1670-1892
Guide to the Microfilm Edition
Abstract
This collection consists of the interrelated family papers of the Smith and Townsend families, including those of Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829), Abigail Smith Adams, William Smith (1755-1816), Thomas Carter Smith (1796-1880), David Townsend (1753-1829), Solomon Davis Townsend (1793-1869), and many other family members.
Biographical Sketches
Smith Family
William Smith (1667-1730), a mariner and merchant of Medford, Mass., married Abigail Fowle (1679?-1760). Their children were: Abigail (1700-1788) (later Mrs. Simon Tufts); Sarah (1703-1775) (later Mrs. Samuel Edwards); William (1706-1783); Anna (1708-1781) (later Mrs. Ebenezer Kent); Mary (1710-1800) (later Mrs. Ebenezer Austin); and Isaac (1719-1787).
William Smith (1706-1783) was the pastor of the First (Congregational) Church of Weymouth, Mass., and married Elizabeth Quincy (1721-1775). Their children were: Mary (1741-1811) (later Mrs. Richard Cranch); Abigail (1744-1818) (later Mrs. John Adams); William (1746-1787); and Elizabeth (1750-1815) (later Elizabeth Smith Shaw Peabody).
Isaac Smith (1719-1787), was an active trader in the cod fishery and one of the wealthiest merchant-shipowners in Boston. He married Elizabeth Storer (1726-1786), and their children were: Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829), a Loyalist clergyman forced to flee to England during the Revolutionary War; William (1755-1816); Elizabeth; and Mary.
William Smith (1755-1816), a Boston merchant, married Hannah Carter (1764-1836). Their children were: Thomas Carter Smith (1796-1880); William, Jr. (d. 1811); Isaac (d. 1813); Elizabeth; and Hannah (1794-1863) (later Mrs. Benjamin T. Pickman). Thomas Carter Smith, a merchant seaman, married Frances Barnard (1804-1885).
Townsend Family
Dr. David Townsend (1753-1829), a descendent of Andrew Townsend of Lynn, Mass., was a surgeon who served in the military during the Revolutionary War. He married Elizabeth Davis, and their son, Solomon Davis Townsend (1793-1869), was also a surgeon. Solomon Davis Townsend married Catherine Wendell Davis.
Collection Description
The Smith-Townsend family papers and papers II consist of the interrelated papers of the Smith and Townsend families. The collection contains the correspondence of Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) while in exile in England during the Revolutionary War, as well as his book of memoranda on sermons preached by Rev. Samuel Cooper and others in Boston (1764); correspondence from Abigail Smith Adams, wife of President John Adams, to her uncle Isaac Smith (1719-1787) and her cousin William (1755-1816), including letters from Philadelphia on current politics; accounts, letters, and other papers documenting the commercial activities of William Smith (1755-1816) and his son Thomas Carter Smith (1796-1880); letters and business papers of David Townsend (1753-1829) and his son Solomon Davis Townsend (1793-1869); and David Townsend's cut-slip autograph collection. Among the many correspondents are Hannah Carter Smith (1764-1836), Hannah Smith Pickman (1794-1863), Benjamin T. Pickman (1790-1835), John Adams, John Quincy Adams, and William Smith Shaw (1778-1826).
Also included in the collection are family recipe books (begun in 1738); an undated commonplace-book of poetry kept by Frances Barnard Smith; an unidentified meteorological journal (1818); and a scrapbook of genealogical notes and charts, photographs, and other family memorabilia kept by Elizabeth H. Smith.
Most of the items in this collection have been individually cataloged. See below for a Chronological List of Select Items.
Arrangement
This microfilm edition, a revision of the 1977 edition, brings together the Smith-Townsend family papers and the Smith-Townsend family papers II on one reel of film. Loose papers from the two collections have been interfiled into one chronological arrangement and appear first on the microfilm. Items from the Smith-Townsend family papers II are identified with penciled notations and in the manuscript catalog as "Smith-Townsend II." The Elizabeth H. Smith genealogical scrapbook, the last item on the film, is also from the Smith-Townsend family papers II.
Acquisition Information
Gift of Dr. Charles W. Townsend, Oct. 1925. Smith-Townsend family papers II deposited, Nov. 1925.
Other Formats
Black and white digital images of this collection--produced from the microfilm edition--are available as part of History Vault: Revolutionary War and Early America, a digital resource from ProQuest. This resource is available at subscribing libraries; speak to your local librarian to determine if your library has access. The MHS also provides access onsite to the Society's contributions to this resource; see a reference librarian for more information.
