James Manning (1738-1791), first president of Brown University, was born October 22, 1738 in Piscataway, New Jersey, the son of James and Grace (Fitz-Randolph) Manning. He studied at the Latin Grammar School conducted by Isaac Eaton in Hopewell, New Jersey, and graduated second in a class of 21 from the College of New Jersey (Princeton University) in 1762. He was licensed to preach by the Scotch Plains Baptist Church, February 6, 1763, and ordained April 19, 1763. He married Margaret Stites on March 23, 1763. That same year he was sent by the Philadelphia Association of Baptist Churches to Rhode Island for the purpose of establishing a college to be principally under the direction of the Baptists. The college was chartered March 3, 1764. In April 1764 Manning opened a Latin school in Warren, Rhode Island, and became the first pastor of the Warren Baptist Church founded in November 1764. In September 1765 he was elected the first president of Rhode Island College. Manning was the only professor until 1767, when the increase in students presented a need for an additional instructor. David Howell, a graduate of the College of New Jersey was engaged as a tutor and was appointed professor of natural philosophy in 1769. In September 1769 the first Commencement was held. Seven students received the degree of Bachelor of Arts and 21 honorary degrees were awarded. On the evening of Commencement the Corporation appointed a committee to select and buy a site for the College and to solicit subscriptions. A lively competition arose, as the inhabitants of East Greenwich, Newport and Providence vied for the location of the college in their towns. When the final decision rested between Newport and Providence, depending on which raised the higher subscription of funds, Manning himself favored Providence and entered into the contest by writing an "anonymous" letter to Nicholas Brown, in which he outlined a strategy by which the fact that the Browns could build the edifice themselves at less cost in Providence could be taken into account in calculating the amount of the subscriptions. The College Edifice was built in Providence in 1770, and Manning moved to Providence and lived in Benjamin Bowen's house while the president's house was being built.
The Revolutionary War soon interrupted the life of the College, when the Edifice was taken over from December 7, 1776 to May 27, 1782, and used as barracks and as a hospital by American and French troops, and left in dilapidated condition. The war left Rhode Island short of food, as a large part of the state was in the hands of the enemy and provisions could not by law be brought from another state. Manning was commissioned to visit Connecticut and confer with the government on this matter, after which the restrictions were removed and contributions of money and provisions were sent to Rhode Island. On April 29, 1779 he left Providence with Mrs. Manning, and traveled to Philadelphia, visiting relatives in New York and New Jersey, preaching in churches along the way, and returning to Providence on September 29, at which time he wrote in his journal, "Reached Providence at six o'clock, the road better than usual; being just five months to an hour absent from home."
When the war was over, the College reopened, poor, with few students and a damaged building. David Howell had resigned as professor in 1779, leaving the College with no faculty other than the president. A subscription was begun to raise funds for the repair of the Edifice. Asher Robbins, a graduate of Yale, was appointed as tutor. In 1783 John Brown offered to pay half the price of a "compleat Philosophical Apparatus and Library," and the other half was quickly raised. In 1784 two professors were appointed, Joseph Brown as professor of experimental philosophy, and Benjamin Waterhouse as professor of natural history, both of whom "engaged to give Lectures in their respective Branches, without any Expence to the College while destitute of an Endowment." A Commencement was held in 1783 for six graduates, who had been students before the war or had studied privately with Manning, but it was not until 1786 that more students were ready for graduation. The number of students increased steadily from twenty in 1784 to fifty in 1786.
In 1786 Manning was appointed by a unanimous resolution of the General Assembly to represent Rhode Island in the Congress of the Confederation. At first he tried to decline but, on the advice of Corporation members who were men of high political standing, he left the College under the care of Perez Fobes as vice-president, and took his seat. He explained his reasons for accepting the appointment in a letter to Reverend John Rippon in England on April 7, 1786, "Pray, don't be alarmed should you hear that I am in Congress. The motive of my accepting this most unexpected, unsolicited, but unanimous appointment of the State to that office, was the recovery of a considerable sum due to the College, for the use taken of the Edifice, and the damage done to it by the public during the late war." The years after the war were difficult for Manning, and he thought seriously of leaving Providence. On November 12, 1785 he wrote to Reverend Samuel Jones, who was establishing a school in Kentucky:
"I really wish, should my Life be spared, that my connections here would any how admit of my going out with you in the Spring. I feel my Spirit moved to it, but as yet see no way open, but by disengaging myself at once from Providence at all events; & I see not how I can consistently do this, at least, before the next Commencement: My feelings have long since prognosticated that I shall not spend all the remnant of my days in Providence, unless they are few indeed."
He had not been paid his salary as delegate to the Congress and could not obtain payment in good money. He wrote to Hezekiah Smith about the sad state of his affairs on January 18, 1787:
"At the last session I petitioned them to pay my advances, and the remainder of my salary as delegate, amounting to upwards of four hundred dollars. This they offered to do in their paper, but in no other way. ... A more infamous set of men under the character of a legislature, never, I believe, disgraced the annals of the world. And there is no prospect of a change for the better. Of all the arrearages of tuition for the last year, and the quarter advanced in this, I have not received ten pounds. I was taken sick the day after the second great snow, with no provisions in the cellar except one hundred-weight of cheese, two barrels of cider, and some potatoes; with not a load of wood at my door; nor could I command a single dollar to supply these wants. The kindness of my neighbors, however, kept me from suffering. But when a man has hardly earned money, to be reduced to this abject state of dependence requires the exercise of more grace than I can boast of. ... I have serious thought of removing to the farm at the Jerseys, and undertake digging for my support. Should things wear the same unfavorable aspect next year, I believe I shall make the experiment, if my life is spared."
Added to his financial distress was unpleasantness at the College. He had expelled two students, one of whom had connections with powerful local families, who, advised and assisted by David Howell, had appealed to the Corporation. On July 23, 1787, he wrote to Samuel Jones,
"The College Horizen [sic], to me, is cloudy at Providence, but what will be the final result God only knows. I expect some trying scenes between this & Commencement. ... John Brown ... has conferred with me several times on the subject, & I have told him plainly that if I must be subject to the pointed censure of David Howel, whether I execute, or dispense with the Laws (which has been of late the case); & if he must lay hold of every opportunity to injure the Authority of College, & be supported in it by the influential men in the Corporation, they may take the Presidential Chair that choses, for I will not hold it. ... It is the opinion of many that he wishes to displace me from the College. This I believe is the truth; but it not so agreeable to be pushed out."
