Samuel A'Court Ashe Papers, PC.51
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Samuel A'Court Ashe Papers
- Call Number
- PC.51
- Creator
- Ashe, Samuel A'Court
- Date
- 1728, [1735], 1778-1779, 1814, 1837, 1847-1940
- Extent
- 1.200 cubic feet
- Repository
- State Archives of North Carolina
Quick Links
- Correspondence, 1862-1879
- Correspondence, 1880-1889
- Correspondence, 1890-1899, 1890-1892, 1894-1899
- Correspondence, 1900-1933, No Date, 1856, 1858-1863, 1870-1927, 1933
- Miller Letters, 1847-1862; Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1778- 1779, 1850-1873, No Date., 1778-1779, 1837, 1847-1863, 1865, 1873
- Miscellaneous, 1735, 1778-1779, 1814, 1847-1940, 1728, 1786, 1814, 1854-1863, 1867, 1870-1880, 1883, 1885-189
- Pamphlets, 1735, 1860-1915, 1860, 1862, 1866, 1871-1876, 1878, 1882-1884, 1886-1888, 189
Preferred Citation
[Identification of item], PC.51, Samuel A'Court Ashe Papers, Private Collections, State Archives of North Carolina, Raleigh, NC, U.S.A.
Collection Overview
Papers of Samuel A'Court Ashe (1840-1938), Civil War veteran, newspaper editor, historian,
and one of NC's leading Democrats. Ashe purchased the Raleigh Observer in 1879. Two
years later the Daily News was consolidated with the Observer, and the entire management
was committed to Ashe. In 1893, the News and Observer obtained possession of the Chronicle
and Ashe published the News-Observer-Chronicle. In 1894 the paper was sold because
of financial difficulties, and this ended Ashe's editorial career. (For biographical
sketch, see Samuel A. Ashe, ed., Biographical History of North Carolina, Volume I,
pp. 66-76.) The ca. 600 items of correspondence include a few Civil War letters, some
personal letters, but the majority cover the period 1878-1898 and concern both state
and national politics. Prominent men who wrote Ashe during this time, many of them
asking advice, include R. T. Bennett, W. H. S. Burgwyn, William R. Cox, Thomas J.
Jarvis, Augustus S. Merrimon, Lee S. Overman, Richmond Pearson, Matt W. Ransom, Thomas
Ruffin, Jr., Alfred M. Scales, Furnifold M. Simmons, W. N. H. Smith, Zebulon B. Vance,
A. M. Waddell, John H. Wheeler, Kemp P. Battle, and Josephus Daniels. Letters from
those in Congress discuss bills in Congress and their position on them, personalities
in Congress, speculations as to political appointments, the Senatorial campaign of
1878 between Vance and Merrimon, [S. J.] Randall in contest for speaker of the House
in 1883, the tariff and cotton manufacturing in NC in 1884, the Farmers Alliance in
1890, and the silver question in 1893. Others thank Ashe for his support in his newspaper,
request him to print in his paper letters refuting various charges made against them,
or complain of his treatment by the press. Letters, 1872-1875, from John H. Wheeler
outline his plans, after completing his history, for preparing a manual for the state,
and later letters are about his work and ask Ashe to help with research, etc. There
are also letters from his son Woodbury Wheeler concerning publishing Wheeler's Reminiscences
in 1884. Letters, 1880-1898, from Thomas J. Jarvis include some written from Rio de
Janiero during his term as minister to Brazil and others on his return after opening
a law office in Greenville. Kemp P. Battle's letters, 1884-1894, comment on articles
and speeches of Ashe, on University matters, and ask for information. A letter from
Josephus Daniels in 1887 sets forth a proposition to merge the News and Observer and
State Chronicle and one in 1888 proposes his buying the controlling shares in the
News and Observer Company. Letters from James A. Weston, 1888-1893, concern his book
on Peter Stuart Ney. Two letters from Mrs. Zebulon B. Vance in 1894 concern the dispute
with Charley Vance over the burial of Governor Vance. Two letters in 1894 (S. S. Tillinghast
and Richard Battle) mention the gold miners' strike at Cripple Creek, Colorado. A
letter from Jacques Busbee in 1915 comments on a speech which Ashe gave on the dedication
of Busbee's portrait of George Davis. A letter from R. D. W. Connor in 1917 asks for
suggestions for historic sites, money having been appropriated by the General Assembly.