Reel List
Loose papers, 1670-1892
Note: For a chronological list of these items, see below.
Recipe books of Mary Storer, Elizabeth Storer Smith, and Hannah Carter Smith, undated, begun 1738
Frances Barnard Smith commonplace-book, undated
Townsend autograph collection, undated
Miscellaneous printed materials
Elizabeth H. Smith genealogical scrapbook
Chronological List of Select Items
This list includes all of the loose papers (1670-1892) in the Smith-Townsend family papers and papers II, as well as some of the other items in the collection. The source of each item is noted in italics after the date.
Undated-1712
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersGenealogical records of the Mackay family.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersMemorandum of the marriage of John Hopkins and Esther Barnard Hammond.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersRecord of the children of Andrew, Thomas, Samuel, and John Davis.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersGenealogical table of Hannah Gookin Carter Kent's family and records of other members of the Gookin family [enclosed with letter of Hannah Smith].
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersVital records of the families of Solomon Davis and his wife Elizabeth Wendell.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papers IICaldwell family genealogy.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersCookbooks containing recipes of the Smith family.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersPage by [John Quincy Adams] describing young ladies' schooling [incomplete].
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersCommonplace-book kept by Frances Barnard Smith.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papers IICarter family genealogy.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersRecord of the voyages of Thomas Carter Smith.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersBiographical record of Alexander Townsend.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersTownsend autograph collection [cut signatures].
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersGenealogical chart of the Townsend family prepared by Dr. Shurtleff.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersGenealogical chart of the descendants of Andrew and Abigail Collins Townsend.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIList of the children of Hannah Storer.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIOrder for payment to Ebenezer Storer, Jr., of the balance due to Isaac Smith by the estate of Ebenezer Storer, Sr.
Undated
From Smith-Townsend family papersGenealogical record of the Quincy family.
28 July [no year]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith (Boston) about the Gookin family genealogy [enclosed: genealogical table of Hannah Gookin Carter Kent's family].
15 Oct. [no year]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter to Hannah Smith from her cousin at Lake George about the difficulty for strangers to find their way around Boston.
20 Oct. [no year]
From Smith-Townsend family papersFranked envelope from Daniel Webster (Marshfield) to Thomas Carter Smith at the Merchants Insurance Co., Boston.
25 Apr. 1670
From Smith-Townsend family papersDeed to Jonathan Kettell from Theophilus March [copy].
13 Sep. 1703
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIAssignment by Abigail Fowle Smith (Charlestown) of William Smith's power of attorney to Joseph Hearne.
19 Apr. 1704
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBond from Isaac Fowle (Charlestown) to John Willson.
17 Dec. 1712
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBond from [William Smith] (1667-1730) (Charlestown) to John Asbury.
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1718-[177-]
11 Feb. 1718
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBond from William Smith (1667-1730) (Charlestown) to Abigail Tilley, Isabella Armitage, and Jonas and Grace Clarke.
13 Feb. 1720
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from Edward Ellis (Boston) to William Smith for payment for medical services.
20 Oct. 1723
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Gibbs, Lewen and Potter (Lisbon) to William Pepperrell and Son about representing their interests at Lisbon.
16 Dec. 1724
From Smith-Townsend family papers IICopy of the record by the Boston town clerk of Robert Thompson's admittance as an inhabitant of Boston.
9 Jan. 1730
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from James Morgan (Marblehead) to William Pepperrell about personal finances.
June 1730
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from Thomas Greaves to William Smith for medical services.
6 June 1730
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from John Burt to the estate of William Smith for the purchase of funeral rings [with receipt by Samuel Gray, 2 July 1730].
31 May 1732
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of sailing orders from William Pepperrell (Kittery) to Capt. Robert Oram for a voyage of the ship Eagle to Antigua [with Oram's acknowledgment, 31 May 1732].
Jan. 1734
From Smith-Townsend family papersSpeech by Gov. Joseph Belcher to the New Hampshire Assembly, communicated to Capt. Samuel Pollard [with handwritten verses by Joseph Green].
17 June 1735
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Benjamin Smith (Charleston, S.C.) to Rev. William Smith about the Smith family in Carolina.
1738
From Smith-Townsend family papersCooking recipes of Mary Storer, Elizabeth Storer Smith, and Hannah Carter Smith.
