United States Navy papers, 1829-1874

This collection of James Kirke Paulding MSS 7223, -a,-b,-c,-d contains manuscripts of the poems, "The Backwoodsman," and "Where are Women Angels?" There are also typed manuscripts of two poems by John Quincy Adams and one of an untitled poem to Adams by James Kirke Paulding. Also included is a fragment of "The Rights of War and Peace."

Most of the correspondence in the collection discusses the Department of Navy business. There is a document appointing... Paulding as Navy Agent in 1824 signed by James Monroe and four engravings of Paulding.

There are letters that lobby support for the commissioning of American artists to execute paintings for the Capitol, particularly for John G. Chapman. Other topics include the publishing of poetry, plays, and stories by Pauling, as well as David Porter's pamphlet justifying his conduct at Fajardo. Included is Pauling's letter of acceptance as an honorary member for election to the Washington Literary Soicety at the University of Virginia.

The addition to MSS 7223 contains a four-page letter from James Kirke Paulding to Thomas W. White, a printer and publisher in Richmond, Virginia. Paulding writes to White to thank him for sending selections of speeches of distinguished orators along with a discussion on current events, including Paulding's thoughts and observations on Virginia as the state with the strongest understanding and protection of constitutional principles.