Collection Scope and Content Note
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The Michigan collection contains approximately 300 miscellaneous items relating to present-day Michigan during the 18th through the 20th centuries. Spanning 1759 to 1947, it comprises letters and documents pertaining to Native American activities, French settlement, trade, politics, town growth, agriculture, and land surveying.
- August 8, 1763, account of the Siege of Detroit by James MacDonald.
- Speech to the Ottawas attributed to Pontiac .
- Robert Rogers' request for the removal of "Mr. Roberts the Commissioner of Indian affairs" (September 4, 1767).
- A letter from John Jacob Astor, dated August 18, 1819, which refers to the fur trade and "Mackinaw skins."
- Discussion of the advantages of Niles, Michigan, by a recent settler (Sept. 1, 1836).
- August 26, 1840, letter concerning the political and economic climate of Michigan.
- Discussion of farming near Kalamazoo, Michigan (January 28, 1847).
- Three letters from Robert McQuaid, a soldier in the 27th Michigan Infantry during the Civil War (May 21, 1863; July 12, 1863; June 28, 1864).
- A letter dated August 7, 1916, with a description of summer vacation on Isle Royale.
- A letter on the prospects of the Democratic Party in Michigan (May 13, 1935).