Manuscripts
Ambrose Bierce Correspondence File
Image not available
You might also be interested in
Image not available
Ambrose Bierce Correspondence File
Manuscripts
The Ambrose Bierce Correspondence File consists of letters written by Bierce between 1871 and 1913. Much of the letters are concerned with details of Bierce's multi- volume Collected Works, and a majority are written to the editor of that project, Walter Neale. The letters contain discourse about the contents of the volumes, transportation of proofs, and deadlines. A good number of the remaining letters are written to Bierce contemporary Silas Orrin Howes (1867- 1918), who edited another collection of Bierce's work, The Shadow on the Dial and Other Essays (1909). These letters are largely concerned with that book and the process of assembling and publishing the Collected Works, although personal details are also present. The File also contains twenty-three letters to the California author Charles Warren Stoddard (1843-1909). These letters are less business-oriented and more personal, detailing matters such as invitations to dinner and various relationships with literary figures of the era. Many of the letters feature examples of Bierce's trademark dry wit. Writing to Howes on his birthday, Bierce comments "This is my birthday – I am 366 years old" (HM 7304). Apologizing to Neale for a long-winded reaction to criticism, Bierce writes "You happen to be standing in the channel of my verbal flood" (HM 10254). And, writing to Neale on December 26, 1909, Bierce says "I trust you had a Christmas. Fill in your own adjective" (HM 10275). Bierce was also prone to insightful quips, such as "The least one can do is what one commonly does" (HM 10237), "The conviction that all men are rogues is quite as disastrous to one's interest as the conviction that no one is" (HM 10282), and "Good substitutes for truth are not so plentiful as some persons imagine" (HM 10207). Almost all the letters are autographed and signed, and some include the envelope. The File also contains an annotated printer's copy of Volume VIII of Bierce's Collected Works, which consists of "Negligible Tales" and "Kings of Beasts" (HM 10458).
mssHM 7294-7308
Image not available
Ambrose Bierce letter to Jonathan D. Hale
Manuscripts
This letter, which Ambrose Bierce wrote from Readyville, Tennessee, is addressed to Jonathan D. Hale. At the time, Bierce was serving as chief of scouts for General William Babcock Hazen; Hale was chief scout for General George Henry Thomas. The letter is about the activities of Union scouts in Tennessee, and reads: "Dr. Hale, Sir, I am requested by Mr. D. F. Bragg to write you and let you know where he is and what he is doing, as he thinks perhaps you may blame him for not reporting to you. He is here and rendering me valuable assistance. His residence is only a few miles from here and he is able to pick up some valuable information in regard to the movements of the small bodies of the enemy cavalry in our vicinity. He is a sort of connecting link in a chain of scouts which I have established between here and Auburn and is doing good service. If you can spare him I should like very well to keep him here. He requests me to send you the enclosed letter from a rebel soldier though the letter is of little account. Very Resp'y Yr. Obt. Svt. A. G. Bierce."
mssHM 83405
Image not available
William Westall and Richard Westall Collection of Papers and Correspondence
Manuscripts
This collection contains correspondence, documents, engravings, and ephemera of the Westall brothers assembled at the Huntington Library. The papers consist of 38 letters, one bound manuscript volume, and one folder of ephemera. Included are the correspondence of William and Richard Westall, a bound volume of Richard Westall's illustrations, and printed pieces and photograph reproductions of various and paintings and illustrations. The incoming correspondence of William Westall includes letters from Sir John Carr, William Bernard Cooke, and others. 18 letters are signed "W. Stevens, Sedbergh, Westmoreland, England." There are six letters by Richard Westwall, written between 1811 and 1836, including two letters addressed to his brother. Also included is a statement of account for Richard Westall (1829). Also included is a letter by James William Inman to a "M. Parrington." (1811). The collection also contains a the bound manuscript volume titled Westall's Illustrations of Bryon's Works, with Suitable Extras, and a Brief Memoir, with 31 printed illustrative plates drawn by Richard Westall and engraved by various artists.
mssHM 54281-54318, HM 63286
Image not available
Kittredge File
Manuscripts
The Kittredge File consists of manuscripts, letters, documents, and genealogical material pertaining to Charmian Kittredge London's family. The six-box file is rich in material documenting Charmian Kittredge (and Ninetta Wiley Eames Payne Springer's) heritage. Among the more interesting pieces in the file are: Dayelle Wiley Kittredge's "Diary of a Trip from Oshkosh, Wisconsin," her seven letters to her sister, Ninetta Wiley Eames Payne Springer and mother, Catherine Growall Wiley, and the letters from them. All the correspondence in the Kittredge File is filed in the Manuscripts Catalog and is designated by the call number "JLK."
mssJL
Image not available
Correspondence, Manuscripts & Poems
Manuscripts
The collections consists of letters, poems and other manuscripts written by various members of the Leigh family and other people in their circle. The letters are mainly concerned with the intimate, mundane, playful and tragic aspects of family life from the early modern period until the middle of the 19th century. There is also a small number of poems, written by or copied out by family members, a Hymn, a speech, and a travel account. The collection also contains the 19th century volume, titled in gild on spine "Original Family Papers &c. Vol. 1. MSS." Letters and other material purchased by the Huntington Library Collectors' Council have been removed from the volume by the Huntington Library Conservation Department. An unknown number of letters were removed from the volume prior to the Huntington Library purchase.
(HM 81608-81660)
Image not available
Correspondence
Manuscripts
The collection of correspondence, documents, engravings, and ephemera of the Westall brothers assembled at the Huntington Library. Included are the correspondence of William and Richard Westall, a bound volume of Richard Westall's illustrations, and printed pieces and photograph reproductions of various and paintings and illustrations.
mssHM 54281-54318, HM 63286