January 24, 1869.
2 63 Haight, Edward. A.Ms.S. 4pp. folio, 1p. obl. 12mo. (ca.1863)
2 64 Hale, Robert Safford. A.L.S. Washington, January 12, 1866. 1p. 4to.
2 65 Hale, Robert Safford. A.L.S. Elizabethtown, October 21, 1866. 2pp. 4to. A.Ms. 5pp. folio and 2pp. 4to. A.L.S. Troy, October 31, 1866. 3pp. 8vo.
2 66 Harris, Ira. A.L.S. Washington, July 5, (1863). 2pp. 8vo. A.L.S. Albany, November 3, 1862. 4pp. 8vo.
2 67 Hart, Emanuel Bernard. A.L.S. New York, August 11, 1858. 1p. 8vo. Sending two printed sketches (not present).
2 68 Hart, Roswell. A.L.S. Rochester, April 28, 1865. 1p. 4to.
2 69 Haskin, John Bussing. A.Ms.S. (1858). Completing the questionnaire.
2 70 (Haskin, John Bussing). An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. (1858)
2 71 Hastings, George. A.L.S. Mt. Morris, October 8, 1858. 2pp. 8vo.
2 72 Herrick, Anson. A.L.S. New York, March 16, 1863. 1p. folio.
2 73 (Holmes, Elias Bellows). A.L.S. Brockport, October 8, 1858. 1p. 4to. By his son, Edgar Holmes, who sends Wheeler's Biographical History of Congress (not present).
2 74 Holmes, Sidney Tracy. A.L.S. Morrisville, March 17, 1865. 2pp. 4to. A.L.S. Morrisville, April 11, 1865. 2pp. 4to.
2 75 Hotchkiss, Giles Waldo. A.L.S. Binghamton, October 24, 1863. 1p. 8vo.
2 76 Hubbard, Demas Jr. A.L.S. Smyrna, March 3, 1865. 2pp. 8vo.
2 77 Hubbell, Edwin Nelson. A.L.S. Coxsackie, April 13, 1865. 1p. 4to.
2 78 Hulburd, Calvin Tilden. A.L.S. Brasher Falls, July 1863. 1p. large 8vo.
2 79 Humphrey, James. A.L.S. New York, October 14, 1859. 3pp. 4to. A.L.S. Washington, January 19, 1866. 3pp. 4to.
2 80 Humphrey, James Morgan. A.L.S. Albany, February 29, 1865. 2pp. 8vo.
2 81 Hunt, Washington. A.L.S. Lockport, August 12, 1858. 2pp. large 8vo.
2 82 Hunter, John Ward. A.L.S. January 16, 1867. 1p. 4to.
2 83 Ives, Willard. A.L.S. Watertown, October 13, 1858. 2pp. 8vo.
2 84 Jackson, William Terry. A.L.S. Havana, N.Y., September 21, 1858. 2pp. 4to.
2 85 Jenkins, Timothy. A.L.S. Oneida Castle, September 2, 1858. 2pp. 4to.
2 86 Jones, Morgan. A.L.S. New York, April 21, 1865. 1p. 8vo. Sending a printed biographical article from the Era, (New York), which is present here.
2 87 Kalbfleisch, Martin. A.L.S. Brooklyn, May 19, 1863. 2pp. 8vo.
2 88 Kellogg, Orlando. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 1p. 4to.
2 89 Kelly, John. A.Ms.S. (1858) Completing the questionnaire.
2 90 Kernan, Francis. A.L.S. Utica, March 23, 1863. 2pp. 8vo.
2 91 Ketcham, John Henry. A.L.S. Dover Plains, march 8, 1865. 2pp. 8vo.
2 92 King, Preston. A.Ms.S. (mounted free-frank). 1p. 4to. Completing Lanman's questionnaire.
2 93 (King, Rufus). A.Ms. by Ben Perley Poore (Lanman's brother-in-law). 1p. 4to. A pencil annotation probably in Lanman's hand identified the writer as B.P. Poore and completes in pencil part of a sentence.
2 94 Knapp, Charles. A.L.S. Deposit, N.Y., November 27, 1868. 1p. 8vo. With a printed biographical article (1869?) mounted.