Letters from James A. Sprunt concern his publishing the second edition of his Chronicles
in 1915, mention the war in 1917, discuss personal matters, etc. Letters, 1866-1879,
from Frederick L. Childs give personal and family news, discuss farming on his plantation
in South Carolina, blacks during Reconstruction and how they are treated by Yankees,
the contracts made with them in South Carolina for farming, Negro voting, and later
his work in the Charleston harbor, and other topics. Many letters to Ashe comment
on the respect which men had for him as editor of the newspaper and as one of the
leading Democrats of NC at that time and as North Carolina historian. Some express
regret during his financial problems with the News and Observer in 1894. Others express
support in his bid for position as postmaster of Raleigh in 1885 and as state printer.
There are drafts of a few letters by Ashe, including one to Grover Cleveland on the
silver question in 1894 and one saying that he was going into the insurance business
in 1894. Letters relating to Ashe's writing a history of NC include one in 1906 from
Silver, Burdett, and Company, Publishers, which expresses interest in Ashe's completed
history of NC and regrets that they cannot publish it at present since they have already
entered into contract with someone else for a historical book on NC; a letter from
R. D. W. Connor in October, 1908, thanking Ashe for the first volume of his History
of North Carolina; copy of a circular letter (1927) sent to each member of the General
Assembly asking their support for the enclosed bill proposing that his two-volume
history be placed in the libraries of the high schools of the state. A letter in 1908,
from Charles Van Noppen, publishers of Ashe's Biographical History of North Carolina,
inquires about some sketches for the volumes. There are two letters of William S.
Ashe, father of Samuel A. Ashe. Letters from Thomas S. Ashe and S. S. Ashe discuss
family matters. There are typed copies of two letters, 1778-1779, of John Ashe. Seventeen
letters, 1847-1862, are correspondence of the Miller and Land families of Georgia,
most of which are to Mrs. Harriet Land Miller from her brothers and sisters and to
her son James who moved to Wilmington. Pamphlets in this collection include: "Sketch
of Major General Robert Howe . . ." (1862); "Organization of the Protestant Episcopal
Church of the Confederate States, A. D. 1861, and its Reunion with the Protestant
Episcopal Church in the U. S., A. D. 1865," (1882); "The Confederate Defence of Morris
Island . . ." (1884); "Sir Walter Raleigh's Lost Colony," by Hamilton McMillan (1888);
"The Lost Colony of Roanoke . . ." by Stephen B. Weeks (1891); "Roanoke; or `Where
is Utopia?'" by C. H. Wiley (1866?); "History of the North Carolina Railroad," by
Rufus Barringer (1894); "Familiar Chats on Free Coinage," by S. A. Ashe (1895); North
Carolina University Magazine, Volume 9, No. 10, June, 1860; "The Democratic Hand-Book,"
1894; "Address of the Hon. William A. Graham on the Mecklenburg Declaration of Independence
. . ." (1875); and other miscellaneous pamphlets. Miscellaneous items include National
American Ticket, 1956; copy of report, 1857, of chief topographical engineer giving
plans for improve- ment of Cape Fear River; biographical sketch of William S. Ashe
and resolution on his death, 1862; law license of Ashe, 1867; items relating to appointment
of Ashe as postmaster of Raleigh, 1885; commission of Ashe as assistant marshal in
cnetennial celebration of city of Raleigh, 1892; form letter offering for sale stock
in News and Observer and State Chronicle, July, 1893; photograph of the Capt. Samuel
A. Ashe, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Wadesboro, on May 24, 1934, taken on
a visit to Raleigh; program and speech by George Gordon Battle at the unveiling of
the Ashe Memorial tablet on Capitol Square on September 13, 1940; bills of sale, receipt,
notes, affidavit, indentures, etc.; speeches, drafts, and notes of Ashe; newspaper
clippings, including one about Ashe on his 82nd birthday and one on the death of Rear
Admiral A. T. Mahan; history of the Ashe family (1 page, photocopy); genealogical
material on Ashe and related families (photocopies); advertising copy for Polk's diphtheria
cure; history of Galloway family of Brunswick County; sketch of Walker Meares of Wilmington;
blueprint of map of Roanoke River from Weldon to Albemarle Sound, etc.
The following newspapers were transferred to newspaper collection: [Goldsboro?] Anglo-Saxon,
Wayne County, November, 1884, to N.P.32;
[New Bern] Newbernian, extra, December 20, 1876, 1 page, to N.P.76.
