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Papers, 1846-1848, 1851, 1855

 File — Box: UA Small Collections Box 7, Folder: 1

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The collection includes letters written by or sent to Smead. While most are written in English, some are written in German.

One letter of note was written by Smead in 1855 to Hugh Blair Grisby, noting the discovery of the original Phi Beta Kappa seal, found in a secret desk drawer of W&M alumnus Judge Stuart of Staunton, Virginia. He details the story relayed to him by Stuart's son regarding how it's likely the seal came to be hidden and forgotten about for more than 50 years.

Another letter of note is from May 29, 1848 and received by Smead. The writer, Benjamin A. Gould, Jr. describes the revolution in Berlin, soldiers all over town in Göttingen, the German attack on Denmark, and other political news.

Subjects included in other letters include relations between Europe and the United States, the Polish Revolution, professors at Leipzig, Berlin, and consumption, with the majority of the text related to personal business of the writer.

Dates

  • Creation: 1846-1848, 1851, 1855

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open to all researchers. Manuscript collections and archival records may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information that is protected under federal or state right to privacy laws and regulations, such as the Virginia Public Records Act (Code of Virginia. § 42.1-76-91); and the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (Code of Virginia § 2.2-3705.5). Confidential material may include, but is not limited to, educational, medical, and personnel records. If sensitive material is found in this collection, please contact a staff member immediately. The disclosure of personally identifiable information pertaining to a living individual may have legal consequences for which the College of William and Mary assumes no responsibility.

Extent

From the Collection: 0.01 Linear Feet

Language

English

Repository Details

Part of the Special Collections Research Center Repository

Contact: