Rufus W. Griswold Papers, 1834-1857 | Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

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Collection Overview

Title: Rufus W. Griswold Papers, 1834-1857

Collection Identifier: MS Gris.

Primary Creator: Griswold, Rufus, W., 1815-1857

Extent: 1285.0 Items

Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically.

Date Acquired: 00/00/1900

Subjects: American Literature — 19th Century — History and Criticism, Authors, American — 19th Century — Correspondence, Authors and publishers -- Correspondence, Carey, Alice, 1820-1871, Fields, James Thomas, 1817-1881, Graham's Magazine, Griswold, Rufus, 1815-1897, Hoffman, Charles Fenno, 1806-1884, Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849., Poets, American — 19th Century — Correspondence, Poets and Poetry of America, Tucker, Beverley, 1784-1851, Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892

Languages: English

Abstract

This collection contains the letters of Rufus Griswold (1815-1857), editor of Graham’s Magazine and publisher of American literature and poetry in the mid 19^th century. The letters document his relationships – both professional and personal – with his contemporaries. Most notable is the correspondence between Griswold and Edgar Allan Poe.

Scope and Contents of the Materials

This collection contains the near entirety of Rufus Griswold’s correspondence between the years 1834 and 1857. In particular, it reflects his business dealings as editor of Graham’s Magazine, and publisher of The Poets and Poetry of America. Correspondence is primarily letters to Griswold from poets, authors, and other editors regarding publications and reviews.

The majority of the letters are related to either Graham’s Magazine or The Poets of America and include requests for publication or critical review. While the correspondence is business in nature, the letters also discuss the personal lives of such people as Rufus Griswold, Edgar Allen Poe, Elizabeth Ellet, and Frances Sargent Osgood.

Griswold’s publication, The Poets and Poetry of America, was the first anthology of American poetry and was published in 1842. From this publication stemmed others that are mentioned in the letters, among them The Female Poets of America, Prose Writers of America, Poets and Poetry of England.

Many of the letters in the collection have been printed in Passages from the Correspondence and Other Papers of Rufus W. Griswold, published by W. M. Griswold at Cambridge in 1898, and The Complete Works of Edgar Allan Poe, New York, 1902.

Subject/Index Terms

American Literature — 19th Century — History and Criticism
Authors, American — 19th Century — Correspondence
Authors and publishers -- Correspondence
Carey, Alice, 1820-1871
Fields, James Thomas, 1817-1881
Graham's Magazine
Griswold, Rufus, 1815-1897
Hoffman, Charles Fenno, 1806-1884
Poe, Edgar Allan, 1809-1849.
Poets, American — 19th Century — Correspondence
Poets and Poetry of America
Tucker, Beverley, 1784-1851
Whittier, John Greenleaf, 1807-1892

Administrative Information

Repository: Boston Public Library Archival and Manuscript Finding Aid Database

Access Restrictions: Collection is open for research.

Use Restrictions:

Items in this collection may be subject to copyright restrictions. The Boston Public Library does not hold copyright on the material in this collection. Researchers are responsible for identifying and contacting the persons or organizations that hold copyright.

When reproducing material from this collection please include the credit line "Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/ Rare Books."

Acquisition Method: Donated to the Boston Public Library by Mrs. Rufus Griswold in 1900.

Preferred Citation: Rufus W. Griswold Collection, MS Gris. Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library. Courtesy of the Trustees of the Boston Public Library/Rare Books.

Processing Information: Finding aid prepared by Honor McCusker, c. 1963.

Finding Aid Revision History: Updated by Bethany Hirsch, November 2011.

