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Papers of John Hay, Accession #7053-a , Special Collections Dept., University of Virginia Library, Charlottesville, Va.
This collection was given to the Library on December 17, 1963.
The collection contains manuscripts of his poem "Night in Venice" and "Unto each man comes a day".
In his correspondence he discusses Lincoln, his commitment to peace and Mary E. Surratt's guilt; an article he has written on Elmer Ephraim Ellsworth; the Southern Historical Society Papers and their low editorial standards; his book "Bread-winners" for which he allows an Italian translation; the proofs of his book "Abraham Lincoln"; a small printing of his collected poems and his giving up poetry writing; his election to the Kauai Kodak Klub; Alfred Austin's "A Tale of True Love and Other Poems"; and Charles Elliott's "The Book of American Interiors." He also requests an autograph copy of "Stonewall Jackson's Way"; declines to purchase photographs of Lincoln; regrets social invitations; thanks Thomas Nast for a cartoon of "The Emperor Roosevelt and the Rough Rider Wilhelm" and criticizes [Sophia M. B.?] Herrick's notes on Lincoln. Two portraits of Hay are included.
Correspondents include Mr. Alden, Robert Coster, Mr. Cunningham, Richard Watson Gilder, E. S. Goodhue, [J. R.?] Osgood, John Williamson Palmer, Mr. Taylor, Mr. House, and H. D. Traill.
This collection is arranged chronologically.
Expresses regret about "that engagement."
Regrets he could not respond to her invitation.
Thanks him for letter and remembrance. Mentions he has quit writing poetry.
Thanks for dinner invitation, but will not be able to attend.
Asks for autograph copy of "Stonewall Jackson's Way," if J. W. P. is the author of it.
Thanks J. W. P. for granting request; discusses "Southern Historical Society Papers." Adivses against buying the series because poorly edited.
Sends corrected proofs for Abraham Lincoln . Suggests subtitle "Lincoln in Congress." Thanks donor of Lincoln autograph.
Wrote article on Ellsworth under pressure and has no feeling for it. Would like to write more on Ellsworth.
Asks if Bread-winners has earned anything. Requests half a dozen copies be sent him in Washington. W/AN 1890 Jan 22 J. W. Harper to W. Muller, to fill above order.
Regrets cannot accept invitation because of previous engagment. Sends regards to William Dean Howells.
Indicates corrections for sonnet he submitted to R. W. G. Asks for proofs of same when printed.
Requests a proof of the Ellsworth article before it is printed.
Has no objection to translation of Bread-winners into Italian, but will not put his name to the book.
Accepts poem by Mr. [J. W. ?] Palmer for Literature (his London magazine).
Has sent P.'s poem to editor of Literature .
Thanks for election as honorary member of the Kauai Kodak Klub. Signature probably not in J. H.'s hand.
Thanks for letter and copy of Alfred Austin's work, A Tale of True Love and Other Poems .
Will sign the photograph if sent to him.
Returns photograph, signed.
Returns photograph of President Lincoln; obliged for offer, but does not care to purchase it.
Returns miniture portrait of Lincoln. He is not collecting such things; refers him to Mr. Lambert of Philadelphia.
Has received enclosed poem, "Braddock." Sends copy congratulations; his verses are a sign of youth.
Asks for another copy of The Book of American Interiors; has promised one to a friend.
Denies stories critical of Lincoln. Insists on Lincoln's commitment to peace and union.
Encloses a sonnet made for Alden.
Discusses extent of Mrs. Surratt's guilt in the Lincoln assassination.
Thanks for letter and photograph of his aunt Evelyn. Sends copy of all his verses; only a few copies have been printed, none of which are for sale.
Returns [Sophia M'Ilvaine Bledsoe ?] Herrick's notes re Lincoln. Questions her accuracy, and criticizes her memory of issues. Concludes that even intelligent women are careless.
in hand of J. H. while Secretary of State, ca.1898-1905.