2 95 Laurance, John. A.Ms. November 23, 1858. 3pp. 4to. By a son-in-law, George A.M. Whorter. With 3 A.Ls.S. by the same writer, Whorter, November 15 and 23 and December 4, 1858.
2 96 (Lawrence, Cornelius Van Wyck). A.L.S. by Mrs. C.V. Lawrence. Bay Side, Flushing, August 28, 1858. A biography of her husband, then ill. 6pp. large 8vo. A.L.S. by P.M. Wetmore, a friend. New York, August 31, 1858. 2pp. 8vo. A.L.S. by P.M. Wetmore, New York, August 31, 1858. 2pp. 8vo. A.Ms. (September 7, 1858). A political biography by P.M. Wetmore, as requested by Mrs. Lawrence. 6pp. 8vo. Signed with initials.
2 97 Lawrence, William Thomas. A.L.S. "Cayuta Villa," September 18, 1858. 4pp. folio. An autobiography.
2 98 Lee, Moses Lindley. A.L.S. Fulton, October 5, 1859. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
2 99 Lincoln, William Slosson. A.L.S. Newark Valley (Tioga County), December 4, 1866. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
2 100 Littlejohn, DeWitt Clinton. A.L.S. Oswego, October 7, 1863. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 101 Lord, Frederick William. A.L.S. Greenport, Long Island, September 27, 1858. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 102 Lyon, Caleb. A.L.S. Newport, R.I., February 10, 1862. 1p. 8vo. Addenda to his autobiography. A.L.S. Washington, March 8, 1863.1p. 8vo.
3 103 Lyon, Caleb. An original albumen-finished positive photograph (circa 1863). Probably taken in Washington by Matthew Brady. 7 by 9 inches. ¾ length. Unmounted.
3 104 Maclay, William Brown. A.L.S. "House of Reps," June 5, 1858. 1p. 4to. A.L.S. by P.M. Wetmore, friend. New York, December 6, 1858. 1p. 8vo. A.Ms. by P.M. Wetmore, sent with December 6, 1858 letter.. 6pp. 8vo. Detailed biography. A.L.S. by P.M. Wetmore, New York, February 1, 1859. 3pp. 8vo.
3 105 Maclay, William Brown. An original calotype photograph made from the glass negative. By James E. McClees, Washington (1858). Untrimmed and unmounted.
3 106 Mann, Abijah, Jr. A.L.S. New York, September 13, 1858. 1p. 4to. A.Ms. S. (1st line). 8pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 107 (Marvin, James Madison). A.L.S. by J.A. Cosey. Saratoga Springs, November 17, 1863. 1p. folio. Sending a biography by Marvin. 4½ pp. folio. A biography.
3 108 (Masters, Josiah). A.L.S. Brooklyn, January 3, 1858. 3pp. 4to. A biography by his son, A.E. Masters.
3 109 Mayham, Stephen Lorenzo. A.L.S. Schoharie, December 11, 1868. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 110 McCarthy, Dennis. A.L.S. Syracuse, November 24, 1866. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
3 111 McKean, James Bedell. A.L.S. October 6 and 10, 1859. 2pp. in all, 8vo. From Saratoga Springs. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 4pp. folio. An autobiography. A.L.S. Saratoga Springs, November 10, 1866. Providing a supplement with corrections.
3 112 McKissock, Thomas. A.L.S. Newburgh, September 28, 1858. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
3 113 Meigs, Henry. A.L.S. may 13, 1858. (New York City). 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography. A.L.S. February 5, 1859 (dated twice). 1p. 4to.
3 114 Miller, Killian. A.L.S. Hudson, August 27, 1858. 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 115 Miller, Samuel Franklin. A.L.S. Franklin, November 9, 1863. 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 116 Morgan, Edwin Barbour. A.Ms.S. Completing Lanman's questionnaire of 1858. 1p. 4to. Autobiographical data.
3 117 Morgan, Edwin Barbour. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. Washington, 1858. Untrimmed and unmounted. One of two variants in this collection.
3 118 Morgan, Edwin Barbour. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. Washington, 1858. Untrimmed and unmounted.
