George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives

General Correspondence, 1839-1866
.5 linear feet.
Catalog Number: 1.2.4.1

Series Description:
General correspondence concerning the administration of the College. The series includes an annual list of graduating seniors, various student petitions, and reports of disciplinary decisions. Two issues that appear throughout the correspondence are the possible establishment of a law school at Bowdoin (1850-1861) and the filling of a professorship of Theology (1848-1858).
Arrangement:Arranged chronologically.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Papers concerning the Burning of the Wood Yard, 1846-1849, n.d.
.25 linear feet.
Catalog Number: 1.2.4.2

Series Description:
Affidavits and related documentation concerning the incident of the burning of the College woodyard on October 29, 1846. All the students of the College were interviewed and asked to describe their actions and activities on the night in question. William Cutter Ten Broeck was implicated at one point during the investigation, but not dismissed. Another student, Charles E. Clifford, paid $400 in damages to the College, and was ultimately dismissed for his alleged involvement in the incident. In 1902 however, Clifford was granted an A.B. from Bowdoin as of 1849.
Arrangement:Arranged chronologically, and by class.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Papers concerning the Declaration of Denominational Status, 1840-1866, n.d.
.25 linear feet.
Catalog Number: 1.2.4.3

Series Description:
Correspondence and related documentation concerning the Declaration of Denominational Status. This document reiterated the College's Congregational character, but declined to support any official connection with the Church. The material contains manuscript copies of the Declaration, as well as correspondence with members of the Governing Boards and other interested people concerning the Declaration and its impact on the College.
Arrangement:Arranged chronologically.
General Note:
Restrictions:None.

Chapel Papers, [1828]-1862, n.d.
.5 linear feet.
Catalog Number: 1.2.4.4

Series Description:
Papers relating to the construction of the College Chapel. There are a number of letters from the architect, Richard Upjohn, to Leonard Woods concerning the design and cost of the building. There are transcripts of some correspondence. A chronological list of correspondence and alphabetical list of correspondents is in the first folder of the box.
Arrangement: Arranged alphabetically by material type, then chronologically.
General Note:
Restrictions: Photocopying of New York Public Library material is not permitted.