Jan. 1760
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from Giles Brewer to Samuel Edwards for a coffin for Abigail Fowle Smith Edwards.
18 Jan. 1760
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIAllowance of the will of Abigail Fowle Smith Edwards and letters of administration from Thomas Hutchinson to Isaac Smith and Samuel Edwards.
21 Feb. 1760
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from John Perkins (Boston) to the estate of Abigail Fowle Smith Edwards for medical services.
16 Mar. 1763
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Abigail Adams (Weymouth) to Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) about her translation of Mrs. Wheelwright's letter from the French.
[1764]
From Smith-Townsend family papersAccount by [Isaac Smith] (1719-1787) of smallpox in Boston for the years 1752 and 1764.
[1764]
From Smith-Townsend family papersAdvice from David Townsend about the dangers of smoking [incomplete].
8 Jan.-Mar. 1764
From Smith-Townsend family papersBook kept by Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) with memoranda on sermons preached by Rev. Samuel Cooper and others at Boston.
Apr. 1764
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill from James Lloyd to Isaac Smith for inoculations.
20 Nov. 1764
From Smith-Townsend family papersDeed to John Scott from Eunice Kettell and Shippie Townsend.
21 Nov. 1764
From Smith-Townsend family papersDeed to Shippie Townsend from John Scott.
4 Jan. 1765
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from John Proctor to Isaac Smith (1719-1787) for the tuition of his son William (1755-1816).
22 July-2 Aug. 1765
From Smith-Townsend family papers IINotes by Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) on a journey to Portsmouth from Boston and back.
16 Apr. 1769
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from W. Paine (Salem) about his opinions on the theater.
21 May 1769
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from W. Paine (Salem) about his views on vice.
[177-]
From Smith-Townsend family papersDraft of a letter from [Elizabeth Smith] to her brother Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about his departure.
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1771-1780
[1771]
From Smith-Townsend family papersDraft of letter from [Elizabeth Storer Smith] to her son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) on personal matters.
20 Apr. 1771
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Braintree) to Isaac Smith about obstacles to women's traveling, religion in America, etc.
27 May 1771
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill from Katherine Forbes (London) for the board and lodging of Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) at London.
4 June 1771
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Alexander Champion, Jr. (London) to [Isaac Smith, Jr.] (1749-1829) about events and activities in London.
15 Nov. 1771
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of orders from [William Mackay] (Boston) to Capt. Robert Caldwell for a trading voyage to Grenada in the sloop Fanny and Jenny [with Caldwell's acknowledgment, 15 Nov. 1771].
16 Nov. 1771
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill from Robert Caldwell (Boston) to the owners of the Fanny and Jenny.
20 Jan. 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Robert Caldwell (St. Lucia) to the owners of the Fanny and Jenny about the ship's trading voyage.
18 Mar. 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersInvoice of the Fanny and Jenny's cargo from Robert Caldwell (St. Nicholas).
17 July 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersOrder from William Mackay (Boston) to Peter Boyer to deliver sugar to Joseph Breck.
22 Sep. 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersAccount of the hire and sales of cargo from Robert Caldwell (St. Eustatius) to the owners of the Fanny and Jenny.
23 Sep. 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersOrder from William Mackay (Boston) to Peter Boyer to deliver sugar to Josias Byles.
31 Dec. 1772
From Smith-Townsend family papersAccount of the sale of the Fanny and Jenny's cargo.
7 June 1775
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from John Adams (Philadelphia) to Isaac Smith about cutting off supplies to the Newfoundland British fishery and about military recruitment in Philadelphia and Wilmington.
7 Oct. 1775
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of address to Gen. Thomas Gage on his departure from Boston from Richard Saltonstall and other Tories removed to Boston [also copy of reply from Thomas Gage (Boston) about their support of the Crown, 6 Oct. 1775].
28 Oct. 1775
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) (London) to his brother William (1755-1816) about British lack of sympathy for the American colonists and his activities in England.
18 Dec. 1775
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from [Isaac Smith] (1719-1787) (Salem) to his son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about conditions at Boston under the occupation and about providing money for him at London.
[1776]
From Smith-Townsend family papersDraft of letter from [Elizabeth Storer Smith] to her son Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) about the progress of the war and family inoculations at Boston.
1776-1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersVerses by Catherine Davis.
5 Apr. 1776
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Isaac Smith (1719-1787) (Salem) to his son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about the British evacuation of Boston and destruction of the town's churches and warehouses.