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Box 18

Folder 1125: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 8 July 1846: New York. The writer's criticism of Washington Irving's A Tour on the Prairies appeared in the American Quarterly Review for June, 1835. He intends to include it in a volume of Miscellanies. Reminds Griswold to send the promised pages of the Poets which refer to the writer.
Folder 1126: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley to R. W. Griswold, 11 November 1846: 663 Broadway, (New York). Refers Griswold to Dr. [John Ward] Francis for information about [De Witt?] Clinton. Would like Griswold to reply to his questions about The Poets and Bryant.
Folder 1127: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 24 November 1846: New York. Asks for an early copy of Poets of America. If Mr. Hart will send his "belles lettres publications" they will be satisfactorily noticed. Would like such books as Bryant, Carlyle's Essays, The Diadem, and Life of Addison to review in the Home Journal.
Folder 1128: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 12 January 1847: New York. Asks Griswold's advice about a publisher for an unnamed volume of the writer. Asks for early copies of Prose Writers [of America] and Poets [of America]. Hoffman still on the Gazette.
Folder 1129: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, Postmarked 10 May n.y.: 47 Warren St., (N.Y.?). Discusses the work of Hoffman. Asks for an "impression" of the writer's pages in Poets of America. Will Griswold have Cary & Hart send Talfourd's Miscellanies?
Folder 1130: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, n.d.: 663 Broadway, (New York). Wished to correct an allusion to his health, and an error about the autumn of 1835 which he passed in Italy, not in Paris. Asks for copies of Poets of America and Prose Writers of America. Agrees with Griswold about Margaret [Fuller?].
Folder 1131: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, n.d.: N.p. Sends notices of Mrs. [Elizabeth Oakes] Smith and Mrs. [Emma C.] Embury.
Folder 1132: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold and Miss Hessie [Myers], n.d.: New York. Hopes to visit them before their departure for the south. Lists some books which he wishes Griswold to send him. Hoffman has been deprived of his office.
Folder 1133: Tucker, Nathaniel Beverley, 1784-1851. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, n.d.: N.p. Sends all information about [Charles?] Sprague which seems essential. For his own poems refers Girswold to The Token, 1840-42 and the New Yorker. Sends corrections for "To the Unknown" and "The Ringlet."
Folder 1134: Tuel, John E. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 1 December 1848: New York. Sends his manuscript The Alien for Griswold's examination. Gives reasons why if published, it would arouse interest.
Folder 1135: Tuel, John E. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 25 May 1849: New York. Asks Griswold to review his work in the Tribune.
Folder 1136: Tyler, Robert, 1816-1877. A.L.S. to Edgar Allan Poe, 31 March 1843: White House, (Washington, D.C.). Recommends Poe for a position in the Customs House.
Folder 1137: Valentine, M[ann] S[atterwhite], Jr. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 14 January 1852: Astor House, (New York?). Leaves Griswold in charge of the publication of writer's manuscript [unnamed]. Returns all the illustrations to be finished, and asks him to "consult the interest of Mr. Hubard in regard to the cartoon."
Folder 1138: Van Bibber, Thomas E[mory], 1812-1881? A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 20 October 1844: Avondale. Offers to procure the devotional poems of Francis Scott Key for Griswold. Would like to start some entirely new publication with him.
Folder 1139: Van Kleeck, Lawrence L. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 4 June 1851: Brookline, (N.Y.). Sends biographical data on Henry R. Schoolcraft.
Folder 1140: Victor Frances A. (Fuller) Barritt,1826-1902. (Mrs. Henry Clay Victor). A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 14 July 1850: Upsilanti, M.I. Inquires if the writer's poems are to be published. Offers work of a young poetess [not named] for Female Poets of America.
Folder 1141: Victor, Orville James, 1827-1910. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 11 June 1855: Sandusky, O.H. Has heard that Griswold plans a new edition of Poets of America, and sends some of his poems for it. Refers him to a Bayard Taylor for information.
Folder 1142: Victor, Orville James, 1827-1910. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 10 December n.y.: Sandusky, O.H. [Writer's] letter making "certain imputations against the lady writers of New York," has taken Mrs. [Elizabeth F.] Ellet, Mrs. Ann S. Stephens, and Mrs. Anne Lewis by surprise. Mrs. Ellet has written an article about it in the American.
