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Seba Smith papers

 Collection
Identifier: M168

  • Staff Only
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Scope and Content

The Seba Smith collection contains correspondence, autobiography, manuscript material, newspaper clippings, and speeches.

Dates

  • Creation: 1817-1858

Creator

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Biographical/Historical Note

Seba Smith (Valedictorian of Class of 1818, Bowdoin) was born in a log cabin in Buckfield, Maine 14 Sep 1792. Smith was founder and publisher of the Portland Daliy Courier, the first daily newspaper north or east of Boston. He pioneered American political satire, writing "Letters to the Courier" under the pseudonym of Major Jack Downing, a political cartoon figure who took sharp digs at politicians. The Jack Downing letters eventually became famous nationally. Smith also wrote several books, of which the most successful was a collection of Yankee tales, called "Way Down East." Smith died 29 Jul 1868 in Patchogue, NY.

Extent

0.25 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Seba Smith collection contains correspondence, Smith's manuscript autobiography, newspaper clippings, and speeches.

Subjects

Finding Aid & Administrative Information

Title
Guide to the Seba Smith Papers
Status
Unprocessed
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Repository Details

Part of the George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, Bowdoin College Library, Brunswick, Maine 04011 Repository

http://library.bowdoin.edu/arch/index.shtml
Contact:
3000 College Station
Brunswick Maine 04011 USA
(207) 725-3288

Acknowledgment of non-neutrality

The George J. Mitchell Department of Special Collections & Archives, like all archives and special collections libraries, is the creation of human beings who have collected, organized, and described things in ways that reflect personal, cultural, societal, and institutional biases. Although we strive to preserve and present collections in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections, we acknowledge that our systems are neither neutral nor perfect. We encourage you to let us know if you encounter materials, descriptive language, or practices that are offensive or harmful, particularly those for which inadequate context or warning is offered. We are committed to modifying and updating our descriptive practices to use respectful and inclusive terminology and appreciate your help in this work. We look forward to supporting you in your research and learning together.