Manning did, in fact, spend the rest of his days as president of the College. On July 24, 1791 he was seized by a fit of apoplexy while at prayers in his home and died on July 29, 1791. His funeral on the following day was reported by the Providence Gazette to have been "the most numerous and respectable event attended in town." He was laid to rest in the North Burying Ground, next to Nicholas Brown, who had died a few months earlier.
A footnote in Reuben Guild's Early History of Brown University, including the Life, Times, and Correspondence of President Manning, published in 1897, contains this interesting commentary on Manning's appearance:
"In his youth, says Judge Howell, who knew him well, he was remarkable for his dexterity in athletic exercises, for the symmetry of his body, and gracefulness of his person. Had he lived in our day he could easily have been captain of a base-ball nine or of a foot-ball club. In his maturer years he weighed upwards of three hundred pounds. Concerning his bulk the Hon. Wm. Hunter, one of his pupils, thus writes: 'His motions and gestures were so easy and graceful, that ordinary observers thought not of his immense volume of flesh, and those who critised, admired the manner in which it spontaneously wielded.'"
Professor Goddard attested to Manning's physical prowess, "He sometimes made his own stone wall; and in the use of a scythe, he acknowledged no superior among the best trained laborers in the meadow." For his wall building services, the Corporation records note that on September 3, 1777, "President Manning laid before the Corporation an Accompt for making thirty two Rods of Stone wall on the College Land." Manning's own description of his life as president of the college and pastor of the First Baptist Church was reported thus by Benjamin Waterhouse:
"I shall never forget what Dr. Manning, in great good humor, told me were among his trying 'experiences.' He told me that ... he performed all the duties of President of the College; heard two classes recite every day; listened to complaints, foreign and domestic, from undergraduates and their parents of both sexes, and answered them, now and then, by letter; waited, generally, on all transient visiters into college, &c. &c. Nor was this all. 'I made,' said Dr. Manning, 'my own garden and took care of it repaired my dilapidated walls; went nearly every day to market; preached twice a week, and sometimes oftener; attended, by solicitation, the funeral of every baby that died in Providence, visited the sick of my own Society, and, not unfrequently, the sick of other Societies; made numerous parochial visits, the poorest people exacting the longest, and, in case of any seeming neglect, finding fault the most.'"
He also at times took boarders, among them two sons of Robert Carter of Nomony Hall in Virginia, who wrote to Manning in February 1786 of George and John Tasker Carter, "they to be Sent from Boston immediately upon their Arrival there to your College in Providence. I beg leave to appoint you their Foster Father intimating that my desire is that both my Said Sons shd. be active Characters in Life ... The prevailing Notion now is, to Continue the most abject State of Slavery in this Common-Wealth" On this Consideration only, I do not intend that these my two Sons shall return to this State till each of them arrive to the Age of 21 years."
There were 165 graduates of the College during Manning's administration. Of these, 43 were clergymen, 29 lawyers, 19 physicians, 19 teachers, 12 judges, 12 business men, 6 professors, 6 congressmen, 2 college presidents, 2 United States ministers, 1 United States consul, 1 governor, and 1 librarian. Of the 43 clergymen, it should be noted, the majority were not Baptists, as might have been expected. Twenty-six were Congregationalist, twelve Baptist, one Episcopal, one Unitarian, and three of unknown denomination.
[Signature]
[Fragment]
Mentions speculations concerning the college.
A list of subscriptions due to College
List of sixteen persons, in hand of Manning.
Receipt in behalf of the Corporation
Mounted with newspaper clipping, "Manning and Brown University," which mentions Reuben A. Guild's biography of Manning and acquisition of Manning papers.
Manning, James to Howell, David
Suggests that Howell, a senior at Princeton, consider coming to Rhode Island either to take a school at Newport or to become tutor at the College.
A matriculation roll of the number of students in Rhode Island College, with the date of their admission
Names, dates of admission, and residences of 29 students admitted from 1765 to 1769.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Warren, RI
Rivalry of people of Providence and Newport over situation of the College; JM's position in the matter; college finances and how Smith's fund raising trip will help.
Manning, James to Stennett, Samuel Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for the books he sent to the College; discusses the origins of the funds for, the plans for, and the progress in building the "College Edifice."
List of books for the College library to be sent for by Capt. David Shand
List of books desired for the college library, from which list 5 guineas worth were to be purchased.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for his gifts to the college and describes the size and needs of the college, and the opposition of the New England Presbyterians to it.
Manning, James to Stennett, Samuel Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Comments on his presidency of the College and on the spread of the Baptist religion in Va. and N. C. which before "seemed to me to be the Rendezvous of Devils," and discusses a bitter controversy with the New England Presbyterians.
Manning, James to Edwards, Morgan Providence [RI]
Copy. By Stephen Hopkins and James Manning. Authorizing him to solicit and receive benefactions in any part of America for Rhode Island College.
Manning, James to LLewelyn, Thomas Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Describes the "infant college;" thanks him for his interest in the College and solicits further aid in financing it.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Says he will suggest for honorary degrees the names sent by Ryland. Sends news of the Baptist religion in New England.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
The College has awarded an honorary degree to his son John Ryland. Sends news of the College's opinions regarding other honorary degrees, of opposition to the College by the New England Clergy, and of the progress of the Baptist religion in America.
An acct. of the College in 1773
Early history of the College, staff, size of student body, and fees.
[Description of Rhode Island College]
Early history of the College; list of staff and faculty; description of the building.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Apologizes for not visiting Smith and invites him to Providence. Describes his preaching tour of Connecticut and an angry letter from Rev. John Ryland about college affairs, especially about degrees.
Manning, James to Wallin, Benjamin Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for the books he sent, and mentions a gift to the College library of works of John Gill.
Thanks him for his gifts and friendship to the College. Discusses the nature and reputation of the college, and promises further details. Says the College will award honorary degrees to the men Ryland recommended.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Explains that the honorary degrees to be sent to England are late owing to the need to manufacture new diplomas, and promises him a printed account of the college. Rejoices that Dr. Stennett has obtained the repeal of a law against the Baptists.
Manning, James to Wallin, Benjamin Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for the books he sent to the library. Mentions the form for making donations, and comments on the state of the Baptist faith in England and United States
Manning, James to Booth, Abraham Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Signature cut out. Thanks him for the books he sent to the library, and asks to open a correspondence with him.
