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George Pope Morris
Papers, ca. 1830-1865

SC20857

Quantity: 1 box (0.25 cubic ft.)
Access: Open to research
Acquisition: Collation of single accessions, acquired by the New York State Library, 1925-1994
Processed By: Paul Mercer, Librarian, Manuscripts and Special Collections, February 1994

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George Pope Morris
George Pope Morris

Biographical Note1:

Born in Philadelphia, George Pope Morris (1802-1864) was a prominent editor, journalist and poet. According to most sources he moved – presumably with his family – to New York City in his youth. He was a frequent contributor of poetry to the editorial columns of city newspapers, and in 1823 founded his own paper, The New York Mirror and Ladies' Literary Gazette. Samuel Woodworth served as editor, but withdrew after a year leaving Morris as sole proprietor and editor until 1842, when the paper ceased publication.

In 1843 Morris commenced a life-long partnership with Nathaniel P. Willis (1806-1867). Together they founded a series of literary journals beginning with the New Mirror (1843-44). This was followed by a daily, the Evening Mirror, and finally a weekly, the National Press, later re-named the Home Journal, which they published until Morris's death in 1864. The paper continued under Willis's editorship until his death three years later. The Home Journal passed to other hands, finally ceasing publication in 1901.               

Morris was active in the New York State Militia, in consequence of which he was addressed throughout his life as General Morris. He married Mary Worthington Hopkins and they had one son, William H. Morris, and two daughters, Ida and Georgianna. William attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and had a distinguished record of military service as a Civil War general. Following the Civil War, William authored works on infantry tactics. While George P. Morris spent much of his time attending to business in New York, the principal family residence was farther up the Hudson River in the town of Cold Spring, where the Morris home, known as Briar Cliff was a popular landmark. Willis lived nearby, as did many of Morris's literary and artistic friends.

Contributors to Morris's literary journals and other publishing ventures constitute a who's who of contemporary American thought. Morris's own writings include several books of poetry, essays, plays, opera librettos, and, significantly, the lyrics to many popular songs. His most famous songs, such as "Woodman! Spare That Tree!" and "Annie of the Vale," achieved a popularity which lasted well into the twentieth century. His two operas, Brier Cliff (1826) and The Maid of Saxony (1844) were favorably received in New York theaters.

Morris's writing and editorial work put him in contact with most of the leading theatrical and literary personalities of his era. His correspondence reveals lasting friendships with composers M.W. Balfe and Charles E. Horn, actress-singer Anne Seguin, and writers Charles Dickens, Theodore S. Fay and Benson Lossing, to name a few. His biographers have relegated Morris to the status of a minor Knickerbocker poet. His contemporaries, including such notables as Edgar Allan Poe, wrote favorably of his works, although he was not without his critics. Nevertheless, the lasting significance of his career may lie as much in the extent of his contacts and friendships within the literary and art worlds, as in his own writing, whatever its merits.

Scope and Content Note:

The George Pope Morris collection consists mainly of approximately 180 letters written to Morris by various friends. For the most part, these were acquired by the library in 1925, and were accessioned and cataloged singly until 1993, when the decision was made to re-organize them as a single collection. Subsequently, in January 1994, two additional letters were purchased for the collection. The original accession number of these items appears in parenthesis following the description of the item in the inventory list.

While the letters are scattered, they give some impression of the breadth of Morris's business and social contacts. Some significant groupings of letters can be discerned. One is a selection of letters by prominent writers responding to a request for submissions to a testimonial volume honoring Knickerbocker Magazine editor, Lewis Gaylord Clark (1808-1873).2 A selection of letters by Morris written to his wife, reveal the importance he placed on his family and home.


1 This biographical sketch is drawn mainly from the biography of Morris in The Dictionary of American Biography (New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1943). A fuller biography, George Pope Morris, 1802-1864 (Cold Spring, N.Y.: Putnam County Historical Society, 1864), was written by Marguerite W. Rogers and Nelson De Lanoy to mark the centenary of Morris's death. Additional details of Morris's life and career can be gleaned from the papers as well as from contemporary published sketches and anthologies. One dissertation, George Pope Morris: Little-known Knickerbocker Poet and Editor, was written by Thomas R. Price (Pennsylvania State University, 1961).

2 Published as The Knickerbocker Gallery: A Testimonial to the Editor of the Knickerbocker Magazine from its Contributors (New York: Samuel Hueston, 1849). Morris served as one of the editors. Contributors included: Washington Irving, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Bayard Taylor, Thomas Ward, and William H. Seward.

