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Moses Adams papers

 Collection
Identifier: MS-1991-002
Image: Commonplace book, 1834 October

Image: Commonplace book, 1834 October

Browse 2 digital objects in collection

Scope and Contents

Comprised of two volumes assembled by Adams in 1834-1835. The volumes include copies of correspondence and other papers. Many of the entries are annotated. There are also lists of Adams' friends, schoolmates, and shipmates and the occupations they pursued in 1834-1835.

Dates

  • Creation: 1813 - 1835

Creator

Language of Materials

English.

Access Note

Collection is open for research; digital version also available.

Conditions Governing Use

These materials are made available for use in research, teaching and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright Law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source. The original authors may retain copyright to the materials.

Biographical Note: Moses Adams

Moses Adams grew up in Ellsworth, Maine, the son of Moses and Mary Adams. The elder Moses was a Harvard graduate, doctor, and state representative to the Massachusetts General Court; in 1815 he was tried and found not guilty of murdering his wife with an ax. Following the death of this mother, Moses the younger went to Boston in 1816 and after 1820 worked as a seaman. He was captain of the brig Ellsworth at the time of his death.

Sources:

Bulfinch, John, "The Trial of Moses Adams, High-sheriff of the County of Hancock, before the Supreme Judicial Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on an Indictment for the Murder of his Wife from Minutes taken at the Trial by John Bulfinch" (1815). Maine Bicentennial. 96. https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/mainebicentennial/96

Rogers, Alan. "A Sailor "By Necessity": The Life of Moses Adams, 1803-1837." Journal of the Early Republic 11, no. 1 (1991): 19-50. Accessed August 2, 2021. doi:10.2307/3123310.

Full Extent

0.5 Linear Feet (2 containers)

Abstract

Two commonplace books by nineteenth-century American seaman Moses Adams, including copies of correspondence and recollections.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Alan Rogers in 1991.

Title
Moses Adams Papers
Status
Completed
Subtitle
1813-1835
Author
Cataloguer, 2015; Elizabeth Peters
Date
2025
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Revision Statements

  • 2025 July: Added item-level children, revised description

Repository Details

Part of the John J. Burns Library Repository

Contact:
John J. Burns Library
Boston College
140 Commonwealth Avenue
Chestnut Hill MA 02467 USA
617-552-4861