Diaries and journals, 1828-1860.

ArchivalResource

Harris, Edward, 1799-1863. Diaries and journals, 1828-1860.

Diaries and journals, 1828-1860.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/122387720

This series of Journal notes and diaries consists of fourteen volumes, three of which are accounts of trips with John Audubon. The other volumes provide details on farming and household activities, trips to Europe and fishing, and two almanac diaries. The most interesting diaries are those relating to Audubon and his journeys and work. Three volumes directly involve Audubon and one involves Harris'collecting work done for Audubon. All of the diaries include detailed sketches of wildlife, especially birds, seen on the trips. Harris also gives accounts of all animals hunted and killed while the group was traveling through America. The Florida trip with Audubon includes an information on the trip through Alabama and the wildlife seen along the way. There are also accounts of Audubon's trip along the Missouri River and Harris' walk through New England looking for specimens for Audubon. Besides his excursions with Audubon, Harris also traveled to Europe, particularly Italy. In the three diaries detailing his trips t Europe, he describes the basic tourist activities. He tells about visits to friends, attendance at events taking place, and other subjects, such as the climate and well-being of his fellow travelers. He also writes about his wife's illness and recovery while they were in Liverpool. One diary, written about a trip to Florence, was kept by Harris' wife, Mary. She writes in detail about the grandeur of the architecture of the area and of the vast history, spanning from the Greeks to the Romans. Harris was very interested in agriculture and the last four diaries demonstrate his interest. The four volumes discuss farming and household management details of his farm in New Jersey. They record accounts, expenses, building, planting and harvesting of crops, and livestock care. In one journal Harris has a hand-drawn map of his lands and fields, as well as a rotation list for crops. Because of his role in the introduction of the Percheron horse to America, he pays particular attention in the 1841 and 1842 diaries to his horse "Diligence," and any births of foals and their training. Besides his livestock, Harris also notes planting and harvesting of crops done throughout the year and any help he has had from others. He also discusses expenses and building projects for his farm.

14 volumes.

Alabama Department of Archives and History