Related Materials:

In addition to microfilm and hard copy files of Morris's various periodical publications, the New York State Library holds several collections of his works and related materials. There are also copies of Morris's published songs in the music scores collection.

The Knickerbocker Gallery: A Testimonial to the Editor of the Knickerbocker Magazine [i.e. Lewis Gaylord Clark] from Its Contributors (New York: Samuel Hueston, 1849)
Morris, George Pope. The Deserted Bride and Other Poems (New York: Adlard & Saunders, 1838). New York State Library call number: N 811.39 M876
_____. The Little Frenchman and His Water Lots, with Other Sketches of the Times (Philadelphia: Lea & Blanchard, 1839). New York State Library call number: N 818.39 M87
_____. Poems by George P. Morris, with a Memoir by the Author [by Horace Binney Wallace] (New York: Charles Scribner, 1860). New York State Library call number: N 811.39 M876p
_____. The Songs and Ballads of George P. Morris (New York: Cady & Burgess, 1852) New York State Library call number: N 811.39 M876s
_____, comp. American Melodies, Containing a Single Selection from the Productions of Two Hundred Writers. (New York: Linen and Fennell, 1841). New York State Library call number: N 811.08 M87
Nack, James. The Romance of the Ring and Other Poems (New York: Delisser & Procter, 1859)
[With a biographical sketch of the author by George P. Morris] New York State Library call number: N 811.39 N12r

Box and Folder List:


Box Folder Contents
    Series I - Correspondence
1 1 Arnoult, E. Letter to George P. Morris. [s.l.,] January 9, 1845. Confirming arrangements for a concert. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5045)
1 1 Astor, William B. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, May 1, 1843. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5333)
1 1 Astor, William B. Letter to George P. Morris, New York, May 5, 1843. Re: repairs to the Park Theatre. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5333) [sic]
1 1 Balfe, M.W. Memo of letter written by George P. Morris. New York, September 10, 1858. List of song lyrics sent to Balfe. A.L.S. 1p. (5345)
1 1 Balfe, M.W. Letter to George P. Morris. London, July 5, 1858. Acknowledges receipt of song lyrics, agrees to collaborate with Morris on an opera. A.L.S. 7(8)p. (5348)
1 1 Barnard, M. Letter to George P. Morris. London, October 30, 1830. Introducing an actor, Mr. Gallot. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5373)
1 1 Barry, Thomas. Letter to George P. Morris [s.l., 18--]. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5356)
1 1 Beck, H.P. Letter to George P. Morris. Newport, June 29, 1853. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5366)
1 1 Belmont, August. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, October 18, 1860. Ordering books. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5393)
1 1 Benjamin, Park. Letter to George P. Morris, n.d. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5080)
1 1 Berkeley, F.N.T. Letter to George P. Morris. Boston, December 11, 1834. Proposing an article re: the state of orchestras in the United States. Theatrical news including the marriage of James Gaspard Maeder to Clara Fisher. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5411)
1 1 Berkeley, F.N.T. Letter to George P. Morris, n.d. Promising to complete an article. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5431)
1 1 Bethune, George W. Letter to George P. Morris. Brooklyn, December 24, 1853. Re: proposed testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5432)
1 1 Boker, George H. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, June 1, 1854. Re: proposed testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5048)
1 1 Bonner, Robert. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, September 19 [12?], 1860. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5371)
1 1 Bonner, Robert. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, March 6, 1861. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5334)
1 1 Buel, Robert M. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, December 14, 1853. Re: proposed testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5439)
1 1 Bunce & Brother. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, July 16, 1855. Re: publishing arrangements for works of J.K. Paulding. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5430)
1 1 Cary, Alice. Letter to George P. Morris. April 11, [18--]. Enclosing poems for publication. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5365)
1 1 Clark, George H. Note to George P. Morris. Hartford, April 17, 1854. Enclosing contribution for testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5437)
1 1 Clark, S. Letter to S. Woodworth, editor of the New York Mirror. Middlebury, Vermont, November 11, 1824. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5358)
1 1 Clark, Willis G. Article "For the New York Mirror," entitled "De Witt Clinton," Academy, May 1838. Includes a note from Clark, dated Philadelphia, November 24, 1828. Addressed to George P. Morris, Editor of "Mirror," New York. (5070)
1 1 Cowen, B.R. Letter to William H. Morris. Columbus, October 25, 1865. A.L.S. 1p. (5088)
1 1 Curtis, J.R. Letter to George P. Morris. Hyde Park, February 13, 1854. Regrets unable to meet with Morris. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5040)
1 1 Clinton, DeWitt. Letter to George P. Morris. Albany, November 7, 1825. "I have been much gratified by the receipt of some of the odes printed during the late procession and I thank you for this indication of your good will." A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5066)
1 1 Cushman, Charlotte. Letter to George Pope Morris, Edward L. Gould, M.M. Noah, and James Lawson. May 25, [18--]. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5435)
1 2 Dean, Stephen B. Letter to Nathaniel P. Willis. New Burgh, May 1, 1860. Enclosing a poem for publication. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5399)
1 2 George, Endicott. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, March 28, [18--]. Mentions having recently attended the funeral of "poor Mrs. Willis." A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5725)
1 2 Fancher, E.L. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, December 29, 1855. Thanks for a gift of the works of Charles Dickens. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5363)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, August 7, [18--]. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5086)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. Florence, January 20, 1834. A.L.S. 4p. (5380)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. Florence, February 26, 1834. A.L.S. 4p. (5376)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. Tours, December 26, 1834. A.L.S. 4p. (5377)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. London, January 26, 1837. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5061)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. Berlin, September 22, 1860. A.L.S. 4p. (5379)