3 119 (Morgan, Edwin Dennison). A.L.S. Washington, February 15, 1864, by J.M. Van Buskirk. Some biographical information. A.L.S. by his secretary, A. Martin Jones. March 9, 1865. With a free-frank of Morgan mounted. 3pp. 8vo. Providing corrections and new biographical data. A.L.S. by his private secretary, John G. Davenport. 2pp. 8vo. Providing corrections and new data.
3 120 (Morris, Daniel). A.L.S. by "a friend," J.A. Hixsen. 2pp. 8vo. Penn Yan, N.Y., April 10, 1863. A biography.
3 121 (Morrisey, John). A.L.S. Troy, March 20, 1867. 1p. 4to. A biography by E.C. Williams.
3 122 Morse, Oliver Andrew. A.L.S. "House of Reps," May 26, 1858. 1p. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 123 Morse, Oliver Andrew. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees, Washington, 1858. Unmounted and untrimmed.
3 124 Nelson, Homer Augustus. A.L.S. Poughkeepsie, March 30, 1863. 2pp. 8vo. Signed twice, once in full. An autobiography.
3 125 Nelson, William. A.L.S. Peekskill, December 6, 1858; with A.Ms.S. In all, 4pp. (1 4to. and 3 folio). An autobiography.
3 126 Nicoll, Henry. A.L.S. New York, August 10, 1858. 2pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 127 Oliver, Andrew. A.L.S. Penn Yan, September 4, 1858. 1p. 8vo. A.Ms.S. (1st line). Autobiography 2pp. 4to.
3 128 Palmer, George William. A.Ms.S. Completing Lanman's questionnaire of 1858. Autobiographical data. 1p. 4to.
3 129 Palmer, George William. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees, Washington, 1858. Unmounted and untrimmed.
3 130 Palmer, John and (Sailly, Peter). A.Ms. (1858). 1p. 8vo. A biography by his descendant, Peter J. Palmer. With A.L.S. by the latter, Plattsburgh, December 22, 1858; Also: A printed biographical article about Peter Sailly.
3 131 Pelton, Guy Ray. A.L.S. New York, August 8, 1858. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 132 Pomeroy, Theodore Medad. A.Ms.S. (1863). 1p. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 133 Pomeroy, Theodore Medad. An original calotype photograph by Matthew Brady, Washington, 1853. Unmounted and untrimmed. Carte-de-visite size. Identified on verso by Lanman.
3 134 Pottle, Emory Bemsley. A.Ms.S. (1858). Completing Lanman's questionnaire of 1858. Autobiographical data.
3 135 Pringe, Benjamin. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 1p. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 136 Potter, Clarkson Nott. A.L.S. (New York), December 12, 1868 by Charles C. Nott, a relative. 2pp. 8vo. A.Ms. by Charles C. Nott. 1p. folio. A biography.
3 137 Pratt, Zadock. A.L.S. Prattsville, March 18, (1858). 1p. 8vo. Promising to send a biography.
3 138 Radford, William. A.L.S. New York, October 14, 1863. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
3 139 Raymond, Henry Jervis. A.L.S. New York, June 2, 1865. 1p. 8vo. A printed biographical article about Raymond, New York Times, (1864).
3 140 Reeves, Henry Augustus. A.L.S. Greenport, Long Island, November 30, 1868. 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 141 Reynolds, John Hazard. A.L.S. October 29, 1859 (from Albany). 1p. 8vo. A.Ms.S. (caption). 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
3 142 Robertson, William Henry. A.L.S. Brooklyn, December 10, 1866. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography, including a covering letter.
3 143 Robinson, William Erigena. A.L.S. Brooklyn, December 10, 1866. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography, including a cover letter.
3 144 Robinson, William Erigena. A group of four newspaper articles about him, including an "oration" he delivered, from the New York Daily Tribune, July 30, 1851, etc.
3 145 Roosevelt, James I. A.Ms.S. (caption). 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
3 146 Rose, Robert Lawson. A.L.S. Allens Hill, September 7, 1858. 1p. 8vo. An autobiographical sketch.
3 147 Russell, William Fiero. A.Ms.S. (1858). Completing Lanman's questionnaire of 1858. 1p. 4to. Autobiographical data.
3 148 Sage, Russell. A.L.S. New York, November 24, 1858. 4pp. 4to. An autobiography.