13 June 1777
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Elizabeth Storer Smith (Boston) to Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829).
10 Apr. 1778
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIShort note from Nathaniel Carter (Newburyport) to William Smith about his family's welfare.
13 Nov. 1778
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Elizabeth Storer Smith to her son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about his separation from the family because of the war.
30 Dec. 1779
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill of exchange in William Turnbull's favor.
26 Feb. 1780
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Thomas Smith (South Carolina) to Isaac Smith about a money matter.
28 Feb. 1780
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith (1719-1787) (Boston) to Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about the severity of the winter.
29 May 1780
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Thomas Danforth (Exeter, England) to Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) about war news, etc.
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1781-1789
2 July 1781
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter of marque from Samuel Huntington (Philadelphia) to Jonathan Smith for the Rainbow galley [with certification by Jonathan Trumbull (Lebanon), 2 July 1781].
21 Aug. 1781
From Smith-Townsend family papersPass for the ship Isabella of London, bound for America and the West Indies.
29 Oct. 1781
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Robert Caldwell (Philadelphia) to Thompson about the sale of his "Negro man Catto."
7 Feb. 1782
From Smith-Townsend family papers IITax bill to William Smith (1755-1816).
3 May 1782
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith (1719-1787) (Boston) to his son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) on shipping matters.
4 Aug. 1782
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from John Hancock (Boston) to Solomon Davis on money matters [with receipt from Solomon Davis (Boston) to Moses Cleveland for payment on Hancock's account, 5 Aug. 1782].
14 Oct. 1782
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) (Sidmouth) to his sister Elizabeth.
16 Dec. 1782
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIReceipt from William Mackay (Boston) to William Thompson for disbursement in the settlement of Robert Thompson's estate.
30 June 1783
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Elizabeth Storer Smith (Boston) to her son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) with family news.
16 Sep. 1783
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith (1755-1816) (London) to his brother Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about his plans to tour Europe and on personal business matters.
26 Dec. 1783
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Elizabeth Storer Smith (Boston) to her son Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) about the decline of religion and the death of Rev. Samuel Cooper.
[1784]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIDraft of petition by Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) to the Massachusetts General Court for reinstatement of citizenship after his sojourn in England during the war.
5 Apr. 1784
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill from William Wood to Smith for hair dressing.
30 July 1784
From Smith-Townsend family papersMemorandum on a piece of land owned by Sarah Gray and R. Darby in the westerly part of Boston.
31 Aug. 1784
From Smith-Townsend family papersTax bill to Isaac Smith (1719-1787).
9 May 1785
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Abigail Adams (Auteuil) to Isaac Smith about the scale of French living and on political matters.
1786
From Smith-Townsend family papersProspectus for land owned by Gray and Darby in the westerly part of Boston.
22 Aug. 1786
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill to Isaac Smith (1719-1787) for real estate and personal property tax.
3 Jan. 1787
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Thomas Bernard (London) to Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) on Anglo-American relations.
12 Apr. 1787
From Smith-Townsend family papersAccount of Isaac Smith (1719-1787) with William and Isaac, Jr. (1749-1829) for the period 1784-1787.
[1789]
From Smith-Townsend family papersSketch diagram of the Torrey family house lots and tan yard (Boylston Street, Boston, Mass.).
1 May 1789
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Mary Smith Otis (New York) to Hannah Smith about Washington's inauguration, etc.
10 Aug. 1789
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Richmond Hill) to William Smith about provisions from home, etc.
11 Sep. 1789
From Smith-Townsend family papersMortgage issued by Edward Rumney to John Lowell.
22 Oct. 1789
From Smith-Townsend family papersBoston Assemblies ticket issued to Hannah Carter Smith.
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[1790]-1798
[1790]
From Smith-Townsend family papersBoston Assemblies ticket issued to Hannah Carter Smith.
21 Oct. 1791
From Smith-Townsend family papersDeed to David Townsend from Shippie Townsend.
24 Nov. 1792
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Samuel A. Otis (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Congressional matters and personal business.
23 Apr. 1793
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Charles Storer (New York) to William Smith about the shipment of his new chair.
[1795]
From Smith-Townsend family papersDraft of letter from [Shippie Townsend] about Winchester's reply to Thomas Paine.
5 Aug. 1795
From Smith-Townsend family papersDeed of sale from Edward Gray (Boston) to William Smith for property at Boston in the estate of Suviah Thayer.
