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An oration, pronounced the 4th day of July, 1799, at Salisbury, in the state of New-Hampshire. : By Thomas Thompson
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Manuscripts
The diary that Thompson began upon his graduation from Harvard in July 1786 and kept throughout the year. Detailed, candid entries record the busy social life of the young Harvard graduate in Byfield and Franklin. Included are records of frequent trips to Newburyport, Wrentham, Boston, and Providence, R.I. The latter accompanied by a sketch of Brown University. In his diary Thompson recaps sermons and public lectures by Nathanael Emmons, David Sanford, Samuel Spring, and others, including Noah Webster's lectures on the English language and education; a "Lafayette evening," and other social and political events. The journal contains lively records of his encounters and conversations with Theophilus Bradbury, Theophilus Parsons, Nathanael Emmons, Samuel Spring, and other notables; many entries contain snippets of dialogue such as lively exchange on the "the manners of Virginians" including George Washington. The diary also reflects Thompson's thoughts on his reading and studies, his religious views, reflections on the nature of religion, Deism, and "natural philosophy," political opinions, and his considerable anxiety about his future.
mssHM 39721