[Charter of 1650 (manuscript copy)] , [ca. 1650s] Digital
Scope and Contents
Four-page folio-sized handwritten copy of the Charter of 1650 attested, "By the Court Edward Rawson, Secretary," in an unknown hand. The verso has a handwritten title: "Charter of Camb. College."
Dates
- Creation: [ca. 1650s]
Researcher Access
The charters and legislative acts relating to the governance of Harvard are open for research. Access to original charters may be restricted; facsimiles may be provided for researcher use.
Extent
2.38 cubic feet (1 framed item, 3 flat boxes, 5 folders)Biographical / Historical
Edward Rawson (1650-1686) was Secretary of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay from 1650 to 1686.
Former call number
Formerly classified as UAI 15.100.5 Charter of 1650
Immediate Source of Acquisition
The item was accompanied by a July 14, 1919 letter from Albert Matthews to "Potter" explaining that Matthews does not recognize the copyist's hand, though it is not Secretary Rawson's, and suggesting it is likely a 17th century copy. Based on the presence of multiple marginal crosses next to clauses related to the Fellows, Matthews suggests it was used by the Corporation during the fellowship controversies in the 1720s. The letter is held in the control file for the collection and may be consulted on request.
Creator
- From the Collection: Harvard University (Organization)
Repository Details
Part of the Harvard University Archives Repository
Holding nearly four centuries of materials, the Harvard University Archives is the principal repository for the institutional records of Harvard University and the personal archives of Harvard faculty, as well as collections related to students, alumni, Harvard-affiliates and other associated topics. The collections document the intellectual, cultural, administrative and social life of Harvard and the influence of the University as it emerged across the globe.
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