Arrangement Note
Chronological
Contents of the Collection
-
• CorrespondencePC.51.01-03
-
• Correspondence 1900-1933 and undated; Miller Letters, 1847-1862; Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1778-1779, 1850-1873 and undated; Miscellaneous PapersPC.51.04-06
-
• PamphletsPC.51.07
1. Correspondence, 1862-1879
Arrangement:
Chronological
Scope and Content:
Concerns request for munitions.
Scope and Content:
Describes social life in Wilmington during the war.
Scope and Content:
Describes local conditions in SC, farming, black contract labor, Yankee occupation and treatment of blacks, and black voting in recent election in New Orleans.
Scope and Content:
Childs, seeking employment in NY, discusses unemployment in Wilmington and farming in NY.
Scope and Content:
Letter, from Huntington, NY, describing family life, agriculture. Childs also discusses Reconstruction, the Republican Party, his hopes for the Democratic Party's revival, education of blacks, and voter qualifications.
Scope and Content:
Childs discusses imprisonment of [Jefferson Davis?].
Scope and Content:
Concerns promissory note.
Scope and Content:
DeRosset sets forth his plan to reduce the state debt through issuance of bonds.
Scope and Content:
Childs congratulates Ashe on his upcoming marriage and discusses his recent visit to West Point and his conversation with an Episcopal clergyman on states' rights.
Scope and Content:
Concerns possible sale of old NC bonds.
Scope and Content:
Holmes proposes legislation regarding restitution of stolen property; discusses family matters and Major Young's proposed ship canal.
Scope and Content:
Concerning support of illegitimate children.
Scope and Content:
Moore expresses dissatisfaction with Northern doctors re treatment of the insane.
Scope and Content:
Concerns elimination of sales tax on produce.
Scope and Content:
Concerns sale of corn by weight, not measure.
Scope and Content:
Concerns attempt to gain Congressional support for improvements on mouth of Cape Fear River.
Scope and Content:
Concerns proposed act of General Assembly regarding redeemed lands.
Scope and Content:
Concerns accounts and low agricultural prices.
Scope and Content:
T. S. Ashe complains about the proposal to add Sampson County and remove Richmond County from the fifth Circuit Court District.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler expresses thoughts on state debt, congratulates Ashe on passage of "unrestricted suffrage," admits his intention to leave the Census Bureau, discusses his plans to complete his state history and compile a manual for the state, and expresses opinions on congressional elections.
Scope and Content:
Waddell discusses the Democratic Party, the upcoming Cincinnati Convention, the Labor Reform ticket and the upcoming state elections.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler discusses Grant's nomination for President and praises [Rufus] Barringer.
Scope and Content:
Kitchin lists examples of voter fraud in a recent election and his hopes of contesting the results.
Scope and Content:
Election of 1872 and questions of voter fraud.
Scope and Content:
Condolences on the death of Ashe's sister, Josephine.
Scope and Content:
Condolences on death of Ashe's sister, Josephine Ashe.
Scope and Content:
State elections and national political scene.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler discusses his work in genealogy, his intention to leave his papers to the State Library, his work in copying British Records, and the possibility of his assuming a history professorship at the University of North Carolina.
Scope and Content:
Re a history of the Cape Fear region.
Scope and Content:
Abstract of Ashe family genealogy from Bernard Burke's A Genealogical & Heraldic Dictionary ..... .
Scope and Content:
Relates to genealogical and historical research of Wheeler; mentions the death of Governor G[raham].
Scope and Content:
Regarding candidate for clerkship in the [constitutional] convention.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler acknowledges receipt of Ashe's research on the Boston Tea Party, discusses the Edenton Tea Party, and speculates on the possibility of a Wilmington Tea Party. He mentions a picture enamelled on glass, entitled "a meeting of the ladies of Edenton destroying the Tea (their favorite beverage) when taxed by the English Parliament." He notes that the resolves of the ladies of Edenton are preserved in the publication American Archives.
Scope and Content:
Concerns the "Wilkes Case," apparently involving mining rights.
Scope and Content:
Engelhard discusses his possible candidacy for the office of secretary of state.
Scope and Content:
Concerns court case involving a Mr. Manning.
Scope and Content:
S. S. Ashe discusses Radical Republican rule in Texas and the black vote in Texas.
Scope and Content:
Thomas S. Ashe discusses his defeat for nomination for Congress by Walter L. Steele.