1 2 Fay, Theodore S. Letter to George P. Morris. Berlin, September 10, 1862. A.L.S. 1p. (5336)
1 3 Godey, A. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, July 2, 1844. Concerning illustrations for a publication. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5338)
1 3 Gould, Robert Howe. Letter to George P. Morris. London, July 24, 1844. Introducing Mr. Anderson, an English actor in New York on professional business. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5405)
1 3 Graham, George R. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, March 14, 1842. Re: financial matters. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5082)
1 3 Graham, George R. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, May 2, 1844. Re: engraving of Morris's portrait. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5442)
1 3 Graham, George R. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, June 27, 1844. Re: engraving. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5418)
1 3 Graham, Colonel. Letter to George P. Morris and Nathaniel P. Willis. April 3 [no year]. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5307)
1 3 Hall, A. Oakey. Letter to George P. Morris. November 7, 1859. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5436)
1 3 Hamilton, Alexander. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, June 12, 1863. Noting the exploits of William H. Morris. A.L.S. 2p. (5368)
1 3 Head, Nath. Letter to William H. Morris. Concord, New Hampshire, October 9, 1865. A.L.S. 1p. (5361)
1 3 Horn, Charles E. Letter to George P. Morris. [New York?], n.d. Concerning concert arrangements. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5081)
1 3 Horn, Charles E. Letter to George P. Morris. [New York], n.d. A.L.S. 1p. (5036)
1 3 Horn, Charles E. Letter from George P. Morris. September 9, 1843. Relating to a visit by Mrs. Horn; mentions verses sent for Horn to set to music. A.L.S. 4p. (5078)
1 3 Ingraham, Mary. Letter to Mrs. Mary W. Morris, January 30, 1837. A.L.S. 4p. (5384)
1 4 Jones, Arthur T. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, September 22, 1852. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5071)
1 4 Kemble, G. [Gouverneur Kemble Warren] Dinner invitation to George P. Morris. Cold Spring, June 22, [1861?]. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5409)
1 4 King, W.M. Letter to Nathaniel P. Willis. St. Louis, August 23, 1861. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5073) Includes a St. Louis newspaper article entitled "Flunkeyism" about [N.P. Willis; verso: two letters dated August 1861.
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, May 20, [18--]. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5077)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, January 14, 1835. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5038)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. London, December 25, 1835. "The charge is false and scandalous …" A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5079)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. London, August 27, 1837. Introducing Frederick Salmanson. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5360)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. Dublin, April 27, 1844. A.L.S. 4p. (5400)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. Rothesay Bute, July 5, 1855. Enclosing a copy of a Morris poem clipped from a British newspaper. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5402)
1 4 Knowles, J. Sheridan. Letter to George P. Morris. London, November 3, 1855. Demanding payment for letters and poems sent. A.L.S. 4[?]p. (5404)
1 4 Lewis, Eb[enezer?]. Letter to George P. Morris. Philadelphia, January 13, 1859. Invitation to a dinner with the Auld Lang Syne Club of New York City. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5041)
1 4 Little, W.C. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, February 23, 1838. Requesting help in procuring "a few subscribers … in Albany" to assist in publishing some poems. [Probably referring to Morris's first published collection, The Deserted Bride, and Other Poems (New York: Adlard & Saunders, 1838). A.L.S. 1p. (no accession number)
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, December 13, 1853. "I have not known a happy moment since the fire. I have taken the loss of our friends and neighbours sadly to heart …" A.L.S. 1p. (5702)
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, July 14, 1857. Jocular poem requesting an autograph copy of one of Morris's poems. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5422)
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter to George P. Morris. Poughkeepsie, November 27, 1859. Expressing condolences on the death of Mrs. Morris. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5343)
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter to George P. Morris. Poughkeepsie, June 22, 1861. Enclosing manuscript for publication. A.L.S. 1p. (5375)
