Guide to the Joseph St. Leger d'Happart Papers, 1768-1815 DAR.1957.01
Arrangement
Repository
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Title
Joseph St. Leger d'Happart Papers
Creator
D'Happart, J. L. (Joseph Leger)
Collection Number
DAR.1957.01
Extent
7.17 Linear Feet(18 boxes)
Date
1768-1815
Abstract
Joseph St. Leger d'Happart was a French immigrant and naturalized citizen of the United States engaged in mercantile imports to the United States from Suriname (Dutch Guiana) and France. D'Happart was imprisoned for debts to a French business partner from 1807 to 1808. The collection includes letters from Thomas Jefferson, Albert Gallatin and James Madison. This collection of around 2,000 items documents d'Happart's personal and business life, including his estrangement and divorce from his wife, and his mercantile ventures. Much of the collection is in English, but some family and business correspondence is in French, and many documents related to his travels to Suriname are in Dutch.
Language
English
.
Author
Angela Manella and Nicole Mader.
Publisher
ULS Archives & Special Collections
Address
University of Pittsburgh Library System Archives & Special Collections Website: library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections Contact Us: www.library.pitt.edu/ask-archivist URL: http://library.pitt.edu/archives-special-collections
Biography
Joseph St. Leger d'Happart spent eighteen months in a French prison before immigrating to the United States. D'Happart claimed to have served Louis XVI, but the voracity of this claim is dubious. He arrived in Boston early in 1796 and obtained United States citizenship. D'Happart became a clerk in 1797, but he soon quarreled with his employers. D'Happart married Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of Brigadier General William Thompson (c.1725 to 1781) of New Castle, Delaware. According to materials in the collection, the couple had at least three children, including an oldest son and a daughter. D'Happart and his wife lived in New Castle for a short time, and subsequently resided throughout Pennsylvania. D'Happart made his living in the mercantile business, and was involved in a variety of colorful international business ventures. Between 1798 and 1801, d'Happart made three trips to the Dutch colony of Suriname for the William & Read Co. and the Rocheteau firm.
From 1804 to 1805, d'Happart made an extended trip to France during which he arranged for the import of French goods which d'Happart, Joseph Thebeaud and Simon Chaudron & Co. sold in the United States. While in France, d'Happart met L. F. Babin, a Frenchman who assisted d'Happart in his lawsuit against the French government for the return of d'Happart's family property, which had been confiscated during the Revolution. D'Happart gave Babin power of attorney to complete the return of his property. D'Happart returned to the United States aboard his ship the Brig Betsy, of which L. F. Babin owned a quarter share. The ship was boarded by the British and taken to Newfoundland where all but a few items hidden by d'Happart were confiscated. In 1806, Babin accused d'Happart of owing him money. D'Happart was arrested in Pittsburgh in September of 1807, and taken to a Philadelphia debtor's prison to await trial. According to d'Happart's deposition, Babin sold d'Happart's French properties and fled France with the money. Furthermore, d'Happart claimed that he could account for all of the goods for which Babin claimed to be owed. The facts of this story remain unclear.
After his release from prison in June of 1808, d'Happart and his family lived in Philadelphia until October. They later moved to Chambersburg in early November, and settled at Somerset a month later. D'Happart and his wife separated in 1812, and Elizabeth was granted a divorce by the governor of Pennsylvania in 1815.
Scope and Content Notes
This collection of around 2,000 items documents d'Happart's personal and professional life. The majority of the collection is in English, but personal and some business correspondence are in French, and many documents related to his business in Suriname are in Dutch. The collection contains correspondence, ledgers, depositions, bound print materials, transcription books, note cards, and travel papers.
D'Happart's various residences are documented with personal and local business records, correspondence, and financial documents. D'Happart's personal papers consist of family correspondence, papers, and documents relating to his imprisonment, and his divorce. The Thompson family papers document the family of d'Happart's wife, Elizabeth Thompson. D'Happart's family correspondence includes letters from d'Happart's wife, Elizabeth, his sister Maria Read, and his niece, Henriette de St. Leger. D'Happart's personal papers also include documents and correspondence related to his estrangement and divorce from his wife, which are quite detailed about the acrimonious split.
D'Happart's failed French business ventures are documented, as well as his subsequent arrest in Pittsburgh and imprisonment in Philadelphia from 1807 to 1808 on a debtor's warrant issued by his French business partner, C. F. Babin, related to a ship they co-owned, the Brig Betsy. Business correspondence unrelated to his French partnerships is also present, including letters from Albert Gallatin and Thomas Jefferson concerning Indian Affairs and the Treasury, respectively.
A number of bound transcription books are also represented, containing handwritten copies of correspondence to and from d'Happart in English and French. These books seem to be the work of a nineteenth century family member. These transcription books are not comprehensive, and include family correspondence not contained in their original form elsewhere in this collection.
The collection also contains a number of published materials that were probably collected by d'Happart in the United States and France. These materials include literary magazines published in the United States in English and French, and two longer French language works. Finally, the collection includes a set of calendar cards created by library staff or a researcher of a portion of the d'Happart papers.
Arrangement
The papers have been arranged into nine series.
Series I. Residences in Pennsylvania, 1794-1815
Series II. Suriname, 1798-1802
Series III. General business correspondence, 1799-1812
Series IV. Rocheteau accounts, 1800-1808
Series V. French business ventures, confiscation of the Brig Betsy and debtors prison, 1804-1808
Series VI. Personal papers, 1800-1812
Series VII. Transcription books, 1800-1815
Series VIII. Published materials, 1807-1825
Series IX. Calendar cards
Access Restrictions
No restrictions.
