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University of Chicago Library

Guide to the James Blair Collection 1781-1792

© 2016 University of Chicago Library

Descriptive Summary

Title:

Blair, James. Collection

Dates:

1781-1792

Size:

0.25 linear feet (1 box)

Repository:

Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center
University of Chicago Library
1100 East 57th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.

Abstract:

James Blair, correspondent for Philadelphia mercantile house, Stewart, Nesbitt & Co., operating primarily out of the Caribbean island of Dominica in the late 18th century. This collection contains letters written Blair from 1781 to 1792. Also included in the collection is a letter from William Lawrence to Alexander Nesbitt.

Information on Use

Access

The collection is open for research.

Digital Images

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Citation

When quoting material from this collection, the preferred citation is: James Blair. Collection, [Box #, Folder #], Hanna Holborn Gray Special Collections Research Center, University of Chicago Library

Biographical Note

James Blair, operating out of the island of Dominica, was the correspondent for the Philadelphia mercantile house, Stewart, Nesbitt & Co. While there, Blair maintained correspondence with both Alexander Nesbitt and Walter Stewart, among others, regarding the state of Caribbean commerce and trade. Little is known about the life of Blair outside of his profession.

Scope Note

The James Blair Collection is organized into two series, though a certain degree of overlap was unavoidable. Series I contains personal correspondence. These letters range from 1788 to 1791. Series II contains business correspondence. These letter discuss the markets in Dominica as well and speculate on the state of trade elsewhere in the world. These letter range from 1781 to 1792.

The collection was previously part of the Miscellaneous Manuscripts Collection.

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Subject Headings

INVENTORY

Series I: Personal Correspondence

Box 1   Folder 1

Personal Correspondence, 1788-1791

View digitized documents.

  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. Dominica, May 19, 1788.
  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. New Orleans, March 25, 1790.
  • Letter from James Blair to Walter Stewart. Dominica, June 20, 1790.
  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. Dominica, August 1, 1790.
  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. Dominica, May 8, 1791.
  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. Dominica, May 8, 1791.
  • Letter from James Blair to Alexander Nesbitt. Dominica, September 24, 1791.

Series II: Professional Correspondence

Box 1   Folder 2

Professional Correspondences, 1781-1792

View digitized documents.

  • Letter from William Lawrence to Alexander Nesbitt. Providence, November 25, 1781.
  • Letter from James Blair to Walter Stewart. Dominica, August 6, 1788.
  • Letter from James Blair to unknown recipient. Dominica, September 24, 1791.
  • Letter from James Blair to Walter Stewart. Dominica, December 23, 1791.
  • Letter from James Blair to Walter Stewart. Dominica, March 23, 1792.