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter to George P. Morris. [Poughkeepsie?], June 22, 1861 [sic]. Enclosing "General Wool's Prediction" for publication. A.L.S. 1p. (5375) [sic]
1 4 Lossing, Benson J. Letter to Ida Morris. Dover Plains, May 8, 1874. Declining invitation to speak due to pressure of current work. Includes flyer for the third volume of The American Historical Record. Refers to Ida Morris as "an old friend and the daughter of a sainted friend." A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5401)
1 5 McCallum, D.C. Letter to William H. Morris. Washington, October 11, 1865. Concerning availability of positions in the Military Railroad Department. A.L.S. 1p. (5362)
1 5 McCoy, Amasa. Letter to George P. Morris. Ballston Spa, April 14, 1857. Concerning the sale of a painting by Mr. Evans, illustrating Morris's song, "Woodman! Spare that Tree!" Includes copy of an article from the Ballston Journal, dated in manuscript, April 15 [sic], 1857. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5335)
1 5 McKay, Charles. Letter to George P. Morris. London, May 20, 1861. Introduces S. Philip Day, visiting the U.S. from London, as a war correspondent. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5043). Includes Day's calling card.
1 5 McKean, John J. Letter to William H. Morris. Madison, Iowa, October 25, 1865. Endorsing Morris's book on tactics. A.L.S. 1p. (5441)
1 5 MacKenzie, R. Shelton. Letter to the editor of the New York Mirror. Liverpool, August 7, [18--]. Enclosing a sketch of J. Sheridan Knowles for publication. Note from G.P.M. appended directing that the article be published and copies sent to MacKenzie. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5044)
1 5 MacKenzie, R. Shelton. Letter to George P. Morris. Oxford, May 11, 1849. Introducing Mr. Dix, a British newspaperman. Commentary on the press and literary news. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5354)
1 5 Marsh, [Luther R.] Letter to George P. Morris. New York, n.d. Dinner invitation to Morris and son. A.L.S. 1p. (5364)
1 5 Morris, George P. Letter to [   ]. New York, April 22, 1848. Requesting a government advertisement to be placed in the Mirror. A.L.S. 1p. (no accession number)
1 5 Morris, George P. Letter to General [   ]. New York, March 22, 1840. Protesting an act before the New York State legislature for the reorganization of the state militia. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5423)
1 5 Morris, Mary W. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, December 29, 1846. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5383)
1 5 Morris, Mary W. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, February 2, 1847. A.L.S. 1p. (5425)
1 5 Morris, Mary W. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, February 22, 1847. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5385)
1 5 Morris, Mary W. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, March 1, 1847. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5427)
1 5 Morris, Mary W. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, March 19, 1847. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5426)
1 5 Nack, James. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, July 9, 1850. Requesting estimates for printing and binding a book of poetry, The Immortal: A Dramatic Romance and Other Poems. [Morris wrote a biographical sketch of Nack for this book.] A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5337)
1 5 Niven, General. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, March 22, 1844. Concerning a military tribunal and fine levied against Captain Huff. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5724)
1 5 Osgood, John. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, July 6, 1854. Re: proposed testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5381)
1 6 Parker, Jenny Marsh. Letter from George P. Morris. Cold Spring, July 31, 1857. Replying to an inquiry concerning fees paid for articles in the Home Journal. [Parker is addressed by G.P. Morris as "My dear sister Jenny."]. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (no accession number)
1 6 Patterson, Dr. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, February 12, 1843. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5349)
1 6 Paulding, J.K. Letter to George P. Morris. Hyde Park, July 22, 1855. Re: publishing arrangements with Bunce & Brother. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5042)
1 6 Phalen, James. Letter to George P. Morris. Sweet Springs, Virginia, September 8, 1844. Re: military business. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5340)
1 6 Phalen, James. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, October 8, 1851. Offering to resign from his position as an officer in the Morris brigade. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5434)
1 6 Polk, James K. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, March 30, 1846. Thanks for having appointed Morris's son to a cadetship. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5416)
1 6 Pond, W. Adams. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, February 13, 1856. Enclosing songs of George P. Morris, published by Pond and in print. A.L.S. 2p. (5372)
1 6 Read, T[homas] Buchanan. Letter to George P. Morris. Bordentown, New Jersey, May 8, 1853. Thanks for services rendered. Enclosing poem from forthcoming book. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5339)