Manning, James to Woodman, Isaac Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Says that literature should be "an hand maid to Religion." Hopes Woodman will accept an honorary degree; praises John C. Ryland's support of the College, and mentions the enemies of the College.
Manning, James to Wallin, Benjamin Providence [RI]
Manuscript copy. Mentions imprisonment of Baptists "for their Rates to the Presbyterians, in the colony of Massachusetts Bay." The state of religion in Providence is low.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Newport, RI
Autograph copy. Thanks Ryland for his donation to the College, and mentions his illness during the winter as causing the lateness of the "College Papers" he promised to send.
Manning, James to Freeman, Philip Boston, MA
"The inclosed for the baptist Committee at Boston ... the contents are important." [No enclosure] "I have referred both Mr. Smith & Backus to Boston for copies of the Proceedings." Seeks a housemaid from those rendered unemployed by the "Boston Port Bill."
anning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Mentions that state of the Baptist religion in New England during the Revolution; the College has suffered from high prices; sends news of degrees awarded; mentions recent religious revivals.
Manning, James to Howard, A. Providence [RI]
Letter of condolence on the death of her fiance, Capt. Bell. "NB This Copy of a Letter to Miss A. Howard was not ye same wh. ys sent as it was greatly altered and enlarged."
Journal of a trip from Providence to Philadelphia and return
Published in full in Guild, R. A. (Providence, 1897) p.314-331.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Concerns Latin books, copies of address from Church of Philadelphia; asks Ustick to preach.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Invitation to preach in Providence. Copy (Original in N.Y. Baptist Society, Colgate University).
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Asks more information about his situation.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Plans to solicit donations in New England; steward appointed; vice-president to be appointed.
Manning, James to Howell, David Providence [RI]
Family news; French army encamped near Providence; college building is ready and Manning is very pressed with work.
Manning, James to the Chancellor and Corporation of the College in Providence
Suggests a solution for the low state of College funds and offers his services for the task. States the terms on which he will travel "to solicit benefactions."
[Draft of letter to a French officer] Providence [RI]
Requesting his help in presenting an appeal to the French king on behalf of Rhode Island College for books and other benefits to promote the study of French.
Manning, James to Howell, David Providence [RI]
Family matters; public Commencement which aroused public enthusiasm and led to John Brown's offer to help raise funds for equipment. Asks Howell to obtain catalogues of books. A committee has prepared an address to King Louis of France, asking his patronage for the College, which has been forwarded to Howell, who is to have it sanctioned by the Minister to France. Dr. S. Drowne has been chosen Fellow and the College Seal's device is settled.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Tells of Commencement program; money to be raised for Apparatus and Library.
Manning, James to Keene, Henry Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Comments of Benjamin Wallin's death and his bequest to the College. Says that the college will be named for one of its benefactors.
Manning, James to Llewelyn, Thomas Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Explains the needy situation of the College and promises to name it after him, if he were to provide the funds to reestablish it.
Manning, James to Ryland, John C. Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Comments that the American Revolution "is of God;" reports the decline of the Baptist religion in America, except at the frontier; asks if Ryland knows a wealthy man to endow and name the College.
Manning, James to Stennett, Samuel Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Happy to resume correspondence with friend in England; concerns state of religion in New England, effect of the war on religion, use of the College for barracks; subscription for the library and for philosophical apparatus. Plans to appoint a committee to take charge of aid to worthy students. Hopes to receive donations for this purpose. Pleased with Stennett's books on domestic duties, and asks to buy the rest of his works for the library.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Tells of ill health of Nicholas Brown and death of Mrs. Brown; Mr. Howell going to Europe to solicit funds. Copy (Original in N.Y. Baptist Society, Colgate University).
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
On p.[4] ms. notes headed: Psa. 89.19.
Manning, James to Stennett, Samuel
Autograph copy, incomplete. Delivers Mr. Backus's request to open a correspondence with Dr. Stennett.
Manning, James to Stennett, Samuel Providence [RI]
Copy. Asks his advice and assistance in procuring Apparatus and Library for the College.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Illness of Mrs. Manning's mother. "The Plains are destitute of a minister. They intend to try for Sammy Jones." Mentions revivals at various places. The College has 23 students and more are expected; his nephew Jimmy, son of Jeremiah, is a student. The school has nearly 20 students; Mr. Wilkinson is a good master. The lower rooms in the edifice are full; the upper two should be finished. Mr. Wood would do as well here as at Jersey College.
Manning, James to Gill, John Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Hopes Dr. Gill's Bible will be completed, and comments on some revivals of the Baptist religion since the war, and the reestablishment of the College.
Manning, James to Rippon, John Providence [RI]
Will distribute Bibles, etc., from England among poor; will place prints of Dr. Gill, Rev. Hugh Evans, Rev. Rippon in the College. Discusses replacement of Mr. Winchester by Rev. Thomas Ustick in Philadelphia. Discusses Baptist and other Protestant churches in America. Describes college edifice, enrollment, faculty; encloses catalogue of library [no enclosure].
Manning, James to Evans, Caleb Providence [RI]
Copy of the letter sent. Comments on the acquisition of books and scientific instruments by the College, the poverty caused to the College by its public use from 1776 to 1782, and the beneficial effect on religious freedom caused by the Revolution.
[Account of expenditures]
Written on verso of: Rhode Island Election prox. His Excellency William Greene ... Prov., Bennett Wheeler, 1784.
Manning, James to Booth, Abraham Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for publications he sent; introduces Dr. Drowne; "two of the Leaders in what they called the new Dispensation, but others the shaking Quakers [i.e. the Shakers] have, notwithstanding their boasted immortality, lately died."
Manning, James to Sharp, Granville Providence, RI
Thanks him for donation to College Library; gives information about the early college and its government; use of college by armies during Revolution; slavery in the Colonies. Recommends Isaac Backus's book,
Manning, James to Evans, Caleb Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Signature cut out. Encloses a catalogue of the books in the library, introduces Dr. Drowne, and mentions a Baptist revival in Massachusetts and Vermont.
Manning, James to Rippon, John Providence
Sends letter and diploma by Dr. Solomon Drowne. In eastern Massachusetts and Vermont whole congregations of Congregationalists are becoming Baptist.
Manning, James to Ryland, John Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Sends Ryland's diploma; would like to continue correspondence with Ryland's father. There are 30 students in college; "We were so fortunate, in the Wreck of public Credit during the War, as to preserve our Fund undiminished."
