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.
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.
Arranged. chronologically.
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.
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.
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); Henry James Anderson Papers; Box and Folder; Rare Book and Manuscript Library, Columbia University Library.
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
No additons expected
Materials may have been added to the collection since this finding aid was prepared. Contact rbml@columbia.edu for more information.
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.
Columbia University Libraries, Rare Book and Manuscript Library
Papers processed Robyn Hjermstad.
Finding aid written by Robyn Hjermstad June 2010.
Collection is processed to folder level.
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.
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.