1 6 Richards, J.A. [I.A.?] Letter from George P. Morris. Depot H.R.R.R. [Hudson River Rail Road], August 23, 1855. Arranging to meet another day. A.L.S. 1p. (no accession number)
1 6 Robertson, John. Letter to William H. Morris. Military Department, Michigan. Adjutant General's Office. Detroit, November 1, 1865. Endorsing Morris's book on infantry tactics. A.L.S. 4p. (5087)
1 6 Robinson, Nelson. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, September 8, 1852. Replying to Morris's concerns for safety in steamboat travel. A.L.S. 1p. (5367)
1 6 Rockwell, H.W. Letter to George P. Morris. Utica, March 9, 1854. Enclosing contribution to Lewis Gaylord Clark testimonial. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5046)
1 6 Rosier, F.W. Letter to George P. Morris. Richmond, Virginia, April 22, 1860. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5374)
1 6 Ronssean, L[ovell] H. Letter to William H. Morris. Somsville(?), Kentucky, September 19, 1865. Replying to request for an endorsement of Morris's system of infantry tactics. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5352)
1 6 Russell, Henry. Letter to George P. Morris. London, October 4, 1842. Personal news; information on songs to be sent to Morris; mentions Charles Dickens's memories of America and Morris. A.L.S. 4p. (5414)
1 6 Russell, Henry. Letter to George P. Morris. Boston, April 22, 1843. Requests that Morris send "immediately" song lyrics for an upcoming concert. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5417)
1 7 Sargent, Epes. Letter to George P. Morris. Boston, January 11, 1856. General literary comments. Compliments Morris on his poem, "Thank God for Pleasant Weather." A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5376)
1 7 Schouler, William. Letter to William H. Morris. Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Adjutant General's Office. Boston, October 9, 1865. Re: Morris's book on infantry tactics. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5428)
1 7 Schultz, Anna Bishop. Letter to Ida Morris. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, July 9, 1864. Expressing sympathy re: "the death of your good and world esteemed father" (i.e. George P. Morris). A.L.S. 8p. (5353)
1 7 Seguin, Anne. Letter to George P. Morris. [London?], September 3, 1858. Requests Morris to write a libretto suitable to M.W. Balfe's needs. A.L.S. 4p. (5347)
1 7 Seward, William H. Letter to George P. Morris. Albany, February 19, 1842. Replying to an invitation to attend an entertainment in honor of Mr. Dickens. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5341)
1 7 Seward, William H. Letter to George P. Morris [and others]. Washington, December 18, 1853. Replying to request for a contribution to the testimonial to Lewis Gaylord Clark. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5067)
1 7 Seymour, Horatio. Letter to George P. Morris. Albany, August 23, 1853. Re: an invitation to review the 6th Regiment, encamped at Cold Spring. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5369)
1 7 Snelling, William J. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, September 20, 1840. Requesting that Snelling issue a denial of certain charges made against Morris. Snelling's reply of the same date is appended. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5424)
1 7 Tambre, J. Fitzgerald. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, October 15, 1840. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5357)
1 7 Thorburn, G. [Grant]. Letter to George P. Morris. Astoria, September 21, 1840. Thanks for a poem written to Thorburn's horse, Billy … "I never knew a man of sence [sic], but admired a handsome horse and a handsome woman." A.L.S. 1p. (5410)
1 7 Vanderbilt, George. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, June 10, 1844. Re: Vanderbilt's participation in a benefit to Mr. Simpson. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5398)
1 7 Verplanck, G.C. Letter to George P. Morris. Washington, April 27, 1830. Replying to Morris's request for material to publish. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5408)
1 7 Vieux Temps, Henry. Letter from George P. Morris, et al. New York, May 17, 1844. Requesting aid in a benefit to "devise means for reviving the sinking fortunes of the Drama in this country." A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5063)
1 7 Virtue, George H. Letter to Mary W. Morris. New York, June 28, 1847. Congratulations on William's having passed his examination; other social notes. A.L.S. 3(4)p. (5438)
1 7 Virtue, George H. Letter to George P. Morris. London, February 2, 1850. Enclosing a "batch of valentines" which Hall is requested to forward to their "proper owners." A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5072)
1 8 Ward, A. [Aaron]. Letter to George P. Morris. January 29, [18--?]. A.L.S. 1p. (5396)
1 8 Ward, A. [Aaron]. Letter to George P. Morris. Washington, January 30, 1854. Re: military appointment for William H. Morris. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5397)
1 8 Ward, A. Letter to George P. Morris. Sing Sing, July 1, 1849. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5395)