Manning James to Howell, David Providence [RI]
Family and neighborhood news. Inquires if a petition to Congress for redress of damages to the College if feasible; asks Howell's opinion on other financial matters facing Congress and possibly affecting the College.
Manning, James to Ustick,Thomas Providence [RI]
Suggests that Samuel Jones visit Kentucky to preach.
Manning, James to Howell, David Providence [RI]
Comments on family affairs, weather, and politics. Asks Howell's opinion on possibility that the College might obtain a grant of land in the West, in lieu of damages.
Manning, James to Mackaness, Thomas Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for the books he donated, sends news of his friends and church, and of the College. Mentions some revivals of the Baptist faith in America.
Manning, James to Evans, Caleb Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Discusses the state of the Baptist faith in New England, and mentions the settlement of Kentucky by Baptists. Mentions the local stagnation of business and asks aid in collecting a library for the College.
Manning, James to Rippon, John Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks for present of books from England. Discusses state of Baptist church in England and America. Tribute to Stephen Hopkins. Asks for funds from England for library for Baptists in Kentucky, intended as basis of academy which will offset present advantage of Presbyterians there.
Manning, James to Gill, John Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Transacts some business relating to books, and complains of the stagnation of business in New England, owing to governmental restrictions and scarcity of money.
Manning, James to Sharp, Granville Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Thanks him for his gift to the College library. Mentions some copies made of Sharp's letter on ecclesiastical matters, and discusses Sharp's "scheme" for furthering American interests, especially his proposed agrarian law and its relation to current laws on inheritances.
Manning, James to Howell, David Providence [RI]
Asks Howell to act quickly in the matter of the College's petition to Congress for payment of damages to the College building, and the possibility of petitioning the local Legislature. Signed also by John Brown and Enos Hitchcock as members of the committee.
[Certificate of Rachel Martin membership in the Providence Baptist Church] Providence [RI]
Signed, James Manning, Elder.
Manning, James to Franklin, Benjamin
Requests assistance in presenting address to the King of France, soliciting his patronage in establishing a Professor of French and History and in presenting the books declined by Yale. Includes draft of the address to be presented to the King written in another hand.
Manning, James to Ustick, Thomas Providence [RI]
Advice about ordering and selling books. Postscript added February 10.
Manning, James to Green, Timothy Providence [RI]
He has been censured by the Corporation for length of absence allowed students, so all students must return by March.
Manning, James to Booth, Abraham Providence [RI]
Comments on Booth's and the state of the Baptist faith in London and America. Informs him of the M.A. degree conferred on him by the College, which "promises fair to hold a rank amongst literary institutions in this new world," and says the College is in financial need.
Manning, James to Evans, Caleb Providence [RI]
Describes an attempt to obtain money from the government to repair damages to the College caused by the war, and cites his election to Congress as a measure to obtain such money. Asks if Evans can find a good man to substitute in his pulpit.
Manning, James to Rippon, John Providence [RI]
Sends letters and diplomas to several English gentlemen upon whom the college conferred honorary degrees before the war with apologies for belated notification. Has accepted election to Congress only to expedite payments due the college. Is resigning pastorship of church. Sends message for Dr. Drowne. Encloses letters from Nathaniel Dummer.
Manning, James to Gordon, William Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Encloses some diplomas for him to deliver in England, thanks him for his gift to the library, and explains his reasons for accepting election as a congressman. He will not run for Congress again.
Manning, James to Sharp, Granville Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. The New England Episcopalians intend to support Samuel Seaberry [i.e. Seabury] as properly consecrated as bishop, and would resent his intervention in publishing Sharp's letter.
Manning, James to Manning, Jeremiah Providence [RI]
Discusses his unanimous appointment to Congress. Expects to be short of "the needful" while in New York and will find it necessary to call upon friends for assistance.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah New York
Comments on the choice of Smith as his successor at the Providence church, on the state of religion in New York, on politics and Indian affairs. Complains of his empty pocket-book.
Manning, James to Miller, Nathan New York
Asks if he has obtained money necessary to take his seat in Congress. Mentions violation of treaty with Great Britain in matter of paper money.
Manning, James to Holroyd, William New York
Conditions at the College when parents would not pay their bills and Manning was thirty dollars out of pocket.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Family and neighborhood news. Writes in strong terms of the legislature and financial affairs, especially as they affect the college. Low state of religion in Providence.
Manning, James to Ustick, Thomas Providence [RI]
Happy to hear of increase of church in Philadalphia. Injustice, anarchy and confusion prevail in the country; he is out of the habit of disposing of books; Isaac Backus is writing, but it is an antibookish era in New England.
Manning, James to Van Horne, William Providence [RI]
On behalf of the Corporation, asks Van Horne to bring all College property, bills, money, certificates and continental bills to Providence. Discusses financial state of the college and country, religious conditions in New England.
Manning, James to Wood, William Providence [RI]
Concerns character and training of Dr. Solomon Drown, who contemplates moving to Kentucky; recommends him to Wood's attention.
Manning, James to Carter, Robert Providence [RI]
Discusses business matters; offers to arrange the sale of tobacco on behalf of Carter and his son George. Comments on George's progress at school under Mr. Rogers, and on the state of religion in Providence.
[Account with Yokoway Fenner]
For provisions and services from May 14 to November 7.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
State of religion in Providence and in Virginia. "The College continues to gradually increase" and will do so as times become more stable; political affairs in Massachusetts.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Spread of religion in Massachusetts; growth of the College; departure of Gano to Kentucky; political affairs related to the Constitution and it acceptance.
[Bill to Elisabeth Brown for potatoes]
[Bill to Samuel Green for tuition]
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Sympathizes with and encourages Smith; thinks his son wants a little more stability.
Manning, James to Booth, Abraham Providence [RI]
Autograph copy. Including list "Terms of most marked contempt." Comments on an attack on Booth's sends news of the College, and related in detail the American career of John Stanford.
Manning, James to Ustick, Thomas Providence [RI]
Reports improvement of religious conditions in Providence.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
State of religion improves. Comments on members of his congregation. Suggests that Smith supply for him during his trip to Jersey. No news of Dr. Gano.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
Discusses the prospects of Messrs. Read and Messer, the increase in numbers of Baptist, his son's progress and difficulties with John Brown.
[Note of sum due on the College Security, September 3, 1791]
On verso is fragment of letter by JM.
