Henry Knox Thatcher papers (Ms.79.5)

This collection consists of a painting of the U.S.S. Constellation, military regalia, and Thatcher's military commissions, appointments, and journals. The journals, 1839-1863, reflect intermittently Thatcher's personal and professional development, and also the gradual shift in his focus from his own immediate concerns to the historical and political events around him. He describes his life aboard ship, weather conditions, disciplinary actions, as well as visits to and from cities. His descriptions of the Mediterranean area are of particular interest. The social life of the officers and their diplomatic contacts are also reported. Finally, the journals reflect the contrast in Thatcher's concerns before and during the Civil War.

Generally, this collection is of limited scope in respect to Thatcher's own life, but it is of great interest regarding the life of naval officers while on tours of duty.