Folder 1143: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 11 August 1845 (1841?): Philadelphia, P.A. Discusses a proposed quarterly. If the Harpers will provide the capital, there should be no difficulty about the articles. Suggests Grace Greenwood, Hudson, Joseph Henry and [Noah?] Webster as possible contributors.
Folder 1144: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to [R. W. Griswold?], 29 October 1845: Philadelphia, P.A. Thanks the addressee for his gift, and apologizes for an article about him which the writer has sent to Graham. Sends the "Bradford papers" in the same mail.
Folder 1145: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 3 December 1845: Athenaeum, Philadelphia?. Wallace's sister, Mrs. Riddle, will go to the ball tomorrow. Hope Miss Forester will accompany them. Encloses a notice of [George P.] Morris's Songs to be inserted in the North American [Review].
Folder 1146: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to ----, 3 July 1848: Philadelphia, P.A. Approves of the establishment of a permanent journal or quarterly. Suggests the compilation of a Military History of the Late Campaign in Mexico. Outlines form of the projected work.
Folder 1147: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to [R. W. Griswold], 18 December 1848: N.p. Congratulates him on Female Poets of America and sends notice to be inserted in the Tribune. Predicts great popularity for the book.
Folder 1148: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 26 February 1849: Philadelphia, P.A. Commends [H.C.?] Carey's refusal to appear before the Managers' Committee. Will send a memoir of Dr. [Barnabas] Binney for Griswold's Biographical Dictionary. Asks Griswold to have [James D.] Nourse's review of Macauley's History published in one of the leading journals, preferably the Democratic Review.
Folder 1149: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 3 March 1849: Philadelphia, P.A. Sends the promised memoir of Dr. [Barnabas] Binney for Griswold's Biographical Dictionary.
Folder 1150: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to ----, 19 October 1849: N.p. Sends an article which he considers due to M. [Guillaume Tell] Poussin, to be inserted in the Tribune. Advises the addressee to publish nothing under his own name on "the subject" [possibly the controversy arising out of Griswold's obituary of Poe in the Tribune, 9 October 1849?].
Folder 1151: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to George R. Graham, 29 October 1849: Philadelphia, P.A. Encloses a notice of R. W. Griswold for the addressee's "gallery."
Folder 1152: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 18 February 1850: Philadelphia, P.A. Has read Griswold's article on Jefferson, and thinks it "admirable." Advises him not to be too precipitate in replying to an attack on it in the Ledger.
Folder 1153: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 17 April 1850: N.p. Expects to sail for Europe about 10 May. Asks Griswold to send the latest copy of the Southern Literary Messenger to Miss Sedgwick. Would like to see the proofs of the Bradford and Binney articles.
Folder 1154: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to [R. W. Griswold], 4 May 1850: Philadelphia, P.A. Suggests an article on Poe, to review Griswold's article on the same subject and the articles of [G. R.] Graham, [John] Neal and [N. P.] Willis. Wallace will write such a review while en route to Europe if he is furnished with the four articles mentioned.
Folder 1155: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.L.S. to Joseph Henry Allen, 11 September 1852: Philadelphia, P.A. Expounds his religious philosophy and gives his opinion of [Auguste] Comte's philosophical position.
Folder 1156: Wallace, Horace Binney, 1817-1852. A.D., [1849?]: Biographical sketch of Dr. Barnabas Binney.
Folder 1157: Wallace, John William, 1815-1844. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 23 November 1854: N.p. Is requesting Dr. [Herman] Hooker to put up for Griswold six copies of Horace Binney Wallace's book. Copies an extract from a letter dated 25 December 1783, written by Benjamin Rush to Elias Boudinot, recounting an anecdote about [George] Washington.
Folder 1158: Wallace, John William, 1815-1844. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 4 June 1855: Philadelphia, P.A. Describes a recently-discovered autograph account of [William] Bradford's "examination" in 1689 before the Council [of Pennsylvania] for printing, without permission, the Charter of Pennsylvania. Asks Griswold to bring "the old papers" [Wallace's mention of Bradford?] so that the new material may be inserted.
Folder 1159: Wallace, John William, 1815-1844. A.L.S. to D. Appleton & Co., 10 May 1856: Philadelphia, P.A. Requests the suppression of an anecdote about General Washington's profanity, which Griswold quoted from Horace Binney Wallace in the Republican Court, pp. 304-305, since it has proved offensive to many who are "more religious than reasonable."