Manning, James to Ustick, Thomas
Asks about the church in Phildelphia; hope of increased number of students at the College.
Manning, James to Baptist Society at South Hadley Providence [RI]
Recommendation of Asa Hunter to South Hadley as a devoted minister in good standing who wishes a charge, his present congregation being depleted by migration.
Manning, James to Harding, Eleazer Providence [RI]
Ordering white oak posts. On verso is note by Walker Harding, March 28, 1792, receipt for payment.
Manning, James to Smith, Hezekiah Providence [RI]
College and ministerial appointments and opening; deaths of Nicholas Brown and J. Jenckes. College affairs do no prosper as well as he might wish. Ill-fortune of Brother Gano.
Inventory of the personal estate of the Rev'd Doctor James Manning who departed this life the 29th July 1791 Providence [RI]
Appraised by James Arnold and William Holroyd, witnessed and this true copy made by Daniel Cooke, County Clerk.
Benson, George to Manning, Margaret Providence [RI]
Lists "names of the persons who have been added to the Baptist Church in Providence under the pastoral care of the Revd. James Manning." Includes 106 names from December 1774 to September 1775.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Rejoices in renewal of communication with America after the war; reports death of Benjamin Wallin.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Sending also his which he asks Manning to read and correct for 2nd edition; first edition of 500 has been sold; duplicity of Mr. R. Robinson; favorable impressions of Solomon Drowne and of Dr. Stennett; reports dissolution of two Baptist Churches, but general gain of religion in both Baptist and Church of England; thinks Presbyterians have renounced Gospel; death of Dr. Gibbons.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Gratitude for honorary degree; his esteem for Abbadie.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Pained at thought of Manning's leaving the College; praises V------, who has died.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Sending copy of his expects answer to be published by Mr. Edward Williams; requests information about popular American preacher Mr. Winchester now in England.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Has sent two medical books to Solomon Drowne; Williams may not publish his answer; has just published asks Manning to assist in sale of
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Hopes Manning will not leave the College; publication of Mr. Williams's scandalous conduct of Mr. John Stanford, who has been accepted as a minister in America.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James London
Written from London. Comments on Mr. Stanford, Mr. Robinson's Dr. Priestly; has sent Dr. Samuel Jones his views on baptism which differ from those of the Philadelphia Association.
Booth, Abraham to Manning, James
Written from London. Death of Mr. Robinson and his burial by Dr. Priestley; condemns Priestly's funeral sermon; Robinson's Socinianism gaining in England; publication of Booth's books.
Bowering, Caleb to Manning, Margaret New York
Written from New York. Acknowledges arrival of letter and sweet corn; Col. Whipple has a son; Bowering's son has been named John; invites her to visit when Dr. Gano comes to association meeting; approval of Mr. Chaplain; laments contrast between N. Y. and Boston. Note added by Maria Bowering mentions other relatives including Aunt Woodruff.
Bowering, Maria to "my dear aunts"
Laments death of "one of the best of women" and her own child; mentions Julia's son, named James Manning.
Bowering, Maria to "my dear and honored Aunt"
News of family members. She has had the paintings of James and Margaret Manning treated for preservation.
[Account of James Manning and his estate with the college treasurer]
[Receipt to James Manning] Boston [MA]
Brown, Moses to Manning, James
Is sending catalogue of books he sent to the College Library; the University of Cambridge has given a prize medal for the best piece against the African slave trade; wishes that Rhode Island College would do the same, but is aware that a few members of the Corporation would not be in favor; he would support this project himself, if only his brother were "clear of the Evil, or disposed to rid himself of it."
Dummer, Nathaniel to Manning, James
Endorsement in hand of JM, "Copy of a letter from Nathl. Dummer sent by me to Revd. Jno Rippon of London April 10th 1786." Enquiring for heirs of Thomas Dummer.
Evans, Caleb to Manning, James Bristol [England]
From Bristol, England. Will do all in his power to help the "infant college," especially in sending duplicate books from the Bristol Academy; disappointed at low state of religion in America.
Evans, Caleb to Manning, James Briston [England]
Will be happy to receive Dr. Drowne if he visits Bristol; tomorrow he will receive 27 candidates for baptism.
Evans, Caleb to Manning, James Briston [England]
Has obtained vote of Education Society respecting sending books to Rhode Island College; requests honorary M.A. for Rev. James Newton.
Evans, Caleb to Manning, James Bristol [England]
On departure of the Mulletts; recommends sermons of Dr. Stennett and Priestley's Lectures on History; expects soon a history of the Baptists by Mr. Robins; considers Providence a luminous spot on a dark mass; Priestley's writings border on heresy; recommends a young man from Bristol Academy who would be suitable to assist in Manning's college or grammar school or to be sent to Kentucky.
Evans, Caleb to Manning, James Bristol [England]
Acknowledging honorary degree; has also received degree from King's College, Aberdeen; delighted by the French Revolution; astonished by resolve of Association on rebaptizing; rejoices that Stanford has been rooted out.
[Inventory of personal estate of Margaret Manning]
Appraised by Stephen Gano and Asa Messer, executors. In hand of Asa Messer. Notarized by Nathan W. Jackson.
To the Estate of Margaret Manning
Receipt for Mrs. Manning's funeral expenses.
[Transfer of shares in Roger Williams Bank]
Shares transferred from estate of Margaret Manning to James Manning Holroyd by her executors, Stephen Gano and Asa Messer. Witnessed by Nathaniel Smith.
Gano, Stephen to Rogers, Eliza B. Providence [RI]
Letter to his daughter with news of acquaintances; has preached in North Providence and will preach for the Dorcas Society; agrees with Mr. Brantly that "now is the time to make an exertion to save the College" [Columbian College] and blames L.R. [Luther Rice] for its condition. Appended to a letter by Cornelia.
Gano, Stephen to Rogers, Eliza B. Providence [RI]
Family news; arrival of President and Mrs. Wayland and her brother, Deacon Heman Lincoln; changes in the University; Wayland's aversion to a public inauguration. Letter by Clarissa appended.
Gill, John to Manning, James London
Death of George Keith, bookseller; has books of Dr. John Gill for sale;
Gill, John to Manning, James
Copies of Backus's history were not received by Mr. Wallin; thanks him for assistance in sale of Dr. Gill's works.
Gill, John to Manning, James
The sheets for Mr. Backus's history have been discovered in the hands of a cheese-monger and purchased by Mr. Thomas.