Scope and Content:
Joseph A. Engelhard discusses his campaign and need for finances.
Scope and Content:
Concerns Joseph A. Engelhard's campaign for secretary of state.
Scope and Content:
Campaign strategy and financing for the Democratic Party in the 1876 election.
Scope and Content:
Concerns land formerly owned by Joseph Watters of Wilmington.
Scope and Content:
Davis declines to serve as delegate to Democratic Convention.
Scope and Content:
Merrimon suggests mailing several thousand campaign circulars.
Scope and Content:
Searching for copy of "Woody Plants," by Dr. Moses A. Curtis. Wood mentions his correspondence with botanists in U.S. and abroad.
Scope and Content:
Steele briefly gives his views of various financial measures that have been introduced in Congress, relating to US bonds, treasury notes, state bonds, the tariff and import restrictions. Also opposes Negro colonization, because of cost. Asserts belief that only hope of relief is Democratic Party.
Scope and Content:
Leigh informs Ashe of the selection of the Executive Committee of the Democratic Conservative Party for Tyrrell County.
Scope and Content:
Battle indicates that he hopes there are no hard feelings regarding the recent election and the struggle in the Democratic Party.
Scope and Content:
Satchwell reports that he has written three articles for the New Bern paper condemning Vance for his stand on Radical Republicans, the Ku Klux Bill, W. W. Holden, and Negro magistrates and troops. He also mentions unscrupulous practices of Vance's supporters.
Scope and Content:
Duncan Smelker, secretary to the Congressional Democratic Committee, requests Ashe to supply him with incidents of Republican fraud, intimidation of Democratic voters, etc.
Scope and Content:
Re: appointment of Child's son Tom to West Point.
Scope and Content:
Request for position in Supreme Court office for grandson, R. A. Meares, with reference to the boy's father, Colonel Meares.
Scope and Content:
Childs has been appointed by the Army Corps of Engineers as Inspector of Stone for the building of jetties in Charleston Harbor.
Scope and Content:
Ransom asks Ashe to have W. H. Kitchen's certificate of election sent to Washington immediately.
Scope and Content:
Daily work at the Morning Star, Wilmington.
Scope and Content:
Fremont speaks of Ashe's success in the newspaper business, and loss of control of state railroads to out-of-state interests. He also notes that Vance broke his promise to make him president of the Western North Carolina Railroad.
2. Correspondence, 1880-1889
Arrangement:
Chronological
Scope and Content:
Fremont discusses proposed sale of Western North Carolina Railroad; Governor Jarvis's attempts to avert a split in the Democratic Party; Fremont's position as architect for the insane asylum in Goldsboro.
Scope and Content:
Thomas F. Wood, Secretary of the NC Board of Health, asks Ashe to read his monthly Bulletin of the Board of Health to see the progress the state has made in area of public health and sanitation.
Scope and Content:
Montgomery discusses the court case against Mr. Parker who is accused of killing Bryan Grimes.
Scope and Content:
Ransom thanks Ashe for his kind words following Ransom's speech in US Senate.
Scope and Content:
Bragg thanks Ashe for defending his uncle [Braxton Bragg?] in articles in the newspaper.
Scope and Content:
Satchwell seeks Ashe's support in being appointed to position at Insane Asylum at Morganton. He comments on the character and election of Gov. Jarvis.
Scope and Content:
Pardee thinks growth of industry will be country's salvation in healing problems caused by the war.
Scope and Content:
Philips asks Ashe to publish a pamphlet on the Mormons.
Scope and Content:
Reeves discusses finding phosphate on the Hogg Plantation at Castle Hayne.
Scope and Content:
Woodbury Wheeler sends corrections for a historical sketch to S. A. Ashe for Ashe's Biographical History.
Scope and Content:
Scales has ordered an electrotype plate blocked ready for printing from Washington City Stenotype and Electrotype.
Scope and Content:
Letter mentions Bennett's appointment to Committee of Privileges and Elections and his preference for an appointment to the Committee on Judiciary.
Scope and Content:
Encloses newspaper clipping detailing the Memorial Hall proposed for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Scope and Content:
Cox discusses matters before Congress: bankruptcy, revising the postal system, the use of postage stamps, and the possible presidential candidates. Cox has introduced a bill to provide for the popular election of senators.
Scope and Content:
Vance writing to S. A. Ashe about editorials and coverage in the Charlotte Observer re the cotton tariff. Vance not pleased with the viewpoint of the editor of the Charlotte Observer and wishes Ashe to address the matter more favorably in the News and Observer.
