Henry J. Anderson Papers, 1823-1844

Summary Information

Abstract

The Henry J. Anderson Papers consist of some 400 personal letters spanning the adult life of Henry James Anderson. The majority of the correspondences are between Anderson and his wife, Fanny Da Ponte. There are also letters to and from various family members including his father in-law, Venetian librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte.

At a Glance

Call No.:
MS#0031
Bib ID:
4079814 View CLIO record
Creator(s):
Anderson, Henry J (Henry James), 1799-1875
Repository:
Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Physical Description:
0.42 linear feet (1 document box)
Language(s):
English , Italian .
Access:
You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Description

Summary

These papers are carbon copies of typed copies of the original letters of Henry James Anderson. The letters describe Anderson's love and affection for his wife, Fanny Da Ponte Anderson. These correspondences attend to life in the early to mid nineteenth century on the east coast. Some letters contain price lists and budgets for both Anderson and his wife and children. Personal letters between Anderson and Venetian librettist Lorenzo Da Ponte, Anderson's father in-law, are also included in this collection.

Arrangement

Arranged. chronologically.

Using the Collection

Restrictions on Access

You will need to make an appointment in advance to use this collection material in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room. You can schedule an appointment once you've submitted your request through your Special Collections Research Account.

This collection has no restrictions.

This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material at least three business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Manuscript Library reading room.

Terms Governing Use and Reproduction

Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The RBML maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.

Preferred Citation

Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Henry James Anderson Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.

Related Materials

Additional information on Henry James Anderson and Lorenzo Da Ponte can be found in the Historical Biographical Files, Columbia University Archives

Henry James Anderson file in Historical Biographical Files, Columbia University Archives

Lorenzo Da Ponte file in Historical Biographical Files, Columbia University Archives

Accrual

No additons expected

Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.

Ownership and Custodial History

The Da Ponte family loaned the original set of letters to Arthur Livingston, a collector of Venetian documents; Elizabeth Abbott translated Da Ponte's memoirs and typed copies of the originals for Livingston in the 1920s. While the original set of letters was returned to the Da Ponte family, one set of carbons was given to Columbia University's Italian Department at some undetermined time. The copies were then transferred to the Rare Book & Manuscript Library in 1992 by the Department of Italian.

About the Finding Aid / Processing Information

Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library

Processing Information

Papers processed Robyn Hjermstad.

Finding aid written by Robyn Hjermstad June 2010.

Collection is processed to folder level.

Revision Description

2010-07-31 File created.

2010-08-04 XML document instance created by Catherine N. Carson

2019-05-20 EAD was imported spring 2019 as part of the ArchivesSpace Phase II migration.

Biographical / Historical

Henry James Anderson was born in New York City in 1799. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University in 1818, and an M.D. from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1824. He served as Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Columbia College from 1825-1843. At the age of 26, Anderson joined the United States Dead Sea Expedition as a geologist. While abroad, Anderson converted to the Catholic faith and would become known for his zeal and leadership within the Catholic Church throughout his lifetime. The New York Catholic Protectory was both founded upon and built under his influence; Anderson also served as president of the Catholic Union. Pope Pius IX received him numerous times, and bestowed on him the title of Knight Commander of the order of Saint Gregory the Great.

Aside from his religious merits, Anderson received an honorary L.L.D in 1850, and served as Trustee of Columbia from 1851-1875. Anderson was Professor Emeritus from 1866 until his death in 1875. The majority of Anderson's writings were for the New York Quarterly Review and mathematical journals.

Subject Headings

The subject headings listed below are found in this collection. Links below allow searches for other collections at Columbia University, through CLIO, the catalog for Columbia University Libraries, and through ArchiveGRID, a catalog that allows users to search the holdings of multiple research libraries and archives.

All links open new windows.

Name
Anderson, Henry J (Henry James), 1799-1875 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Columbia University -- Faculty CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Columbia University. Department of Mathematics CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID
Da Ponte, Lorenzo, 1749-1838 CLIO Catalog ArchiveGRID