Collection ID: LMC 1734
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Collection context

Summary

Creator:
Palmer, Mary, 1746-1791
Abstract:
The Mayhew mss., 1775-1782, consists of letters written to Betsy (also called Elizabeth or Eliza) Mayhew by Mary or Polly, sometimes referred to as Mary Palmer, 1746-1791.
Extent:
1 folio
Language:
Materials are in English .
Preferred citation:

[Item], Mayhew mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

Background

Biographical / Historical:

Mary Palmer, 1746-1791, was a correspondent of Betsy Mayhew. She was born on January 18, 1746, in Boston, Massachusetts, the daughter of Joseph Palmer, 1716-1788, and his wife Mary Cranch Palmer. Mary was also known by her nickname "Polly."

Elizabeth Mayhew Wainwright, 1759-1829, was a correspondent of Mary Palmer. Also known as "Eliza" or "Betsy," Elizabeth was born in Boston, the daughter of Reverend Jonathan Mayhew and his wife Elizabeth Clarke. She married Peter Wainwright, a tobacco merchant, on June 5, 1790. In 1791, they moved to Liverpool, England where their three children (Jonathan, Peter Jr. and Elizabeth) were born. In 1803, she returned to Boston to live with her family. Elizabeth died on July 5, 1829 in Liverpool.

Scope and Content:

While a number of the letters are concerned only with personal matters, several of them give details of the early skirmishes of the American Revolution, particularly the Battle of Lexington; the situation in Boston; fear of invasion by the British fleet; and the attitude of the civilian population toward the "Ministerial Party" and the Tories.

The Adams (possibly Samuel) household is mentioned.

Acquisition information:
Purchase: 1962
Arrangement:

This collection is arranged following original order.

Physical location:
Lilly - Folio

Access

RESTRICTIONS:

This collection is open for research.

Many collections are housed offsite; retrieval requires advance notice. Please make an appointment a minimum of one week in advance of your visit.

TERMS OF ACCESS:

Photography and digitization may be restricted for some collections. Copyright restrictions may apply. Before publishing, researchers are responsible for securing permission from all applicable rights holders, then filling out the Permission to Publish form.

PREFERRED CITATION:

[Item], Mayhew mss., Lilly Library, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana.

CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
LOCATION OF THIS COLLECTION:
1200 East Seventh Street
Bloomington, Indiana 47405-5500, USA
CAMPUS:
Indiana University Bloomington
CONTACT:
(812) 855-2452
liblilly@indiana.edu