Scope and Content:
Battle declines to work on proposed historical writing pertaining to Raleigh.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler writes (on reverse of advertising circular) about John H. Wheeler's "Reminiscences and Memoirs of North Carolina" and the proposed historical sketches for additions to the work.
Scope and Content:
A copy of a page from the Congressional Record, Feb. 16, 1883, containing a speech of Alfred M. Scales is enclosed in the letter from Scales thanking Ashe for praising his remarks on the tariff issue. He lists the succession of votes on the tariff.
Scope and Content:
Ravenel requests copy of an article published in the News and Observer dealing with discussion of name Carolina between Trenholme and Sass.
Scope and Content:
Ransom discusses Ashe's suggestion that he become a delegate to the Chicago [Democratic] Convention.
Scope and Content:
Richards complains to Ashe that timber is being cut off the Catfish Plantation and the land is being burned over to the detriment of the place.
Scope and Content:
Cantwell asks Ashe for a letter of introduction for his son, John Cassin Cantwell, who wishes to meet a girl named Ashe who is connected to the family of Admiral Fairgut [sic]. John Cantwell is currently doing scientific exploration in the Arctic on the cutter Corwin.
Scope and Content:
Murray proposes collaboration on a volume of biographical sketches of prominent North Carolinians.
Scope and Content:
Young assesses Democratic Party candidates and hopes for election in Jackson County.
Scope and Content:
Concerns continued work on Reminiscences and Memoirs of Prominent North Carolinians.
Scope and Content:
Marshall transmits pamphlet entitled, "The Case of Grover Cleveland: The Result of the Investigation by Clergymen of the City of Buffalo," regarding Cleveland's morality.
Scope and Content:
Mr. Davis seeks an Episcopal parish for Rev. Dr. Yaeger, a converted Jew and former seminary professor in Ohio.
Scope and Content:
Cox discusses potential Cabinet appointments from NC.
Scope and Content:
Malone endorses R. B. Vance as US Commissioner of Patents.
Scope and Content:
Thanking Ashe for his "admirable disposition of the vagary of 'evolution'."
Scope and Content:
Elliott relates Christmas activities in Norfolk and discusses family matters including possible cemetery condemnation.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler reports on "Reminiscences."
Scope and Content:
O. P. Meares seeks Ashe's support with the legislature.
Scope and Content:
Pardee transmits letter to Ashe, for possible publication in the News and Observer, concerning the effect of the World's Exposition on the status of women in the South.
Scope and Content:
Vance complains about Ashe's failure to print his respnseonse to charges made by General Sherman and carried in the nNews and Observer. Vance specifically mentions the accusation by Holden that Vance had advised the people of NC "to fight until hell froze over." Vance denies making the statement.
Scope and Content:
Clark asks Ashe's help in getting information on Abraham Lincoln's proposal to the Confederacy to pay slave owners "full or half value for slaves if the South would discontinue the rebellion."
Scope and Content:
Battle comments on public support for Ashe as postmaster of Raleigh and discusses possible removal of News and Observer as state printer.
Scope and Content:
Note written on original letter from T. H. Montgomery requesting Marshall's favorable recommendation of Willie Montgomery to S. A. Ashe for possible employment if Ashe becomes postmaster.
Scope and Content:
Concerns possible federal appointments of North Carolinians.
Scope and Content:
Telegram with reply from Ashe regarding Jarvis's appointment as Minister to Brazil.
Scope and Content:
Vance writes Ashe regarding press reports about his health . Vance insists that his health is good and requests Ashe to publish that information.
Scope and Content:
Anderson asks Ashe how he came into possession of a letter concerning Anderson's and Ashe's candidacy for postmaster.
Scope and Content:
Anderson, rival candidate for postmaster of Raleigh, tells Ashe he is glad Ashe has no hard feelings over the "lost letter" of April 1. He hopes that they can remain on friendly terms. In the April 24 enclosure Ashe explains how he came into possession of the "lost letter" and his subsequent actions.
Scope and Content:
Wheeler congratulates Ashe on his post office appointment, discusses his hopes of becoming Consul to Lyons, and asks Ashe to edit his proposed second edition of his father's history of NC.
Scope and Content:
Vance includes newspaper article on the disappearance of John A. Sloan following printing of a pamphlet "Ichabod," which allegedly contained vehement attacks on Vance.
