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Stephen Bordley letter books

 Collection
Identifier: MS 0081

Abstract

This collection contains 5 volumes of letter books of Stephen Bordley's correspondence with his friends and family. Also included is a fee book belonging to John Beale Bordley, and a partial transcription of the letter books

Dates

  • 1727-1759

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Public use of Letter Books, 1727-1735, Letter Books, 1749-1752 and Letter Books 1756-1759, restricted to microfilm: Manuscripts Department microfilm MS 81.

Conditions Governing Use

The reproduction of materials in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine and satisfy copyright clearances or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections. For more information visit the MCHC’s Rights and Permissions page.

Biographical / Historical

Naval officer at Annapolis December 1755; Commissary General, March 13, 1762; Attorney General 1756-1763.

Extent

0.82 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Edward Shippen, 1899.

Scope and Contents

This collection contains five letter books dated 1727-1735, 1738-1740, 1740-1747, 1749-1752, and 1756-1759 of Stephen Bordley's correspondence to brothers Thomas, William, and John Beale Bordley as well as to Matthias Harris, William Hunt, and Flowerdewe & Norton. The letters cover topics such as the schooling of Stephen and half-brother Thomas; lawsuits over Bordley lands; setting up Snowden's Ironworks; electioneering for Lower House; appointment as Naval Officer for Annapolis; effect of privateers and of European wars on Colonial shipping; the collecting, selling, and shipping of tobacco; and ordering goods from England. Of note is a letter to Matthias Harris, dated 1739 January 30, that describes the supposed conspiracy by enslaved individuals in Prince George's County, Maryland to rise and massacre all inhabitants "except ye Young White Women." Additionally, there is one fee book of John Beale Bordley dated 1759-1761.

Title
Guide to the Stephen Bordley letter books
Status
Minimally Processed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2021-09-14: Manually entered into ArchivesSpace by Mallory Herberger.

Repository Details

Part of the H. Furlong Baldwin Library Repository

Contact:
H. Furlong Baldwin Library
Maryland Center for History and Culture
610 Park Avenue
Baltimore MD 21201 United States
4106853750