Papers, 1762-1887.

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Papers, 1762-1887.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/86102582

Letters, documents, and business papers of Edward Coles, abolitionist and second governor of Illinois. Included are letters to and from Coles, 1810-1868, containing information on the War of 1812; on Washington, D.C., during Madison's administration when Coles was secretary to Madison; on Coles' business activities, 1833-1868; and on slavery. An autobiographical sketch; speeches on slavery; an essay by Coles on the emancipation of his slaves, 1827; Russian trade documents; and account books, 1818-1869. Most of the letters are from members of Coles' family. There is a small group of correspondence for his son, Edward Coles, Jr.

Historical Society of Pennsylvania

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SNAC Resource ID: 8338527

Related Entities

There are 3 Entities related to this resource.

Coles family.

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6774jt9 (family)

Coles, Edward, 1837-1907

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w6q26q57 (person)

Coles, Edward, 1786-1868

http://n2t.net/ark:/99166/w68g8jmv (person)

Edward Coles was born on December 15, 1786 into one of the oldest Virginia families. When he inherited his family's estate in 1808, Coles felt somewhat conflicted about slavery. After serving as President James Madison's private secretary from 1809-1815, Coles purchased land in Illinois with the intention of eventually moving his estate west. In 1816 Madison sent Coles to Russia for diplomatic purposes, and Coles spent the next two years traveling in Europe. When he returned to the United States...