Gordon, William to Manning, James
On enlistment of army for three years; doesn't want a great army to disband.
Gordon, William to Manning, James
Import bill would ruin future liberty; wants information about Rhode Island delegates.
Gordon, William to Manning, James
Rejoices in Rhode Island's rejection of import bill; should not trust Congress too far.
Gordon, William to Manning, James Jamaica Plain [MA]
Sending a pierce to be published anonymously.
Gordon, William to Manning, James Jamaica Plain [MA]
He is not the author of the History of the War being published in Boston.
Gordon, William to Brown University Library Jamaica Plain [MA]
Sending box of books for the college and leaving for England.
Gordon, William to Manning, James Jamaica Plain [MA]
Instruction for calling for books.
Gordon, William to Manning, James Stoke Newington [England]
Written from Stoke Newington, England. Is writing his History; surprised at coolness of his brethren in England, but does not repent.
Gordon, William to Manning, James London
Written from London. There appears to be no disposition toward friendship with the United States; Winchester is making a noise in Southwalk; fears government measures toward East India possessions will result in their loss.
Gordon, William to Manning, James Ringwood [England]
Written from Ringwood in England. Describes the location of Ringwood; will retire to Ipswich; sending a set of his History for the college and five more sets for Manning to deliver and collect payment.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Written from Charleston, S.C. Laments death of President Davies of Princeton.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Urging him to settle in South; congratulations on his marriage and ordination.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Sending a letter from Mr. Simpson in answer to a call from Halifax; announces day of fasting and prayer for revival of religion; Mr. Pugh to be ordained; asks about college affairs; seeks new location for his own health.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Shattered condition of his church; imprudence of his assistant, Mr. Bedgegood; discusses a young widow who will be baptized.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
No revival in his area; some success amoung separatists, especially under Philip Mulkey, whose personal downfall later caused religion to suffer.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Regrets departure of Hezekiah Smith; success of Smith's preaching and his solicitation on behalf of the college in spite of opposition; hopes the benefaction of his province will promote the welfare of the college.
Hart, Oliver to Manning, James Charleston [SC]
Traveling to Georgia to assist Mr. Pelot in constituting a Baptist Church; success of labors of young Botsford; distressed by misbehavior of his son John on whose education he is spending money; "cash was never so scarce in Carolina, as at present."
Holroyd, C.P. to Gano, Sally S. Providence [RI]
Reports illness of Aunt [Margaret] Manning, who has ordered a cap and shroud; impending death of James Eddy, who is being attended by Doctors Bowen, Wheaton, and Eddy; thoughts on religious state; has attended Covenant meeting.
Howell, David to Manning, James Princeton [NJ]
Describes examination at Princeton; pleased that money has been raised for apparatus and library, and that persons have been appointed to solicit donations; the fate of the college will rest on collections in Europe and Providence; advises JM against going abroad himself to solicit funds; recommends applying to Congress for compensation for damages to the college edifices; notes arrival of Congressional delegates from several states; pleased by his son's performance at public speaking, which is "unum nessarium in political life" to which he should have paid more attention.
Lemmon, Richard to Carter, Robert Baltimore [MD]
Concerns sale of iron for Carter; JM has reported to Philadelphia Association on state of the College, that he is obliged to teach three classes himself at a salary of eighty pounds; the Baptist churches are being solicited for contributions to allow the only Baptist institution on the continent to continue.
Lemmon, Richard to Carter, Robert Baltimore [MD]
Financial state of college so low that JM cannot purchase a coat; mentions sale of iron. Mr. Ritchards(sic) is in Baltimore.
Leonard, David Augustus to Manning, Margaret Bridgewater [MA]
Mentions his intention of entering the ministry.
Deed: McClellan, Samuel to Manning, James
Deed to JM for twenty-nine acres in Woodstock, property of the late Mary Tew. Witnessed by Thomas Grosvenor and Ann Grosvenor. Note by Jedediah Morse, December 14, 1789, on verso.
McClellan, Samuel to Manning, Margaret Woodstock
Reply to a "dunning letter" regarding a debt to JM already paid.
Mackaness, Thomas to Manning, James Boston [MA]
On his religious state.
Mackaness, Thomas to Manning, James Plymouth [MA]
On present afflictions; distressed at news from the Jerseys; pleased that JM has found his books useful.
Mackaness, Thomas to Manning, James
Resumes correspondence with news of death of his wife and son; he expected to be in London, but is detained with daughter in Shelburn; son-in-law Thomas Harvey is travelling to America, selling Irish linen; sewing silks also available, but money is scarce and he does not extend credit to persons unacquainted with him; has heard of illness of Mrs. Manning.
Mackaness, Thomas to Manning, James
Sending five volumes of Wilson(?) which have crossed the ocean three times; Mr. Harvey is in Philadelphia; Mackaness hopes to embark for England.
[Accounts for servants' wages]
[Last will and testament] Providence [RI]
Witnessed by Amelia Burrill, George R. Burrill, and Asa Messer.
[Last will and testament] Providence, RI
Witnessed by Abner Daggett, William Snow, and Ann Daggett. Inheritors include Stephen Gano, Julia M. Holroyd, James Manning Holroyd, William Tillinghast Holroyd, Abba Stites Holroyd, Sally Tillinghast Holroyd. Gives portrait of JM to Brown University. Annexed is Providence Probate Court document, November 13, 1815, witnessed by Nathan W. Jackson. Endorsements by Nathan W. Jackson on verso of will.
[Receipt]
Receipt to Margaret Manning for six sets of Dr. Gordon's
Mullett, Thomas to Manning, James Bristol
Mentions death of Dr. Evans and sends copy of funeral sermon by Dr. Stennett.
[Receipt] Providence [RI]
Receipted bill for account of JM, November 22 1790 - July 29, 1791.
Pitman, John to Carter, Robert Providence
Death of JM; importance of continuation of education of Carter's son, George, who may continue to board with Mrs. Manning in the president's house.
City of Providence, R.I. to Manning, James Providence, RI
Note signed by James Arnold, town treasurer, for one pound four shillings.
First Baptist Church (Providence, R.I.) to Benson, George Providence [RI]
Signed by Nicholas Brown, John Brown, John Jenckes, David Martin, Ephraim Wheaton, David Howell, Christopher Sheldon, William Holroyd, John Brown, George Benson. Entreats him to preach tomorrow in absence of Mr. Stillman, who has not arrived as planned.
