John Russell Bartlett papers, 1850-1853

Collection Information

Size: 1 Microfilm reel, 207 items on one microfilm reel

Summary: The microfilmed John Russell Bartlet papers contain 31 watercolors and drawings by Henry Cheever Pratt; as well as 139 drawings, 2 sketchbooks, and 1 drawing book by John Russell Bartlett, all of which were created between 1850 and 1853 when Bartlett and Pratt were on expedition in Texas, New Mexico, California, Sonora, and Chihuahua. Also included are 8 drawings in pencil and Chinese white drawn from Bartlett sketches by the French artist, Oscar Bessau, who was working in Washington, D.C. in 1853; 13 watercolors drawn from Bartlett sketches by Seth Eastman in 1853 when Eastman was stationed at the Office of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C.; and 6 watercolors by Harrison Eastman, who was working in San Francisco, California during a period when John Russell Bartlett was also in that area. Five watercolors and drawings by unidentified artists; a pen and ink sketch of horses; and a self-portrait by Bartlett are also included.

Biographical/Historical Note

John Russell Bartlett (1805-1886) was a historian, linguist, and bibliographer in Providence, Rhode Island. From 1850 to 1853 Bartlett was the United States Boundary Commissioner responsible for surveying the US-Mexico border. During this time he traveled with Henry Cheever Pratt, and used the sketches from his travels to illustrate his Personal Narrative of Explorations and Incidents in Texas, New Mexico, California, Sonora and Chihuahua . Bartlett later worked for the John Carter Brown Library.

Provenance

The John Carter Brown Library acquired the John Russell Bartlett papers after his death.

Related Materials

The John Carter Brown Library at Brown University holds the John Russell Bartlett papers (JRB Papers). The Rhode Island Historical Society holds the John Russell Bartlett papers.

Language Note

English .

Location of Originals

• Originals in the John Carter Brown Library, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island.

Alternative Forms Available

35mm microfilm roll 3320 available at Archives of American Art offices and through interlibrary loan.

Restrictions on Access

The Archives of American art does not own the original papers. Use is limited to the microfilm copy.

Restrictions on Use

Authorization to publish, quote, or reproduce requires written permission from John Carter Brown Library, Brown University. Contact Reference Services for more information.

The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.

How to Cite This Collection

John Russell Bartlett papers, 1850-1853. Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution.