Guide to the Henry Mellen Prentiss Papers, 1826-1905
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Henry Mellen Prentiss Papers, George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections and Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine.
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Henry Mellen Prentiss was born July 20, 1840 in Bangor, Maine. He graduated Harvard University in 1864. On the completion of his studies he became the manafer of his father's extensive estate, directing operations on the vast tracts of timber land owned by his father in Maine and Pennsylvania. Prentiss became an important figure in the American interests and a recognized authority on everything relating to Arctic exploration. Henry Mellen wrote extensively on science, with an interest in Arctic exploration. His stories appeared in the Westminster Review, Nineteenth Century magazine, and the New York Herald. His book "The Great Polar Current" won critical acclaim. Prentiss was twice married. His first wife was Julia Dwinel by whom he had two children - Henry and Elsie. He was married for the second time in 1901 to Mrs. Marion Howard Smith. Shortly after his second marriage he moved from Bangor to Wiscasset and held a winter residence in New York City. It was there that passed away March 4, 1906.
The collection contains the manuscript and galleys of "The Great Polar Current," 1897 by Henry Mellen Prentiss, as well as his notes and clippings about Artic exploration. "The Great Polar Current" includes a chapter on Peary's exploration of the Artic. Also, correspondence from 1826-1905 of Henry Mellen Prentiss to various individuals and correspondence of his father. Included in this collection are some miscellaneous papers and notes of Henry M. Prentiss.
The correspondence of Henry Mellen Prentiss consists primarily of Letters to Associates, Senators, Admirals and book publishers. The majority of his letters deal with his attempts to have his book published with letters to publishers as well as personal friends to get their feedback on his work. Later on, his letters are written to Senators from Maine and Admirals of the United States Navy in an attempt to have his research recognized by somebody and used for the common good. Very few of his letters have a personal tone and fewer still are written to family. There is a an incomplete chronological list of the correspondence at the beginning of the box.
Arranged chronologically.
No restrictions.
1826-1829, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1830-1831, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1832-1833, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1834, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1835-1836, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1859-1889, Correspondence of Henry E. Prentiss
1890-1896, Correspondence of Henry M. Prentiss
1897-1905, Correspondence of Henry M. Prentiss
The unpublished manuscript, typescript, and galley of "The Great Polar Current" of 1897. It has some annotations in the manuscript and does include a chapter on Peary's artic expedition. It also includes the appendices, miscellaneous material and notes on the work. Also includes an annotated copy of "The Westminster."
Arranged alphabetically, then by chapter.
No restrictions.
"Federation and Free Trade," The Westminster Review, 1891
"Federation and Free Trade," notes
"The Great Polar Current" Introduction
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 1: " The Jeannette Search: Letter to Clements Markham, 1881"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 2: The Jeannette: Letter to NY Herald"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 3: "Results of The Jeannette Expedition"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 4: "The North Pole and the South Pole"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 5: "The North Polar Basin"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 6: "Nansen's 'Fartherst North'"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 7: "Peary's New Plan for Reaching the Pole"
"The Great Polar Current" Chapter 8: "The Antartic"
"The Great Polar Current" Appendix 1: "Letters from Clements Markham"
"The Great Polar Current" Appendix 2: "Letter from NY Herald"
"The Great Polar Current" Appendix 3: "The East Greenland Musk-Ox"
"The Great Polar Current" Appendix 4: "Artic Doldreams" (unpublished)
"The Great Polar Current" page proofs for Riverside Press edition 1897
"The Great Polar Current" page proofs for Frederick A Stokes Co. edition 1898
"The Great Polar Current" notes
"The Great Polar Current" miscellaneous
This series contains various clippings, notes, maps, ephemera etc. related to Henry M. Prentiss. Included are notes on various science related matters including Mt. Katahdin. There are various maps and charts as well as pictures of individuals. There is Harvard University material regarding themes as well as Henry M. Prentiss' financial records while he attended Harvard from 1860-1864. There is a newspaper clipping about Robert Peary and various printed and handwritten documents belonging to Henry M. Prentiss.
Arranged alphabetically.
No restrictions.
Artic clippings and extracts, 1894-1900
Documents printed and dandwritten including Harvard admission and matriculation certificates and subctitute certificate for the Civil War
Ephemora
Harvard University financial records of Henry M. Prentiss, 1860-1864
Harvard University notes on themes "A Marine Scientist: Robert E. Peary"
Miscellaneous material
Notes on Mt. Katahdin
Notes on Natural Science
Photographs including Thurlow Weed
Remarks of Mr. Grant at the Wiscasset Fire Society Meeting concerning H. M. Prentiss
Various maps and charts