Webb family papers

1773-1882

Samuel Blatchley Webb (1753-1807) was a general with the American army during the Revolution and a founder of the Society of the Cincinnati. His son, James Watson Webb (1802-1884) was a soldier, publisher and diplomat. For three decades he published the Morning Courier and New York Enquirer in New York City. In 1861 he sold his publishing interests to serve as U.S. minister to Brazil for eight years. Collection consists of correspondence and other papers of Samuel Blatchley Webb and his son, James Watson Webb. Bulk of Samuel Webb's papers is correspondence, 1777-1789, relating to financial matters, personal and family affairs, Shay's Rebellion, the Society of the Cincinnati, and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Other materials include legal and business papers, 1773-1791; biographical sketch of Webb; and miscellaneous items. Papers of James Watson Webb consist mainly of correspondence, 1840-1882, when he was minister to Brazil, from his subordinate, James Monroe. Other correspondence concerns Webb's career as publisher and diplomat. Also, newsclippings about Webb and printed biographical sketch.