1 8 Watson, Charles M. Letter to George P. Morris. Port Kent, New York, December 2, 1853. Enclosing a poem written by a third party (identified only as A.E.P.) depicting the death of Watson's son. A.L.S. 4(6)p. (5344)
1 8 Watson, Henry. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, 1860. Enclosing some proofs. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5389)
1 8 Weir, Robert W. Letter to George P. Morris. West Point, January 2, 1836. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5085)
1 8 Weir, Robert W. Letter to George P. Morris. West Point, March 3, 1836. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5078)
1 8 Weir, Robert W. Letter to George P. Morris. West Point, September 14, [184-?]. Relating to Weir's having completed an illustration of a Morris poem. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5039)
1 8 Weiss, W.H. (Willoughby Hunter). Letter to George P. Morris. London, August 16, 1858. Regarding Weiss's work in setting Morris's poems to music. A.L.S. 2(4)p. (5346)
1 8 Wetmore, Prosper M. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, October 14, 1830. Enclosing a literary work for publication. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5083)
1 8 Wetmore, Prosper M. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, May 12, 1842. Thanks for the gift of music book to Wetmore's daughter. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5084)
1 8 Wetmore, Prosper M. Letter to George P. Morris. New York, August 18, 1859. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5391)
1 8 Wickoff, Henry. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, July 24, 1855. Re: Wickoff's departure for Europe. Discusses Wickoff's having been "cruelly injured and misrepresented," and expresses faith in his ultimate vindication. Social and other notes re: theater. A.L.S. 4p. (5089)
1 8 Willis, Nathaniel P. Letter from George P. Morris. New York, June 4, 1856. Lamenting the loss of Horrace Binney Wallace, "the most beloved and intimate personal friend I ever had, with the exception of yourself." L.S. 2(4)p. (5035)
    Series II - Literary Manuscripts
    Works of George Pope Morris
1 9 Annie of the Vale [song] / words by George Pope Morris; music by J.R. Thomas. Ms. 1p. (5054)
1 9 [Arthur Jones] [poem]. Not in folder May 2015
1 9 Autumn leaves [poem]. Ms. 2(4)p. (5057)
1 9 Canzonet [poem]. Ms. 1p. (5359)
1 9 Come On When You Dare [poem]. Written on hearing that "Stonewall Jackson" intended to take Washington. (2 copies) A.D.S. 1p. (5055 and 5056)
1 9 Come Sing Me That Sweet Air Again [poem]. Verso: Molly Bawn [poem] (See below.). Ms. 1p. (5355)
1 9 The Gloom of Autumn [poem]. Ms. 2p. (5350)
1 9 Hymn [poem] (2 copies; Copy 2 has instructions for printer, and dedication to Robert Bonner on verso. Ms. 1p. (5386 and 5359 [sic])
1 9 Impromptu [poem]. Ms. 1p. (5059)
1 9 The Indian's Lament [poem]. Signed: Nika. Ms. 1p. (5058)
1 9 King Cotton [poem]. Ms. 1p. (535?)
1 9 The Late Postmaster General, Hon. A.V. Brown [poem], March 28, 1859. Signed: Sydney. Ms. 1(4)p. (5064)
1 9 Molly Bawn [poem]. Verso: Come Sing Me That Sweet Air Again [poem]. Ms. 1p. (5355)
1 9 Mount Vernon [poem]. Signed: Leo. Ms. 2(4)p. (5053)
1 9 My Lady's Dower [song] / adapted to a Spanish melody by George P. Morris. Ms. 1p. (5060)
1 9 On the Burial of Mrs. Mary L. Ward at Dale Cemetery, near Sing Sing, May 3, 1853 [poem]. Ms. 1(4)p. (5387)
1 9 Parody: Lines on a Contemplate Project of Cutting a St[reet] through Trinity Churchy'd [poem]. (2 copies; copy 2 has title "Trinity Churchyard." (Parody of Morris' popular song, "Woodman! Spare That Tree!"). Ms. 2p. and 2(4)p. (5359 [sic])
1 9 The Vicissitudes of Fortune: A Wall Street Ditty / by George P. Morris. Ms. 2(4)p. (5359 [sic])
1 9 [Untitled poem. First line: How sad and lonely is my heart.] Ms. 1p. (5359 [sic])
1 9 [Untitled poem. First line: To know a man well, it is said, Arthur Jones.] Ms. 2p. (5456)
1 9 [Untitled essay. Description of travel in and around Jacksonville, Florida.] Ms. 7(10)p. (5359 [sic])
    Miscellaneous Authors
1 10 Oh Give Me Love, That Word Again [poem] / Mary W. Morris. Ms. 1(4)p. (5448)
1 10 The Bold Engineer [poem] / William H. Morris. Ms. 2p. (5350)
1 10 At the Old Place of Meeting [poem] / Thomas Haynes Bayly. Ms. 1p. (5429)
1 10 Let Us Talk of the Past [poem] / Thomas Haynes Bayly. Ms. 2p. (5429 [sic])
1 10 Elegy [poem] / N.C.P. Ms. 2(4)p. (5443)
1 10 The Forest Rose [poem] / by C.D. Stewart [Stuart?]. December 1841 Ms. 1p. (5390)
1 10 Woodmen, Spare Those Trees! [poem]. (Parody of Morris's popular poem copied from Punch, October 7, 1893.) Ms. 1p. (5421)
1 10 Morris's Songs [poem] On hearing "The Cottager's Welcome" sung in Australia. Ms. 1p. (5359 [sic])
1 10 My London Experience [essay] / Mrs. S.B. Lewis, 187?. Ms. 18(36)p. (5394)
1 10 [Untitled essay. Description of president's reception of the Japanese embassy.] Editorial notes by N.P. Willis and George P. Morris. Essay attributed to "a distinguished lady who was one of the privileged at the official reception." 1860(?). Ms. 1(4)p. (5433)
1 10 Margaretta – Partial writing down of verses of song, n.d. Song published in The Troubadour Songster and attributed: "Sung by Mr. Stewart, at the 'Raglan Music Hall'" Ms. 1p. (5052)
1 10 The Pleasures of the Understanding, Part I. Ms. 18(20)p. (5062)
    Series III - Business and Financial Papers
    Notes and Receipts
1 11 Scott, George P. Note, April 21, 1832: Due George P. Morris, Forty dollars. N.S. 1p. (5075)