3 149 St. John, Daniel Bennett. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 2pp. 4to. (1858) An autobiography.
3 150 (Sands, Joshua). A.L.S. Binghamton, August 5, 1865. 4pp. 8vo. By his son, a naval officer, Joshua R. Sands.
4 151 Schumaker, John Godfrey. A.L.S. New York, December 28, 1868. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
4 152 Searing, John Alexander. A.Ms.S. (1858). An autobiographical sketch.
4 153 Selye, Lewis. A.L.S. Rochester, January 15, 1867. 1p. 4to. An autobiography. A.L.S. Rochester, January 21, 1867.
4 154 Sedgwick, Charles Baldwin. A.L.S. "House of Reps," December 14, 1859. 1p. 4to. An autobiographical sketch.
4 155 Sheldon, Porter. A.L.S. Jamestown, N.Y., December 16, 1868. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
4 156 Silvester, Peter Henry. A.L.S. Coxsackie, September 24, 1858. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
4 157 Slingerland, John L. A.L.S. September 1, 1858. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
4 158 Smith, Edward Henry. A.Ms.S. (caption). 1p. 12mo. Identified in pencil by Lanman as Smith's handwriting. An autobiographical sketch.
4 159 Spaulding, Elbridge Gerry. A.L.S. Buffalo, October 10, 1858. 1p. 4to. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 2pp. folio. An autobiography.
4 160 Spencer, Ambrose and (Spencer, John Canfield). A.L.S. by Ambrose Spencer. Americus, Sumter County, Georgia, May 17, 1858. 1p. 4to. Offering Lanman his services, etc.
4 161 (Stebbins, Henry George). A.L.S. by And(rew) S. Green, a friend, 4pp. 8vo. (1863) A biography.
4 162 Stewart, Thomas Elliott. A.L.S. New York, January 23, 1867. 1p. 4to. An autobiography.
4 163 (Street, Randall S.). A.L.S. Albany, July 27, 1867. 5pp. 8vo. By his son, Alfred B. Street. A biography.
4 164 Taber, Stephen and (Taber, Thomas 2nd). A.L.S. Roslyn, April 13, 1865. 1p. 4to. Autobiography and also biographical data about his father.
4 165 Tallmadge, Frederick Augustus. A.L.S. New York, August 21, 1858. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
4 166 Tanner, Adolphys Hitchcock. A.L.S. Whitehall, November 10, 1868. 2pp. 4to. An autobiography.
4 167 Taylor, George. A.L.S. (Washington) "House of Reps." Signed twice, once with name in full. Written after a letter from Lanman, Georgetown, June 8, 1858. Reply bears same date. A.Ms.S. (title). In all, 8pp. 4to. 7pp. with text. With: A.L.S. Washington, October 3, 1858. Mss sent from Brooklyn, (October? 1858).
4 168 Taylor, George. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. Washington, 1858. Untrimmed and unmounted.
4 169 Thompson, John. A.Ms.S. May 17, 1858. Completing Lanman's questionnaire. 1p. 4to.
4 170 Thompson, John. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees, Washington, 1858. Untrimmed and unmounted.
4 171 Townsend, Dwight. A.L.S. Washington, December 20, 1864. 2pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 172 Tracy, Albert Haller. A.L.S. Buffalo, October 22, 1858. 2pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 173 Tweed, William Marcy. A.Ms.S. 1p. 8vo. August 9, 1858. An autobiographical sketch.
4 174 Vanderpoel, Aaron. A.L.S. New York, November 27, 1858. 1p. 8vo. A printed biography from "Distinguished Men of Columbia County," (pp. 93-94). A.L.S. New York, February 21, 1859. 1p. 8vo.
4 175 Van Aernam, Henry. A.L.S. Franklinville, March 6, 1865. 1p. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 176 Van Horn, Burt. A.L.S. Newfane, March 2, 1865. 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 177 Van Horn, Burt. An original carte-de-visite photograph by Matthew Brady. Washington (1863). Identified on the verso by Lanman. Unmounted proof.
4 178 Van Valkenburgh, Robert Bruce. A.Ms.S. (1st line). (1863) 2pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 179 Van Valkenburgh, Robert Bruce. An original carte-de-visite photograph by Matthew Brady. Washington (1863). Identified in pencil by Lanman on the verso.
