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Joshua Humphreys papers
The collection consists of three series. The first series is a collection of Humphreys’ daybooks, ledger books, and letter books. Though most of the volumes are financial records, there are some instructions on how to build ships that occasionally include hand-drawn diagrams. One notable volume is...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Collection: | Joshua Humphreys Papers |
| Collection Number: | 0306 |
| Format: | Manuscript |
| Language: | English |
| Subjects and Genres: | |
| Online Access: | Link to finding aid |
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| Item Description: |
Processing Information: The correspondence in boxes 1 and 2 was once bound into two volumes. The old volume and page numbers have been retained, as noted in the arrangement note on page 5 of the guide.
The papers in boxes 3, 4, and 5 were processed in the box order found, but within each box items were placed in chronological order.
According to previous collection records, this collection contains Joshua Humphreys' "Journal of a Voyage from Philadelphia to Lisbon," 1809. As of 11/9/2010, this item cannot be located. |
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| Physical Description: |
4.0 Linear feet ; 19 volumes, 5 boxes |
| Access: |
This collection is open for research. |
| Summary: |
The collection consists of three series. The first series is a collection of Humphreys’ daybooks, ledger books, and letter books. Though most of the volumes are financial records, there are some instructions on how to build ships that occasionally include hand-drawn diagrams. One notable volume is Volume 1, a book on how to draw designs for ships, which includes dimensions for specific ships, including the Randolph and other merchant vessels refitted into frigates during Revolutionary War. The volume also contains dimensions for new ships built after the war, including the Constitution, or “Old Ironsides.”
The second series is correspondence, much of it to Humphreys. The third series consists of miscellaneous documents, comprised of family members’ papers and legal documents as well as items from unrelated individuals, such as William Penn. In 1751, Joshua Humphreys was born in Haverford, Pennsylvania, and became the nation's most important naval architect in the post-Revolutionary era concerned with building and retrofitting military fleets. His most well-known ship is the Constitution, which is known as "Old Ironsides" and is the oldest commissioned U.S. naval vessel still afloat. In 1803, Humphreys retired, and his son Samuel continued the business. This collection consists of volumes, including daybooks and financial records; correspondence; family papers; and legal documents. |