Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of letters and other communications to James Gordon Bennett as editor and publisher of the Herald, and a diary kept by Bennett during a journey through New York State from June to August of 1831. The letters were sent by literary contributors and correspondents in various cities and include responses to articles published in the paper, requests for positions with the Herald, advertisements, and suggestions for future articles. Topics include U.S., New York State and New York City politics, religion, crime, and advertising. Also included are three letters and a signed agreement from R. Hoe & Co., 1841 and 1861 regarding the provision of equipment for the Herald. Bennett's replies are not present. Miscellaneous unsorted materials contain articles, poems, short stories and other submissions for publication and newspaper clippings.
Bennett's diary covers his travels through New York including the towns of Saratoga, Schenectady, Utica, Syracuse, Auburn, Ithaca, Geneva, Canandaigua, Avon Springs, Rochester, Lockport, Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Batavia, Geneva. During part of his journey he was accompanied by Martin Van Buren, Benjamin F. Butler, and Nathaniel S. Benton. The diary contains quotes from conversations with politicians, editors and other on current events, the U.S. Bank, and anti-Masonry.
The James Gordon Bennett papers are arranged in three series:
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1840-1851, 1861, n.d
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1831 Jun-Aug