4 180 Wakeman, Abram. A.L.S. New York, August 13, 1858. 6pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 181 (Walbridge, Hiram). A.L.S. New York, August 10, 1858. 1p. 4to. A.Ms. 1p. 4to. A biography. Both are in the hand of his son, H.D. Walbridge.
4 182 Walden, Hiram. A.L.S. Brooklyn, October 4, 1858. 2½ pp. folio. An autobiography.
4 183 Wall, William. A.L.S. Washington, July 6, 1861. 2pp. 8vo. By his "friend and associate," J. Evans. A.Ms.S. by "A Friend" (J. Evans) 3pp. 4to. A biography based on material supplied by William Wall.
4 184 Ward, Aaron. A.L.S. Sing Sing, August 30, 1858. Autobiographical supplement to published material, with personal commentary. 2pp. 4to.
4 185 Ward, Elijah. A.L.S. Washington, April 3, 1865. 2pp. 4to. Laments the failure of the House resolutions to aid Lanman; his recommendations to make the "Dictionary" more useful mentioned.
4 186 Ward, Elijah. An original calotype photograph by James E. McClees. Washington, (1858). Unmounted and untrimmed.
4 187 Ward, Hamilton. A.L.S. Belmon, Allegany County, March 1, 1865. 3pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 188 Wardell, Daniel. A.Ms.S. (1st line). (1858) 2pp. folio. An autobiography.
4 189 Wheeler, John. A.L.S. New York, August 9, 1858. 1p. 4to. An autobiography. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 1p. 8vo. An autobiography with more detail than the previous sited.
4 190 Winfield, Charles Henry. A.Ms.S. (1st line). 1½ pp. 8vo. An autobiography.
4 191 (Wright, Silas Jr.). A.Ms. by a friend. 2pp. 4to.

  Group II. Photographs (calotypes) of Congressmen for which there is no manuscript material. This material consists of three proof-photographs by James E. McClees and one carte-de-visite photograph by Matthew Brady.
4 192 Burroughs, Silas Mainville. An original calotype photograph (unmounted proof), taken by James E. McClees, Washington, (1858).
4 193 Clark, Ambrose Williams. An original photograph (carte-de-visite) by Matthew Brady, Washington, (1863). Unmounted proof.
4 194 Clark, Horace Francis. An original calotype photograph (unmounted proof), taken by James E. McClees, Washington, (1858).
4 195 Sherman, Judson W. An original calotype photograph (unmounted proof), taken by James E. McClees, Washington, (1858).

  Group III. Letters by New York Congressmen collected by Charles Lanman (not addressed to him)
5 196 Camberling, Churchill Caldom. A.L.S. New York, May 11, 1829. To the Hon. John Branch, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to.
5 197 Curtis, Edward. A.L.S. New York, August 3, 1841. To the Hon. George E. Badger, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to.
5 198 Davis, Richard David. A.L.S. "House of Representatives," January 28, 1842. To the Hon. A.P. Upshur, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to.
5 199 DeGraff, John Isaac. A.L.S. Schenectady, September 13, 1845. To President James Knox Polk. 1p. 4to. Docketed.
5 200 DeGraff, John Isaac. A.L.S. Schenectady, January 7, 1829. To the Hon. Samuel Southard, Secretary of the Navy. 2pp. 4to. With address leaf.
5 201 Doubleday, Ulysses Freeman. A.L.S. Washington, June 10, 1832. To the Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary. of the Navy. 1p. 4to.
5 202 Ferris, Charles Goadsby. A.L.S. New York, July 5, 1837. To the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, Mahlon Dickerson. 1p. 4to. Integral address leaf.
5 203 Ferris, Charles Goadsby. A.L.S. Washington, February 7, 1835. To the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, Mahlon Dickerson. 1p. 4to.
5 204 Lowrie, Walter. A.L.S. New York, September 10, 1854. To Wm. L. Martien, editor of The Presbyterian. Docketed. 1p. 8vo.
5 205 Marcy, William Learned. A.L.S. Albany, April 25, 1840. To the Hon. James K. Paulding, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to.