[1797]
From Smith-Townsend family papersNotes on the Townsend family by [Shippie Townsend] [1857 transcript].
16 Nov. 1797
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Philadelphia after the epidemic, etc.
21 Nov. 1797
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about the reception of the president in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
18 Dec. 1797
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about the severity of the weather and about B. F. Bache's character.
22 Feb. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Thomas Welsh, Jr.
8 Apr. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about the state of the nation.
24 May 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Thomas Welsh, Jr.
29 May 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Franco-American relations and the president's difficulty in finding a Secretary of the Navy.
21 June 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersWill of Shippie Townsend [copy].
26 June 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Franco-American relations.
17 July 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Franco-American relations.
17 July 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersPass for the ship Diana, authorized by [George Washington].
23 July 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about William S. Smith's rejection by the Senate as adjutant-general.
4 Oct. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from John Quincy Adams (Berlin) to William Smith about Franco-American relations and about shipping his books home to Smith's care.
15 Oct. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Thomas B. Adams (Hamburg) to John Adams about his plans for returning to the United States.
[ca. 5 Jan. 1813]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith (1770–1849) about her admiration for Smith's mother Elizabeth Storer Smith [incomplete].
NOTE: This item was previously mis-identified as a letter from Abigail Adams to William Smith (1755-1816), [post 18 Nov. 1798], and microfilmed at this location.
18 Dec. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to William Smith.
26 Dec. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to William Smith about John Quincy Adams's investments and about the prospect of Thomas B. Adams's return to the United States.
28 Dec. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to William Smith about John Quincy Adams's investment in canal shares.
30 Dec. 1798
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams to William Smith about her anxiety about her son Thomas.
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1799-1805
[1799]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Carter Smith to her daughter Elizabeth about her return to Boston and family activities.
23 Mar. 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from John Brusler (Philadelphia) to [Abigail Adams] about a shipment of goods on the brig Cyrus [enclosed with letter from Abigail Adams to William Smith, 3 Apr. 1799].
3 Apr. 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to William Smith about accepting her shipment sent from Philadelphia by John Brusler [enclosed: letter from John Brusler to Abigail Adams, 23 Mar. 1799].
27 July 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to William Smith about visits from his family.
19 Nov. 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about the dangers of Jacobinism.
22 Nov. 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about newspaper politics.
25 Dec. 1799
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Washington's death and the dangers of faction.
[180-]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith, Jr. (d. 1811) (Portsmouth) to his mother Hannah Carter Smith about a trip with his brother Isaac Smith (d. 1813) to Newburyport and New Hampshire.
Jan. [1800]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith Shaw (Philadelphia) to William Smith about a visit to Martha Washington at Mt. Vernon and the circumstances of Washington's death.
Jan. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith Shaw (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Congressional consideration of the John Randolph letter and war matters in Europe.
16 Jan. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about tributes to Washington and about John Randolph.
30 Jan. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to Mrs. William Smith about current fashions.
5 Feb. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about gubernatorial candidacies in Massachusetts.
2 Mar. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith Shaw (Philadelphia) to William Smith about the style of orations commemorating George Washington.
3 Mar. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith appraising George Washington's war services.
20 Mar. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to Mrs. William Smith about Philadelphia social life.
16 May 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Philadelphia) to William Smith about Cabinet changes.
8 Nov. 1800
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from William Smith Shaw (Washington) to William Smith about the presidential election and Hamilton's attack on Adams.
24 Feb. 1801
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIBill of lading from Capt. Moses Barnard (Boston) for a shipment of cargo by Thomas Capen on board the ship Lydia to Canton.
19 Dec. 1803
From Smith-Townsend family papersTicket of admission for William Smith (1755-1816) to the Forefathers Day dinner at the Concert Hall.
[1804]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIAccounting relative to the settlement of Nathaniel Carter's estate.
14 Jan. 1804
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from John Quincy Adams (Washington) to William Smith about a certain measure before Congress.
24 Sep. 1805
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill from William Biglow to Dr. David Townsend for the tuition of his children.
3 Dec. 1805
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Frances Caldwell Barnard (Boston) to her sister Mary Caldwell about personal matters.
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1807-1810
31 Mar. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papersBill from William Biglow to Dr. David Townsend for his son's tuition.
28 May 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papers IITreasurer's bond for William Smith underwritten by Samuel A. Otis, Harrison Gray Otis, Samuel Parkman, Benjamin Joy, Josiah Quincy, and Samuel Brown.