Richards, William to Manning, James Lynn, England
Written from Lynn, England. Had hoped to move to America, but will probably move to Wales; his controversy with Mr. Carter has been ended by his piece, and Independent brethren, who are powerful in Norfolk and Suffolk, and are more educated than the Baptists, have treated the Baptists better as a result; Richards is now engaging in controversy with Welsh Presbyterians and Independents under the direction of Benjamin Evans, and supported by Whitefieldites; has sent a Welsh pamphlet to Samuel Jones; Baptists increasing in Wales; thinks of writing life of Roger Williams; regrets financial difficulties of the College and small size of its library; the Bristol Library improved by collections of Drs. Gifford and Llewelyn; Richards may will his library to Rhode Island College.
Rippon, John to Manning, James Southwark [England]
Written from Southwark, England. Introduces and describes himself and seeks correspondence with JM; joy among the churches at revival in New England, grief over change of sentiments of Mr. Winchester; Baptist ministers in England sided with American during the Revolution; Baptist interest more flourishing than Presbyterian in England; is sending books by Mr. Chace and prints of Gill, Hugh Evans, and himself.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Acknowledges letters; sends a pamphlet on death of Rev. Dr. Gifford.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Solomon Drowne is with him; wants to help in procuring books at saving for the College; rise of Baptist interest in some counties; rejoices at state of religion in Vermont. With note conveying books from Deacon Leprand(?) and Mr. Ryland, Sr. for the College.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Recommends Rev. Thomas Dunscombe and Abraham Booth for honorary degrees.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Will send information on Dummer family; he is preparing a work, Has provided books for Mr. Ustick; wishes JM may do much good in present situation and soon return to his former station.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Sending intelligence from Mr. Keene on subject of "The Estate."
Rippon, John to Manning, James London
His selection of hymns well received; sends handbills advertising it.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Expects second edition of his work; thanks JM for introducing it at Chelmsford Associations; Presbyterians, Independents, and Antipaedobaptists have united to petition Parliament for abolition of slave trade.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Sends copy of news from Dr. Erskine of Edinburgh relating to Mr. Kirkland's work in conversion of Oneida Indians and conspiracy of Indian youths to murder Kirkland.
Handwritten letter written on a broadside advertisement for the publication of the second edition of John Rippon's book
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Concerning painting of JM to be reproduced in England; suggests awarding D.D. to Caleb Evans; expects that honor for John Ryland, Jr. from Yale; discusses sale of his in America.
Rippon, John to Manning, James
Written on printed proposal for Baptist Annual Register; inclusion in Register of engraving and account of First Baptist Church said to have been written by John Stanford; sorry to hear Stanford did not behave well at Providence; intends the Register to serve the American Brethren; wants drawing and history of the College; Mr. Wesby's people are aiming to have a new college in America.
Rippon, John to Manning, James London
The 2d part of the Register for 1790 will be out in August; needs to establish a method of receiving regular communications from America; Dr. Evans of Bristol and Mr. Thomas of Leominster have written more than any others for the Register; plan for acquiring books for ministers in Virginia; selling of Register and his in America; wishes drawing of College Edifice; Dr. Evans has suffered paralytic stroke; compares Manning and Maxcy to Paul and Timothy; the College should have sent Dr. Evans a doctorate before; also recommends Revs. Thomas, Dunscombe, John Fawcett, Benjamin Francis, and John Ryland; sending publications for Drowne, Backus, Flint, and Maxcy. Also a packet from Mr. Bowyers for President of the United States, which includes an engraving of Lady Huntingdon, whose name was Washington.
Rippon, John to Evans, Caleb London
Death of Dr. Evans; plight of the Academy; asks communication about and engraving of the college for inclusion in the Register. Written after death of JM.
Rogers, William to Manning, James Philadelphia [PA]
Enclosing letter discovered in Cross Key tavern (no enclosure); will preach at Swedish Church and then visit Baltimore.
A list of Gospel Ministers of the Church of England, 1772
Sent to JM. 130 names arranged by location.
Ryland, John Collett to Manning, James
Letter received on April 9. His interest in the college with list of scholars on whom honorary degrees might be conferred. His son, John, is proficient in languages and has published a volume of poems of experimental religion; feels that honors are a motivation to the young, and that laziness and cowardice have prevented Baptist ministers in England from learning Greek and Hebrew, and that college honors conferred on scholars will incite them to diligence.
Ryland, John Collett to Manning, James
He encloses "hints" that may be of service in matters of religion and the college; offers "blunt Friendship" rather than flattery in their correspondence; sends pamphlets that may be suitable for the college library.
Ryland, John Collett to Manning, James
Concerns a request for an account of the rise, progress and methods of education at the college to be printed and distributed throughout England to solicit subscriptions and donations for the benefit of the college. He continues by reprimanding Manning for not agreeing to confer degrees on worthy men in England, such as Rev. Augustus Toplady and Mr. Isaac Wordman, as a way of gaining friends for the college and the potential for donations from them. Ryland opposes the use of a Lottery to raise money for the college. He also mentions a box of books he sent for the library but has not heard if they arrived.
Memorandum and Hints for Professor Manning at Rhode Island
Date from endorsement by JM. Itemized list of information; Stennett procured order that stopped oppression of Baptists near Boston; two ministers to be ordained from Caleb Evans's Academy [Bristol Academy]; textbooks in mathematics used in England; Ryland's "optical cards" for instruction in optics prepared with assistance of James Ferguson, who is responsible for a book in which Ryland's name appears instead of Ferguson's; also a list of "Calvinistical Baptist Ministers in England who can read the Greek Testament."
Shakespear, David to Manning, James
Suggestions for a sermon.
Shakespear, David to Manning, James Boston
He and Mr. Mackaness sailing to Plymouth where Capt McDonald hopes to sail from at the end of the month.
Shakespear, David to George Benson or Joseph Rogers and Manning Boston
Addressed to "Friends and Brethren in the Lord." Encourages patience and fortitude in time of persecution and distress. Letter continued at Plymouth, January 30. Distressed at attempt to turn Mrs. Manning out of her house. Even though he and Mr. Mackaness considered that house a refuge, they refrained from coming there lest they draw resentment there; has left Boston reluctantly.
Sharp, Granville to Manning, James London
Written from London. Sending books for college library; advocates and describes well-regulated Agrarian law for America; opinions on American constitution and popular right of electing bishops.