1 11 Bailey, Thomas. Receipt, March 1, 1837. Loan of forty dollars received from George P. Morris. A.N.S. 1p. (5413)
1 11 Bailey, Thomas. Note, May 4, 1837: Promise to pay George P. Morris on demand, six dollars for money borrowed. Additional payments noted in margin. A.N.S. 1p. (5412)
1 11 Pugh, H.N. and R.D. Sayre. Receipt, August 24, 1840. One hundred and forty-six dollars, received from George P. Morris. A.N.S. 1p. (5074)
1 11 Hollister, E.P. Memorandum of agreement, February __, 1864. Upon payment of $500.00, Hollister agrees to assume all of Morris's debts. A.D.S. 1p. (5403)
    Series IV - Miscellaneous
    Invitations
1 12 February 22, 1825: Military Ball, at the Theatre, New York. [Addressed to Miss Mary W. Hopkins]. Ms. (printed). 1(4)p. (5453)
1 12 November 7, 1825: Grand Canal Ball, "in celebration of the completion of the Grand Canal," Lafayette Amphitheatre, New York. [Mrs. Mary W. Morris]. Ms. (printed). 1(4)p. (5452)
1 12 February 11, 1833: Second Anniversary Ball of the Tompkins Blues, City Hotel, New York. [Two admission cards enclosed]. Ms. (printed). (5450)
1 12 February 22, 1833: Military and Civic Ball, Park Theatre, New York. [Mrs. Mary Worthington Morris].  [Admission card enclosed]. Ms. (printed). (5447)
1 12 October 12, 1842: Repository of the American Institute, Fifteenth Annual Fair, Niblo's Garden, New York. Ms. (printed). (5416)
1 12 February 21, 1845: Grand Military Invitation Ball at the Tivoli. [Admission ticket: Pencil sketch of sailboat on verso, signed Wm. H. Morris, May 28, 1845]. Ms. (printed). (no accession number)
1 12 January 7, 1846: Mr. and Mrs. Rowe, at home, New York. A.L.S. 1(4)p. (5382)
1 12 January 22, 1852: Grand Kossuth Ball and Dinner, Niblo's Saloon, New York. Ms. (printed) 1p, (5446)
1 12 January 26, 1859: Second Metropolitan Hotel Hop, New York. Includes admission ticket. Ms. (printed). (5451)
1 12 June 22, 1870: West Point Hop. [Addressed to Mrs. Ida Morris] Ms. (printed). (5453 [sic])
1 13 Class and conduct report for Cadet [William H.] Morris, Military Academy, May 18, 1850. "Furnished for the information of Parents and Guardians." Ms. (printed) 1p, (5455)
    Signatures
1 14 Envelope 1: 12 Signatures of George P. Morris torn from correspondence (12 items). (5376)
1 14 Envelope 2: Signature of William H. Morris, on fragment of letter to George P. 
Morris. (5388)
Attached is a swatch of coarse brown fabric, which the writer identifies as "genuine secesh pants – I picked up at the battle ground of Antietam."
1 14 Envelope 3: Nine signatures of prominent mid-nineteenth-century stage
personalities, all torn from correspondence (8 pieces) (5376)
1 14 Envelope 4: Calling card of Major General Wool (no accession number)
1 14 Head-and-shoulders line-drawing portrait of George P. Morris, with signature (no accession number)
    Printed Documents
1 15 By-laws of Morris Cadets, Company A, Eleventh Regiment, N.Y. State Artillery (New York: J.H. Miller, 1845). 8p. (5419)
1 15 Reception of the Seventh Regiment, National Guard, S.N.Y. … Academy of Music, January 31st, 1866 (New York: Francis & Loutrell, 1866) [Alphabetical list of names of men who served in the various companies of the regiment; also list of those who died or were killed while serving] (5426)
1 15 Printed circular letter. New-York, August 3, 1825. Invitation to meet with prize committee to evaluate essays received by the New York Mirror and Ladies Literary Gazette. (5050)
1 15 Programme of Arrangements for the Funeral Solemnities in honor of the Gallant and Lamented Major General [William J.] Worth, Col. [James] Duncan and Major [William] Gates, Late of the United States Army. Thursday, November 15, 1849. [Morris participated as a commander of the second brigade and authored an ode which is printed on page 3 of the program.] (5454)
1 15 Programme of Mr. H. Russell's Vocal Entertainment at the Town Hall, Reading, [no state] on Monday Evening, May 23, 1842. [Program includes Morris's song "Woodman Spare That Tree"] (5445)
1 15 Speech of Hon. Aaron Ward of New York on the Navy Appropriation Bill: Delivered in the House of Representatives, Monday, July 12, 1841 (Washington: The Globe, 1841) [with envelope addressed to George P. Morris] (5392)
1 15 Governor's Guard. Regimental Orders. New-York, November 29, 1825. Incorporating the Fifth Infantry Regiment under command of George P. Morris (captain) Ms. (printed) 1(4)p. (5037)
1 15 Newspaper clipping, undated, noting the popularity of Morris's song "The Land of Washington" in the British press. Note in ink at bottom identifies author as "Uncle Toby" (E.I. Sears) in the Boston Post. (5406)
1 15 Broadside poster: Bowery Theatre, April 29th, 1828. Brier Cliff: or a Picture of Former Times. [Libretto by George P. Morris] [Photocopy; original in broadside collection: BRO2444] (5051)
1 15 Broadside poster: Bowery Theatre, May 8th, 1828. Bold Stroke for a Husband. [Libretto by George P. Morris]. Includes notice that "in consequence of the unbounded applause … [for] Brier Cliff, due notice will be given of its next representation." [Photocopy; original in broadside collection: BRO2445] (5051 [sic])
1 15 Broadside poster: Theatre [sic], n.d. [1844?] The Maid of Saxony. Libretto by George P. Morris; music by C.E. Horn [Photocopy; original in broadside collection: BRO2446] (5049)
Last Updated: February 15, 2022