Jonathan Russell papers (Ms.Russell)

Series 1. Calling Cards: This series contains 107 cartes de visite collected by Jonathan Russell during his diplomatic duties in Europe during 1810-1818.

Series 2. Correspondence and Documents: This series is arranged alphabetically by name and subject and contains letters written to Jonathan Russell, his family, and associates as well as copies of letters that he wrote. They relate to his career as a merchant and also to his duties as a diplomat in Great Britain, France, and Sweden. Much of the correspondence relates to the War of 1812 and the capture and release of seaman. Among the correspondents are many diplomats, consuls, politicians, noblemen, and royalty of the day. He also received correspondence from sailors and other Americans requesting his assistance with passports and other official documents. See also the 4 letter books in Series 5 containing copies of letters written by Jonathan Russell during 1809-1813. The documents are materials he gathered as part of his duties as a diplomat and relate to the history, commerce, governance, and international relationships Great Britain, France, and Sweden.

Series 3. Diplomas and Appointment: This series contains 2 diplomas from Rhode Island College (later named Brown University), an honorary degree from Brown University and his official appointment as the chargé d'affaires to Great Britain in 1811.

Series 4. Passports: This series is arranged chronologically and contains 16 passports, and one letter regarding a passport, given to Jonathan Russell for travel to and within Scandinavia and Europe.

Series 5. Ledgers and Codices: This series contains 4 letter books containing copies of letters Jonathan Russell wrote during 1809-1813. The account book relates to Jonathan Russell's business accounts from 1807-1810. His diary notes for 1814 were recorded inside a copy of The Gentleman's Annual Pocket Remembrancer for the Year 1814. He also retained the Records of the American legation at Stockholm during 1814-1816 and records of the U.S. Commissioners negotiating with Great Britain at Ghent during 1813-1814.