Sharp, Granville to Manning, James London
Disapproves of ordination of Samuel Seaberry [i.e. Seabury] of Connecticut as bishop; is sending works of Bishop Wilson, whose character he does approve.
Sharp, Granville to Franklin, Benjamin London
Copy of letter objecting to consecration of Dr. Seabury by Non-juring Bishops of Scotland; anxious that rite of "laying on hands" be communicated to Episcopal Church of America; comments on abbreviated liturgy.
Sharp, Granville to Manning, James London
Will send works of Bishop Wilson; encloses copy of his letter to Benjamin Franklin.
Stennett, Samuel to Manning, James London
Written from London. William Gordon emigrating to America; rejoices in success of Rhode Island College; will try to help the college, but the Baptists are not wealthy and few are advocates of learning; Dr. Llewelyn is a friend; regrets loss of Mr. Roffey; funds being collected by Dr. Moore and need to look after friends in Nova Scotia.
Stennett, Samuel to Manning, James London
Pleased to resume correspondence after Revolution; sending letter by Mr. Mullett; Stennett is publishing a volume on domestic duties.
Thurston, Gardner to Manning, James Newport
Thanks JM for supplying a preacher for his pulpit during his illness and asks JM to preach in Newport on the next Sunday.
Funeral sermon occasioned by the death of The Revd. & Honl. James Manning Philadelphia
Wallin, Benjamin to Manning, James Southwark
Written from Southwark, England. Sending some "pieces" with Mr. Edwards.
Wallin, Benjamin to Manning, James London
Written from London, England. He sends copies of his publications and requests a concise account of the college neatly printed so that he would know how to describe the college in his will.
Wallin, Benjamin to Manning, James London
Sending books with George Keith and list of subscribers obtained by Morgan Edwards with Baptists marked; has sent Backus wrong account through error.
Wallin, Benjamin to Manning, James
Seeks opinion of works he sent; awaits an account of the college. "Your instructions seem sufficient to direct a bequeathment to your infant seminary."
Wallin, Benjamin to Manning, James Southwark
Pleasure at religious state of Manning's church and college; low state of religion in England; manner of opening churches by Episcopalians; an address of Wallin's to congregational churches has been criticized; mentions Mr. Dawson, a sabbatarian Baptist who has been in New England; state of his own church; increase of papists; his own age and infirmity; has sent his own works for college library.
Warner, Amos to Manning, James
Receipted bill for shoes for students in JM's care, including Richard Stites and George Carter.
Deed: West, William to Manning, James
Deed from William West to James Manning for a tract of pasture land in Providence signed by William and his wife Eleanor West. Deed grants to James Manning of about seven acres of land, east of the College land, "reserving to the College Land a Twelve Feet Gangway on the North and South Sides to the water." Witnessed by Esek Hopkins and Archibald Stewart and recorded by James Angell.
Woodman, Isaac to Manning, James Thorp [England]
Written from Thorp, England. Doubts that a fund-raising trip to England for the College would succeed; hopes the College and the Baptist denomination in Rhode Island "is loyal and obediant disproveing the opposition made to government in your neighborhood." He is grateful for offer of honorary degree but not qualified for the title; praises Mr. Ryland.
A genealogy of the Manning family by Oliver B. Leonard. Typescript genealogy extracted from a scrapbook of newspaper clippings cut from a Plainfield, New Jersey newspaper dated 1886 from internal evidence. These articles were reprinted or perhaps rewritten in 1917 in other New Jersey newspapers. The genealogy is presented in Register format with Leonard's biographical data placed after the name. Transcribed and edited by Sherrill Foster.
Brown University does not own this item. Original owned by the New England Historic Genealogical Society in Boston, Massachusetts (Call Number: MSS A 659).
Digital facsimiles not available.
Digital facsimiles not available.
Typed copies of twenty-eight letters to James Manning and others. Appoints Manning foster father to his sons, John Tasker Carter and George Carter, who are to return to Virginia until the age of 21 because of his disapproval of Virginia's acceptance of slavery. Includes leters to his sons and to agents for the sale of commodities to remit payments for their support; letters to Robert Rogers and Benjamin Wood at a Newport Academy where John Tasker Carter was placed in 1787 and regarding his removal in 1789 to learn farming with Jonathan Bowen in Pennsylvania and to study with Samuel Jones in Pennipeck, Pa. in 1790; and letters to John Pitman and Samuel Jones concerning George Carter's removal from Rhode Island College in 1792 to study with Jones and to enter to College of Philadelphia. Includes references to visits to Virginia by John Tasker Carter in 1790 and by George Carter in 1791. Letter of November 17, 1788 instructs that five pounds yearly from Carter's account with Manning be applied to the college expenses of the son of Asa Hunt [Joseph S. Hunt].
Not available in digital form.
"Library's copy of vol.1, inscribed 'President James Manning', contains autogrpah memoranda, 1773-1786: expenditures, speaking engagements, names of students at Brown University and other miscellaneous notes, personal or administrative. Interspersed are ms. notes in a different handwriting, added in 1824." The above description was taken from a card in the old card catalogue, with call number 1-U M312a, with the title "Aitken's General American Register, and the Gentleman's and Tradesman's Complete Annual Account Book, and Calendar, for the Pocket or Desk; For the Year of Our Lord, 1773."
The James Manning papers consists primarily of correspondence, mostly with prominent Baptist ministers. Much of the correspondence involves the early history of Brown University, including the effects of the American Revolutionary War on the university, the solicitation of funds to the university (including the King of France), the college's financial difficulties, the construction of University Hall and the use of the building for war purposes, various issues regarding the Baptist religion and the growing tide of religion in Providence
There is some information on Manning's family, but the bulk of the correspondence concerns Brown University and various contemporary issues. The bulk of the dates correspond to Manning's tenure as president of Brown.
Some of the principal and/or prominent correspondents include:
Researchers are advised that express written permission to reproduce, quote, or otherwise publish any portion or extract from this collection must be obtained from the Brown University Library. Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. It is up to the researcher to determine the owners of the literary rights and to obtain any necessary permissions from them.
James Manning papers, AMS-1C-1, Brown University Archives
The papers are arranged in 5 series:
There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Collection received in 1848 from Mrs. Peter Ludlow, daughter of Stephen Gano, nephew of Mrs. Manning.
Brown University Library catalog record for this collection:
Digital facsimiles of 204 items from this collection are available from within the Inventory by clicking on the hyperlinked title of the item.