Folder 1160: Wallace, John William. A.D., n.d.: Extracts from four letter of Elias Boudinot (1740-1821) to his wife, describing the reception of [Conrad Alexandre] Gerard (1778) and Boudinot's part in two processions in 1790 and 1798 respectively.
Folder 1161: Wallace, William Ross, 1819-1881. AL.S. to R. W. Griswold, n.d.: N.p. Has left the proofs by which Griswold may correct poems for new edition of Poets [of America]. Sends two poems, "The Street Flute Player," and "Jerome."
Folder 1162: Walworth, Reuben Hyde, 1788-1867. A.L.S. to Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Hewitt, 17 September 1850: Saratoga Springs, (N.Y.). Gives autobiographical data, and a detailed account of his first meeting with Mrs. Frances Sargent (Locke) Osgood, [for The Memorial].
Folder 1163: See Folder 606
Folder 1164: Ward, Townsend. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 25 February 1855: N.p. Has sent copies of Mason and Dixon Line and Braddock. Asks Griswold for a note directing Appleton & Co. to send a copy of the Republican Court to Mr. Jordan.
Folder 1165: Ward, Townsend. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 11 November 1856: Philadelphia, P.A. Suggests that "the Society" [Historical Society of Pennsylvania?] would allow Griswold to have engraving made from their Braddock paintings by Weber.
Folder 1166: Warden, William Wallace. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 27 December 1852: Cincinnati, (O.H.). Thanks Griswold for his kindness in New York. Has paid Alice Cary for her story; does not know how much to pay Phoebe Cary for a poem. Promises a copy of Pen and Pencil as soon as the first number appears. Asks for criticism, and advance sheets of new books.
Folder 1167: Ware, Anna Maria Katherine. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 12 August [1854?]: London, (Eng.). Sends part of a "letter to Charles" describing her Atlantic voyage, and urges Griswold to bring his family to Europe.
Folder 1168: Warren, Angelica (Church). A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 15 May 1855: New York. Offers to supply material on George Washington. Describes relations of her ancestors with Washington and other prominent men of his day.
Folder 1169: Wayland, Francis, 1796-1865. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 1 October 1845: Brown University, (Providence, R.I.). Discusses an article about the affairs of Mr. Cooper and Mrs. [Harriet Beecher] Stowe, which appeared in a New York paper. The publication was wholly without Mrs. Stowe's knowledge.
Folder 1170: Wayland, Francis, 1796-1865. D., n.d.: List of Dr. Wayland's works.
Folder 1171: Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 16 February 1852: Washington, D.C. Accepts an invitation to attend the Commemoration of [James Fenimore] Cooper's life and genius.
Folder 1172: Weishampel, John F., Jr. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 5 September 1851: Baltimore, M.D. Encloses a poem [unnamed] for the International Magazine.
Folder 1173: Weiss, Susan Archer (Talley), 1835-? A.L. to Edgar A. Poe, 29 November 1848: Richmond, V.A. Promises to deliver a letter of Poe to Mr. (Mann S.?) Valentine.
Folder 1174: Weiss, Susan Archer (Talley), 1835-? A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 17 May 1852: Richmond, V.A. Inquires about a volume of her poems taken by Mr. Valentine to Griswold for the latter to edit and publish.
Folder 1175: Weiss, Susan Archer (Talley), 1835-? A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 4 November 1852: Richmond, V.A. Inquires a second time about her volume of poems, delivered more than a year ago to Griswold for possible editing and publication. Requests a definite reply.
Folder 1176: Weiss, Susan Archer (Talley), 1835-? A.N.S. to R. W. Griswold, 30 May 1853: Richmond, V.A. Requests Griswold to return her poems to her brother, H. A. Talley, the bearer of the note.
Folder 1177: Weiss, Susan Archer (Talley), 1835-? A.L.S. to [Mr. Valentine?], n.d.: N.p. Sends volume of her manuscript poems for addressee to take to Griswold. Would like him to arrange for her to contribute to some New York journal.
Folder 1178: Welby, Mrs. Amelia Ball (Coppuck), 1819-1852. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 30 June 1843: Louisville, N.Y. Is flattered at Griswold's interest, and asks help in publishing her poems. Encloses a poem, "Pulpit Eloquence," for Graham's Magazine.
Folder 1179: Welby, Mrs. Amelia Ball (Coppuck), 1819-1852. A.L.S. to Mary Elizabeth (Moore) Hewitt, 14 November 1850: Louisville, K.Y. Gave up writing five years ago. Greatly admired Frances Sargent Osgood, and deeply regrets her death.
Folder 1180: Wetmore, Henry Carner, 1823-? A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 9 September 1851: Fishkill Landing, (N.Y.). Wishes to become a regular contributor to the International Magazine. Encloses two articles already printed, including "The Wife" which Griswold may use if he wishes.