16 Sep. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papersBond of Isaac Parker (Boston) with David Townsend (Boston) to Harvard College for the tuition of Solomon Davis Townsend.
1 Oct. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 23 Dec. 1807].
3 Nov. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Frances Caldwell Barnard (Billerica) to her sister Mary Caldwell about family news.
4 Dec. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from William Thompson (Watertown) to his sons William, Harry, and Charles advising them about their conduct at school and describing his trip home after leaving them at Andover.
10 Dec. 1807
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 1 June 1808].
1 Jan. 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Frances Caldwell Barnard (Billerica) to her mother Frances Caldwell on personal and family matters.
31 Jan. 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from William Thompson (Watertown) to his sons William, Harry, and Charles with instructions for their trip home from school in Andover.
31 Mar. 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 28 Sep. 1808].
23 June 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 16 Feb. 1809].
6 Oct. 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 16 Feb. 1809].
8 Dec. 1808
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 1 June 1809].
6 Apr. 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 28 Sep. 1809].
15 June 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of the vote of the Dummer Academy trustees relating to the reimbursement of Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829) for repairs on the farm buildings, and his continuing as Preceptor.
29 June 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 8 Dec. 1809].
14 Aug. 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about family news and her activities during her mother's absence from home.
3 Oct. 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 8 Jan. 1810].
7 Dec. 1809
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 31 May 1810].
5 Apr. 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 18 Aug. 1810].
15 May 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from Esaias Hausmany (Cambridge) for payment for tuition (in French).
28 June 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 28 Sep. 1810].
23 Aug. 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from E. W. Metcalf to Solomon D. Townsend for payment for purchases.
4 Oct. 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 1 Jan. 1811].
13 Dec. 1810
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 30 May 1811].
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1811-1817
4 Apr. 1811
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 26 Aug. 1811].
27 June 1811
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 26 Aug. 1811].
27 June 1811
From Smith-Townsend family papersQuarter bill codicil from Harvard College to Solomon D. Townsend [receipted by Caleb Gannett, 26 Aug. 1811].
30 Oct. 1811
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith (d. 1813) (Newburyport) to his mother Hannah Carter Smith about his visit to Newburyport.
8 May 1812
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith (d. 1813) (Isle of May) to his father William Smith (1755-1816) describing the island and about taking on a cargo of salt.
6 June 1812
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Isaac Smith (d. 1813) (Isle of May) to his father William Smith (1755-1816) about trade.
5 July 1812
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith with news about their family during her absence from home.
12 July 1812
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about the Otis family's return to Boston.
[ca. 5 Jan. 1813]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Abigail Adams to Elizabeth Smith (1770–1849) about her admiration for Smith's mother Elizabeth Storer Smith [incomplete].
NOTE: This item was previously mis-identified as a letter from Abigail Adams to William Smith (1755-1816), [post 18 Nov. 1798], and microfilmed at that location.
11 Aug. 1813
From Smith-Townsend family papersNotice to William Smith (1755-1816) from the Boston Selectmen of a visitation to the public schools.
18 Sep. 1813
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter of condolence from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to [William Smith] (1755-1816) on the death of his son Isaac.
22 Dec. 1813
From Smith-Townsend family papersCertificate of membership to the American Antiquarian Society from Isaiah Thomas to Isaac Smith, Jr. (1749-1829).
[Sep. 1814]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Lancaster) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith covering a mis-sent letter.
[Sep. 1814]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Lancaster) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith describing her visit to Lancaster.
12 Oct. 1814
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Lancaster) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about her health and the prospect for her return to Boston.
17 Apr. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith about the death of his father William (1755-1816) and about shipping ventures.
23 Apr. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Carter Smith (Boston) to her son Thomas Carter Smith about the death of his father William (1755-1816).
23 Nov. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith with trading advice for his voyage to Calcutta.
23 Nov. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Carter Smith (Boston) to her son Thomas Carter Smith about her widowhood.
24 Nov. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Carter Smith (Boston) to her son Thomas Carter Smith about family news.
18 Dec. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith advising him on the responsibilities of a commission agent.
23 Dec. 1816
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Carter Smith (Boston) to her son Thomas Carter Smith about his accepting the opportunity of a voyage to Calcutta.
[7 July 1817]
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIMessage from John Adams to President James Monroe welcoming him to Massachusetts.