Scope and Content:
Jarvis laments the poor mail service to Brazil and asks Ashe to mail his newspapers via Europe so that they will arrive sooner.
Scope and Content:
Cox speaks of the changing political situation in the state, particularly in Wake County. He also mentions the death of Gov. Daniel Fowle.
Scope and Content:
Smith, chief justice of the Supreme Court, discusses the makeup of the court and Ashe's support.
Scope and Content:
Burr plans to write brief sketches of members of the Wilmington Bar.
Scope and Content:
DeRosset informs Ashe of poor condition of former slave Tom.
Scope and Content:
Daniels proposes merging the News and Observer and the State Chronicle with the stipulation that he be made editor-in-chief. He discusses at length how the merger should be undertaken and its advantages to the state.
Scope and Content:
Vance writes Ashe words of encouragement for the News and Observer, which is near failure. Vance mentions possible aid from the legislature for the paper.
Scope and Content:
Letter and enclosed signed agreement between Fowle and Dockery regarding appointments.
Scope and Content:
Concerns overdue note.
3. Correspondence, 1890-1899, 1890-1892, 1894-1899
Scope and Content:
Vance asks Ashe to supply him with information concerning Negroes in North Carolina.
Scope and Content:
DeRosset reports illegal cutting of timber in swamp.
Scope and Content:
Waddell writes Ashe concerning Waddell's recently published history of North Carolina. He chides Ashe for his doubts about the existance of the "Mecklenburg Declaration." Waddell hopes evidence will be found in the West India Papers in London to prove the declaration's validity.
Scope and Content:
Beddingfield declines Ashe's request to send him a letter from Zebulon B. Vance regarding the North Carolina Farmers' State Alliance since it might put Vance in bad light with the farmers.
Scope and Content:
Weston speaks of a book he has written which he indicates proves that P. S. Ney was Marshal Ney.
Scope and Content:
Carraway writes Ashe concerning employment after the upcoming election. He mentions his distrust of L. L. Polk, who heads the Farmers' Alliance. Carraway also speaks of crops, including marigolds, grown on his plantation, Monticello.
Scope and Content:
Smith thanks Ashe for recent editorial regarding him. He asserts that "securing the control of the white people of this state...[is] essential to the development of our industries and the promotion of all social advancement."
Scope and Content:
Nichols sends Ashe an extract from a letter to a prominent Republican in the legislature. Nichols' purpose in writing the letter to the legislator was to give Ashe ammunition in his battle to gain a state printing contract over rival newspaper, The State Chronicle.
Scope and Content:
Farrow asks to aassume management of Ashe's land in New Hanover County. He describes the declining condition of the property following the death of Eleck.
Scope and Content:
DeRosset writes of problems with tenants on Ashe's New Hanover County land.
Scope and Content:
Pardee is concerned over the possible duel between Ashe and Col. [L. L.] Polk.
Scope and Content:
Postcard signed "Pine Tar" chides Ashe over recent newspaper articles concerning the [Farmers'] Alliance. He discusses Ashe's possible duel with [L. L. Polk].
Scope and Content:
Schenck answers a letter from Ashe dated the 21st of November. Schenck is unable to offer financial assistance to the News and Observer.
Scope and Content:
Ashe made a note on this letter that Mr. [Josephus] Daniels would probably soon take control of the News and Observer. He asks Ransom for an appointment to the Internal Commerce Commission. Ransom responded that there was tono appointment available there and expressed regret over the News and Observer matter.
Scope and Content:
Dr. Wood writes Ashe concerning a copy of the certificate of delegation to the convention of the Society of the Cincinnati in Philadelphia in 1784. He also tells Ashe of a collection of autographs of NC governors he has recently acquired.
Scope and Content:
Battle informs Ashe of salesman C. F. Watson's misrepresentation of clothing, carpet, etc. which he claims to be from Lord and Taylor, London.
Scope and Content:
Battle discusses the earliest naming of North Carolina's coast "Carolina."
Scope and Content:
Battle compares the various states' Ordinances of Secession noting their similarities, particularly between North Carolina and Louisiana.
Scope and Content:
Battle writes Ashe regarding the political platform of the Farmers' Alliance. He notes changes in the Alliance's position on major issues. He asks Ashe to burn the letter to protect UNC from politics..
Scope and Content:
Concerns appointment of J. C. McRae to fill Judge Ashe's term.
Scope and Content:
Long offers to help Ashe obtain state printing contract.
Scope and Content:
Weeks reports on efforts to collect materials for history of the Confederate Press as well as other historical and publication endeavors.
Scope and Content:
McRee seeks Ashe's help in getting a job in Washington, DC.
Scope and Content:
Caldwell, editor of the Charlotte Observer, writes concerning arrangements for group traveling to New York "in Mr. [Elias?] Carr's interest." Letter marked "Confidential."
Scope and Content:
Creecy regrets that he will not attend the upcoming press convention in New Bern and comments on the lives and fortunes of several people in public life, including Josephus Daniels and T. R. Jernigan.
Scope and Content:
Cox writes Ashe concerning his service as clerk of the US Senate and denies rumors that he wants to be clerk of the House.
Scope and Content:
Davis asks the reason why so many in Ashe's family bear the name John Baptista.
Scope and Content:
Long writes Ashe concerning presidential appointments to consulates.
Scope and Content:
Waddell announces that he will give a speech on socialism in the United States to the upcoming Teachers' Assembly meeting in Morehead City.
Scope and Content:
Vance commends Ashe for his stand on the silver controversy.
Scope and Content:
DeRosset writes in behalf of Jeffrey _____, who works on Catfish Plantation and is complaining of interference by John Farrar.
Scope and Content:
Whitaker reacts to editorial attack by the Statesville Landmark.
Scope and Content:
Daves discusses collection of historical letters, autographs, and antiquities, and notes that scuppernong grapes will be exhibited at Chicago.
Scope and Content:
Simmons discusses his possible confirmation by the Senate to the office of Collector.
Scope and Content:
Miss Fries reports on a project to seek portraits of colonial women.
Scope and Content:
McRee explains the cost, problems and advantages of the linotype and other type-setting machines.
Scope and Content:
Ashe writes President Cleveland concerning the Bland Bill and asks Cleveland to consider an article on the subject. He also discusses his views of free coinage of silver and its effect upon the Democratic Party.
Scope and Content:
Burgwyn discusses various matters including family history and the change of name Burgwin to Burgwyn, and the banking system.
Scope and Content:
Howard criticizes Ashe's recent editorial on the trouble in South Carolina among the black population.
Scope and Content:
Tillinghast writes Ashe concerning conditions in the mining region of Colorado. He speaks of violence committed upon non-union miners by union men. He also compares plant and animal life of Colorado with that in Raleigh.
Scope and Content:
Battle writes from Denver, CO regarding membership in the North Carolina Society Sons of the Revolution. He also discusses the miners' strike at Cripple Creek and the political situation in Colorado.
Scope and Content:
Holt assures Ashe that his only goal is having a good Democratic paper in Raleigh.
Scope and Content:
Mrs. Vance recounts dispute with Charley Vance over burial site for Zebulon Vance.
Scope and Content:
Mrs. Vance recounts continued controversy with Charley Vance over burial site of Zebulon B. Vance.
Scope and Content:
Willard recounts his actions to help save the financially troubled News and Observer.
Scope and Content:
Battle concerned that notice of his speeches hads failed to appear in the News and Observer.
Scope and Content:
Holmes remarks on the whereabouts of William Willard Ashe, eldest son of Samuel A. Ashe.
Scope and Content:
Ashe turns down proposition to return to Asheville as a journalist; he expresses his hopes of being appointed to fill the Senate vacancy created by the death of Vance.
4. Correspondence, 1900-1933, No Date, 1856, 1858-1863, 1870-1927, 1933
Scope and Content:
Letter from Robert Strange gives sketches of members of the Wright family and Wright genealogy.
Scope and Content:
Subject of letter is a portrait of George Davis painted by Jacques Busbee and given to the State of North Carolina.
Scope and Content:
Concerns a Miss Chiles, who insists Sprunt speak to President Woodrow Wilson in her interest. Sprunt is receiving electric shock treatments and is unable to travel.
Scope and Content:
Sprunt mentions numerous publications that he and Ashe are working on as editors.
Scope and Content:
Sprunt writes Miss Chiles concerning publication information on his History of North Carolina.
Scope and Content:
Concerns the death of Sprunt's wife.
Scope and Content:
Daniels answers an inquiry from Ashe concerning the use of cotton as protection from exploding torpedoes aboard Navy ships.
Scope and Content:
Sprunt suggests a systematic effort to collect historical materials relating to World War I.
Scope and Content:
Sprunt comments on several matters including the severity of the weather in Wilmington.