5 206a McKeon, John. A.L.S. [Washington, D.C.], December 23, 1841. To A.P. Upshur [Secretary of the Navy]. 1p. 4to.
5 206b Moore, Ely. A.L.S. New York, August 20, 1838. To the Hon. James K. Paulding, Secy. of the Navy. 1p. 4to. Docket.
5 207 Prentiss, John Holmes. A.L.S. "House of Reps," July 17, 1840. To President Martin Van Buren. Docketed by the President. 1p. 4to.
5 208 Smith, Albert. A.L.S. "House of Reps," March 4, 1846. To the Hon. George Bancroft, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to. Docketed.
5 209 Taylor, John W. A.L.S. Ballston Spa, July 12, 1828. To the Hon. Samuel Southard, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to. Address leaf. Docketed.
5 210 Van Ness, John Peter. A.L.S. March 18, 1829. To the Hon. John Branch, Secretary of the Navy. 1p. 4to. Docketed.
5 211 White, Campbell Patrick. A.L.S. New York, October 13, 1846. To the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, John Y. Mason. 2pp. 4to.

  Group IV. Letters by distinguished New Yorkers who were not Congressmen
5 212 Baker, William. A.L.S. Auburn, N.Y., June 5, 1866. Requesting Lanman's autograph. 1p. 8vo.
5 213 Beach, Elizabeth T. Porter, Mrs. Niece of Governor and (Congressman) Enos Thompson Throop, promising to supply information about her father, who was also a congressman. 2pp. 8vo.
5 214 Callicott, Theophilus C. A.L.S Brooklyn, January 22, 1867. Providing corrections for the "Dictionary". 2pp. 8vo.
5 215 Cey, John F.W. A.L.S. New York, May 21, 1867. The writer was a collector of presidential autographs. 2pp. 8vo.
5 216 Furman, Gabriel. A.L.S. New York, March 4, 1867. Providing corrections for the "Dictionary". 3pp. 8vo.
5 217 Green, Cogswell K. A.L.S. September 30, (1862). 4pp. 8vo. A.L.S. September 30, (1862). 4pp. 4to. On the verso of the first letter (p.4) is a note relating to the subject, but the writer is unidentified.
5 218 Ingalsbe, Grenville Mellen. A.L.S. South Hartford, October 8, 1865. Re: the "Dictionary". 1p. 4to.
5 219 Knox, John Jay. A.L.S. Washington, March 30, 1869. Providing corrections for the "Dictionary". 1p. 4to.
5 220 Lester, Albert. A.L.S. Canandaigua, February 22, 1866. Re: the "Dictionary" errors, etc. 2pp. 8vo.
5 221 Ramsey, Albert C. A.L.S. New York, May 7, 1858. Re: information about his father and brother, both congressmen from Pennsylvania. To the editor of the Washington Union. 1p. 8vo.
5 222 Richardson, Charles Benjamin. A.L.S. New York, November 10, 1858. 2pp. 8vo.
5 223 Sheldon, James. A.L.S. Buffalo, May 20, 1862. 1p. 4to. A.L.S. Buffalo, May 31, 1862. 3pp. folio.
5 224 Smith, Orrin Westmore. A.L.S. Delhi, Delaware County, August 27, 1867. 2pp. 8vo.
5 225 Tucker, Gideon J. A.L.S. "Office of Secretary of State," Albany, September 28, 1858. 2pp. 8vo. A.L.S. Albany, October 6, 1858. 2pp. 8vo.
5 226 Wheeler, Clark Bunyon. A.L.S. New York, May 7, 1858. 1p. 8vo. A.L.S. New York, May 15, 1858. 3pp. 4to.
5 227 Whitaker, E.M. A Note S. (Washington, 1865?) 1p. oblong 8vo.
5 228 Wright, Samuel. A.L.S. Lockport, N.Y., March 15, 1867. 3pp. 8vo.
5   Addenda
5 229 Nelson, Samuel. A.L.S. Washington, April 22, 1867. 1p. 8vo.
5 230 Smith, Thomas Lee. A.L.S. Washington, January 15, 1867. 1p. 4to.
5 231 Dossier of photocopied biographical material on Thomas Lee Smith.
Last Updated: January 25, 2022