21 July 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Frances Caldwell Barnard (Billerica) to her sister Mary Caldwell with news of friends and on personal matters.
3 Aug. 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about social activities at Boston and Whitlow's lectures on botany.
19 Aug. 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about the arrival of John Quincy Adams and other family news.
24 Aug. 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith with news of social activities at Boston.
31 Aug. 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about activities at Boston and news of the Adams family.
17 Sep. 1817
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about family news.
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1818-1826
1818-1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersMemoranda of Davis family events, including T. O. Davis joining the firm of James Andrews and Co., Boston, and E. O. Davis's death at sea.
Mar. 1818
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Abigail Adams (Quincy) to Harriet Welsh.
23 May 1818
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith about current trade at Boston.
July-Oct. 1818
From Smith-Townsend family papersMeteorological journal, probably kept by a member of the Townsend family.
10 Aug. 1818
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith with news of family and friends at Boston and about sending articles to Portsmouth via Capt. Tuckerman.
14 Sep. [1818]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith with family news.
18 Sep. 1818
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to [Hannah Carter Smith] about his wife's illness and need of a companion.
19 Feb. 1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin Pickman, Jr. (Salem) to his son Benjamin about the jailing of Thomas Carter Smith on a charge of murder.
5 July 1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about the change in Benjamin T. Pickman's military status and about social activities at Boston [with letter added from Thomas Carter Smith to his mother Hannah Carter Smith about her personal finances].
Aug. [1819]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith proposing her visit at Bulfinch Place.
8 Aug. 1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith with news of family and friends.
12 Aug. [1819]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith describing the encampment and exercises of the troops of cadets on the Boston Common.
19 Aug. 1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about the forthcoming Harvard commencement exercises and about the appearance of the sea serpent at Nahant.
29 Aug. [1819]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith describing her trip to Quincy and meeting the Verplank family there.
31 Aug. 1819
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about social activities at Boston and Quincy and about the epidemic at Boston.
6 Sep. [1819]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about activities and people at Boston.
9 Dec. 1820
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Benjamin T. Pickman (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith about market prices at Boston and family news.
10 Sep. 1822
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Boston) to her mother Hannah Carter Smith about Elizabeth Crufts's illness.
15 Jan. 1823
From Smith-Townsend family papersVisa from Thomas Appleton (Tuscany), United States Consul, to Thomas Carter Smith for travel in Italy.
27 Feb. 1825
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Petros M. to Vassile Lafaro (in Greek).
Sep. 1825
From Smith-Townsend family papersDivision of the estate of George Storer.
7 Oct. 1826
From Smith-Townsend family papersOrders from Capt. Josiah Wheelwright to Thomas Carter Smith to attend a review and encampment at Dedham.
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1827-1838
1827-1830
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplications to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance policies by policy holders.
11 July 1827
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by William Prescott (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on his Bedford Street property.
12 July 1827
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Leverett Saltonstall (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on his house in Salem.
15 May 1828
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by the directors of the Kennebeck Bridge Proprietors to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on the Augusta Bridge.
17 May 1828
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Lorenzo Draper (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of household insurance.
16 July 1828
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by James Jackson (Boston) for Harvard College to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on the buildings of the Massachusetts Medical College.
12 Aug. 1828
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Daniel Webster (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on his house on Summer Street.
[25 Sep. 1829]
From Smith-Townsend family papersPresentation note from [James L. Brown] accompanying the gift of a ring to Thomas Carter Smith in gratitude for caring for Brown's sons.
29 Sep. 1829
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Joseph Story (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance on his library and furnishings in the Russell family house in Cambridge.
[183-]
From Smith-Townsend family papersMemorandum by Hannah Smith Pickman relating to the ownership of the picture of Hannah Gookin Carter Kent, her great-grandmother, and about her descendants.
23 Mar. 1830
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Ruth Mackay (Boston) to her sister Frances Caldwell about the ladies' movement to build Bunker Hill Monument and about family matters.
25 Mar. 1830
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Henry Colman (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance.
27 May 1830
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Augustus Thorndike (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of insurance.
15 Aug. 1830
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter to Mary Caldwell from her cousin about family news.
3 Jan. 1833
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from George C. Shattuck (Boston) to Thomas Carter Smith for medical services [payment received by A. Perkins].
1 Jan. 1834
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Harrison G. Otis (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of household insurance.