Folder 1181: Wetmore, Prosper Montgomery, 1798-1876. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 7 June 1847: New York. Thanks him for book [Philip Pendleton Cooke's Froissart Ballads?] and invites him to visit an institution for the deaf and dumb.
Folder 1182: Whelpley, James Davenport. 1807-1872. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 25 March 1852: New York. Fears that his letter may have seemed rude and insulting to Griswold. If so, he begs forgiveness.
Folder 1183: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, August 1846: Boston, M.A. Is eager to see the proofs of Griswold's book [Prose Writers of America]. Gives a biographical account of himself and his work.
Folder 1184: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 9 March 1847: Boston, M.A. Criticizes Griswold's book [Prose Writers of America]. Thinks his own abilities are overrated. Mentions Duyckinck's new Journal [the Literary World], and Bowen's article against Emerson in the next North American Review. [C.C.?] Felton, not Whipple wrote a previous review of [William Gilmer?] Simms.
Folder 1185: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 26 April 1847: Boston, M.A. Suggests stylistic changes which Griswold should make in his book [Prose Writers of America?] for the London public. Advises him to give [H. N.] Hudson a fine notice. Regrets Duyckinck's article in the [New York Literary] World, but blames Griswold for joining the attack on Cornelius Mathews.
Folder 1186: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 28 April 1847: Boston, M.A. [H.N.] Hudson does not wish to be included in Griswold's book because he dislikes such publicity. Duyckinck has left the [New York] Literary World.
Folder 1187: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 30 April 1847: Boston, M.A. Criticizes Griswold's comparison of Burke and Webster, which will be considered ridiculous in England.
Folder 1188: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 6 January 1849: Boston, M.A. Can do nothing with [Francis] Bowen to prevent Mrs. [E. F.] Ellet's review [of Female Poets of America in the North American Review]. Reproves the New York literati for quarrelling. His own Essays and Reviews is being "shabbily treated" by critics in New York and Philadelphia.
Folder 1189: Whipple, Edwin Percy, 1819-1886. A.D., 1847: Biographical sketch of Francis Bowen.
Folder 1190: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to Edgar Allan Poe, 29 September 1835: Richmond, V.A. Urges Poe to abstain from all use of alcohol, and dissuades him from returning to Richmond.
Folder 1191: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to Edgar Allan Poe, 17 January 1837: N.p. Will publish as much as possible of the "Narratives of A. Gordon Pym." Promises to send Poe money.
Folder 1192: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 23 November 1839: Richmond, V.A. Cannot use Griswold's obituary article for 1839, recommended by [Horace] Greeley for the Southern Literary Messenger, unless he will donate it.
Folder 1193: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to [R. W. Griswold?], 23 December 1839: Richmond, V.A. Regrets that he cannot offer the addressee a position. Commends his article "The Rights of Authors" [Southern Literary Messenger, January 1837?]. Would like another article from him on any subject.
Folder 1194: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 25 May 1840: Richmond, V.A. Has sent the Messenger to Griswold, and asks for copies of Brother Jonathan.
Folder 1195: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 9 June 1840: Richmond, V.A. Will pay Griswold for his contributions, even if slowly. Thanks him for a poetical contribution which he will print in the June issue [of the Messenger?] and for Griswold's notice of the same magazine.
Folder 1196: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to Horace Greeley, 30 October 1840: Richmond, V.A. Encloses bill for B. F. Butler. Writer's finanical difficulties increase. Asks Greeley to give the November issue of the Messenger the best notice possible. Praises R. W. Griswold.
Folder 1197: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, October 1840: Richmond, V.A. Thanks Griswold for his poem which will be published in the November Messenger. Thanks him for his notice of the September and October issues of the same magazine.
Folder 1198: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 17 July 1841: Richmond, V.A. Would like an article by Griswold on Longfellow or Mount Auburn [Cemetery], or any subject. Would appreciate a notice of the forthcoming Messenger.
Folder 1199: White, Thomas Willis, 1788-1843. A.L.S. to R. W. Griswold, 4 August 1841: Richmond, V.A. Wishes Griswold to review the July and August issues of the Messenger in the Notion, defending the writer's practice of issuing two numbers under one cover.