Scope and Content:
Letter from the Secretary of War Newton D. Baker to Josephus Daniels is enclosed in letter from Daniels to Ashe.
Scope and Content:
Daniels writes concerning the need for tanks and also expounds upon his idea for the use of cotton to absorb the explosive effects of torepedoes on Navy ships. A rough drawing of the plan to cushion ships with cotton is also enclosed.
Scope and Content:
Banks encloses a list of Babylonian tablets which he describes in detail and offers for sale to Ashe. He hopes to sell the eight tablets at between $2.00 and $5.00 each.
Scope and Content:
Banks suggests that Dr. A. H. Godby be asked to translate the Babylonian tablets which Ashe is purchasing.
Scope and Content:
Sprunt thanks Ashe for advice on dealing with a verbal attack on his business by the News and Observer.
Scope and Content:
Grant lists names of World War I servicemen from New Hanover County.
Scope and Content:
Ashe seeks support of leading North Carolinians in his effort oto have his two- volume NC history placed in each of the state's high school libraries. A copy of the proposed bill is enclosed.
Scope and Content:
Ashe writes Allen of his desire to see his history of NC distributed to the next generation (i.e. in the public schools). He feels his work combats northern propaganda.
Scope and Content:
Ashe wishes to place the second volume of his NC history in about 500 of the state's high schools.
Scope and Content:
Ashe sends Olds copies of his appointments and military commissions in the Civil War era.
5. Miller Letters, 1847-1862; Miscellaneous Correspondence, 1778- 1779, 1850-1873, No Date., 1778-1779, 1837, 1847-1863, 1865, 1873
Scope and Content:
Land discusses family matters, particularly the family's ill health and remedies to improve their condition.
Scope and Content:
Harriet T. Miller's relationship with the Ashe family is revealed in this letter. Her son, Sammy Miller's wife, Eliza, is probably a member of the Ashe Family.
Scope and Content:
Letters mentions the weaving of cloth and the making of clothes and shoes for slaves as a means to save money.
Scope and Content:
Ashe writes over concern that a bridge may have been destroyed making it difficult for his men to cross. He beleives the British have given up the idea of conquest.
Scope and Content:
Partial letter likely to be from a member of the Land family of Georgia and Alabama.
Scope and Content:
Vance proposes that manufacturers supply cotton yarns in exchange for raw wool in order to manufacture clothing for the troops.
6. Miscellaneous, 1735, 1778-1779, 1814, 1847-1940, 1728, 1786, 1814, 1854-1863, 1867, 1870-1880, 1883, 1885-189
Scope and Content:
Receipt is for collection of notes on land in Louisiana and Washington, D.C.
Scope and Content:
Excerpts are from a report that accompanied the Annual Report of the Secretary of War, 1857, and from an appended letter from W. Turnbull, Brevet Colonel, Wilmington, September 1, 1857. Topics include ending of effort to reopen Roanoke Inlet; progress on canal connecting Pamlico, Albemarle, and Currituck Sounds with Chesapeake Bay; and whether to try to close the New Inlet or to fortify it.
Scope and Content:
A tribute to Octavius Coke, Chairman of the State Democratic Executive Committee.
Scope and Content:
Receipt of Library of Congress for "three copies of the original first draught of the Mecklenburg Declaration. Recently brought to light, a copy in the possession of the North Carolina Historical Commission."
Scope and Content:
Ashe proposes plans for the defense of ships against torpedo attack from submarines.
Scope and Content:
Disucusses the history of the Chronicle and the News and Observer and their proposed sale due to indebtedness.
Scope and Content:
[Ashe] attempts to define the powers of the Legislative and Executive branches regarding wars. In particular he discusses the issue of recognition of new governments, the sending of ambassadors to them, and the right to make treaties with them.
Scope and Content:
Speech at presentation by the C.F.A.A. of North Carolina flag to an academy (unnamed). Describes the meaning of the symbols of liberty and prosperity as shown on the state flag.
Scope and Content:
Description of development of US Navy and naval reserve training. Includes numbers by NC county of service during World War I in the US Navy and the US Naval Reserve.
Scope and Content:
Notes giving evidence against Peter Stuart Ney being French Field Marshal Ney.
7. Pamphlets, 1735, 1860-1915, 1860, 1862, 1866, 1871-1876, 1878, 1882-1884, 1886-1888, 189
Subject Headings
Acquisitions Information
Gift