3 Feb. 1834
From Smith-Townsend family papersApplication by Theophilus Parsons (Boston) to Merchants Insurance Co. for renewal of Eliza Loring's house insurance.
16 June 1834
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Daniel Webster (Washington) to Benjamin T. Pickman about the silver and gold coin bills before the legislature.
4 Aug. 1837
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Salem) to her brother Thomas Carter Smith about the death of Barnard.
12 Aug. [1837]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Salem) to her brother Thomas Carter Smith about her plans for a trip to the country.
1838
From Smith-Townsend family papersPlot sketch of property owned by Thomas Carter Smith (Broad Street, Newburyport, Mass.).
14 Feb. 1838
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Daniel John Hopkins (Hartford, England) to Thomas Carter Smith about selling his painting of Thomas Barnard.
22 May 1838
From Smith-Townsend family papersOrder from Daniel John Hopkins (Hartford, England) on T. W. Ward in favor of Thomas Carter Smith.
27 June 1838
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Thomas Carter Smith [Boston] to his wife Frances Barnard Smith about her plans to return home from the country.
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1841-1892
20 Aug. 1841
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Thomas Carter Smith (Philadelphia) to his wife Frances Barnard Smith about family news.
3 July 1842
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Frances Barnard Smith (Bristol Ferry, R.I.) to her husband Thomas Carter Smith about her visit to the Vars farm near Newport.
15 Aug. [1842]
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Hannah Smith Pickman (Bristol Ferry) to Frances Barnard Smith describing her surroundings near Newport.
20 Nov. 1843
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter for Mrs. Pickman autographed by Le General Comte Bertrand (New York).
6 Aug. 1852
From Smith-Townsend family papers IIInformation about the Bright family communicated to Thomas Carter Smith.
1853
From Smith-Townsend family papersCard inscribed by Moriondo Giuseppe while visiting Boston on the Sardinian frigate San Giovani; also visiting card of Giuseppe's associate Luigi Promis.
12 Mar. 1856
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of the will of Benjamin Fonseca Outram (Hanover Square).
17 Apr. 1857
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Henry Hall (Dennis) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend about the Davis family genealogy.
1 July 1858
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Amos Otis (Yarmouthport) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend about the Davis family genealogy.
7 July 1858
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Amos Otis (Yarmouthport) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend with a copy of the Davis family genealogy.
12 Apr. 1859
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Gustavus F. Davis (Hartford) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend containing the Davis family genealogy.
1861
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis for the Boston Committee on Military Donations to Hannah Smith Pickman for her donation to requisitioned soldiers.
23 Oct. 1862
From Smith-Townsend family papersNotation of the troy weight of the Townsend family's silver for tax assessment.
27 Feb. 1863
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Amos Otis (Yarmouthport) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend about the Davis family.
16 Mar. 1863
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from Amos Otis (Yarmouthport) to Dr. Solomon D. Townsend about the Robert Davis genealogy.
21 Oct. 1864
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Frances Barnard Smith (Fort Monroe) to her daughters Hannah and Elizabeth describing her visit to the military hospital and their brother William's medical condition.
26 Nov. 1864
From Smith-Townsend family papers IILetter from Frances Barnard Smith (Fort Monroe) to her daughters Hannah and Elizabeth describing Thanksgiving at the Chesapeake Hospital and their brother William's bravery on the battlefield.
20 Nov. 1871
From Smith-Townsend family papersLetter from A. K. Clark (Boston Highlands) to Catherine Wendell Davis Townsend about information on her father-in-law.
26 Aug. 1873
From Smith-Townsend family papersCopy of letter from Charles H. Townsend (Paris) to Andrew Townsend Hull about the Townsend family in England.
5 Oct. 1876
From Smith-Townsend family papersCertificate of acknowledgment from Marshall P. Wilder for the New England Historic Genealogical Society to Thomas C. Smith for his gift of a book.
20 Aug. 1886
From Smith-Townsend family papersU.S. passport of Frances B. Townsend.
28 Aug. 1890
From Smith-Townsend family papersCut signature of James G. Blaine as Secretary of State.
14 May 1892
From Smith-Townsend family papersReceipt from Pitt and Scott's Express Company to Catherine Wendell Davis Townsend for shipment of a package from Paris to Boston.
Preferred Citation
Smith-Townsend family papers and papers II, Massachusetts Historical Society.
Access Terms
This collection is indexed under the following headings in ABIGAIL, the online catalog of the Massachusetts Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related persons, organizations, or subjects should search the catalog using these headings.