Acquisition Information
Gift of LeRoy d'Happart to the Darlington Memorial Library in 1957.
Previous Citation
Joseph St. Leger d'Happart Papers, 1768-1815, DAR.1957.01, Darlington Collection, Special Collections Department, University of Pittsburgh
Preferred Citation
Joseph St. Leger d'Happart Papers, 1768-1815, DAR.1957.01, Darlington Collection, Archives & Special Collections, University of Pittsburgh Library System
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Angela Manella in March 2007.
Copyright
No copyright restrictions.
Custodial History
This collection was located in the Darlington Memorial Library in the University's Cathedral of Learning until 2007 when it was moved to the ULS Archives Service Center for processing, storage, preservation and service. However, it remains in the custodianship of the ULS Special Collections Department.
Subjects
Corporate Names
Betsy (Schooner)
Personal Names
D'Happart, J. L. (Joseph Leger)
Babin, L. F.
Thompson, Elizabeth
Jefferson, Thomas
Family Names
D'Happart family
Geographic Names
Pennsylvania -- History -- 1775-1865
France -- History -- 19th century
France -- Description and travel
Suriname -- Description and travel
United States -- Commerce -- History
United States -- Economic conditions -- To 1865
France -- Commerce -- History
France -- Economic conditions -- 19th century
Pennsylvania -- Commerce -- History
Pennsylvania -- Economic conditions -- History
Connellsville (Pa.) -- History
West Newton (Pa.) -- History
Pittsburgh (Pa.) -- History
Somerset (Pa.) -- History
Philadelphia (Pa.) -- History
Occupations
Slavery -- Maryland -- History
Genres
Correspondence
Personal papers
Business records
Other Subjects
Merchants -- Pennsylvania
Debt, Imprisonment for -- Pennsylvania -- Philadelphia
Slavery -- United States -- History
Slavery -- North Carolina -- History
Container List
Scope and Content Notes
D'Happart traveled to the Dutch colony of Surinam in South America in 1798, 1799 and 1801. He worked for the Rocheteau firm and the William & Read Co. Surinam's slave economy produced sugar and other raw goods. This series contains d'Happart's travel documents, papers related to his partnerships with Rocheteau and William & Read, as well as the state of his personal finances. Some of these documents are written in Dutch.
Missing Title
The collection also includes two bills of sale for slaves purchased by d'Happart. The first is for a thirteen-year-old slave purchased in New Hanover County, North Carolina on December 4, 1798, and the second for a thirty year old slave purchased in Maryland on February 19, 1799. It is unclear if these enslaved people were purchased for personal use, or for resale. Both bills of sale indicate that d'Happart is from Surinam.
Containers
box 4, folder 1
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box 4, folder 2
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box 4, folder 3
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box 4, folder 4
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box 4, folder 5
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box 4, folder 6
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box 4, folder 7
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box 4, folder 8
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box 4, folder 9
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box 4, folder 10
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box 4, folder 11
Containers
box 4, folder 12
Scope and Content Notes
This series represents correspondence from various clients, partners, and lenders to d'Happart and relate to his business interests in the United States. In an 1809 letter, Albert Gallatin replies to d'Happart's letter, notifying him that the Indian Department, to which he had written, had been transferred to the Secretary of War. Another notable exchange between d'Happart and Thomas Jefferson in 1812 concerns an unpaid debt between d'Happart and the United States Treasury. Jefferson notifies d'Happart that he has referred the matter to President Madison. The majority of these materials are in written English, though a few letters are written in French.
The Rocheteau firm was one of d'Happart's clients during a trip to Surinam, his travels in France, and time in the United States. This series includes the accounting ledgers of the company, and related correspondence. These materials are written variously in French and English. Box 7 in this series contains oversized materials, including d'Happart's passport and business papers. Also included, are accounts of his life and adventures that were published as a broadside in the eighteenth century.
Containers
box 6, folder 26
Containers
box 6, folder 27
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box 6, folder 28
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oversize 7, folder 1
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oversize 7, folder 2
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oversize 7, folder 3
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box 7, folder 1
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box 7, folder 2
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box 7, folder 3
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box 7, folder 4
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box 7, folder 5
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box 7, folder 6
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box 7, folder 7
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box 7, folder 8
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box 7, folder 9
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box 7, folder 10
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box 7, folder 11
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box 7, folder 12
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box 7, folder 13
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box 7, folder 14
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box 8, folder 1
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box 8, folder 2
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box 8, folder 3
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box 8, folder 4
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box 8, folder 5
Containers
box 8, folder 6
Scope and Content Notes
From 1804 to 1805, d'Happart made an extended trip to France during which he arranged an import business. While in France, he partnered with L. F. Babin in the purchase of a ship, the Brig Betsy. Babin assisted d'Happart in reclaiming family property confiscated by the French revolutionary government. The Brig Betsy was boarded by the British at Newfoundland while d'Happart was onboard, and its cargo was confiscated. In 1806, Babin accused d'Happart of owing him money, and d'Happart was arrested and bound in a Philadelphia debtor's prison from 1807 to 1808. These materials are in French and English.
Containers
box 8, folder 7
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box 8, folder 8
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box 8, folder 9
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box 8, folder 10
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box 8, folder 11
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box 8, folder 12
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box 8, folder 13
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box 8, folder 14
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box 8, folder 15
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box 8, folder 16
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box 8, folder 17
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box 9, folder 1
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box 9, folder 2
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box 9, folder 3
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box 9, folder 4
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box 9, folder 5
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box 9, folder 6
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box 9, folder 7
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box 9, folder 8
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box 9, folder 9
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box 9, folder 10
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box 9, folder 11
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box 9, folder 12
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box 9, folder 13
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box 9, folder 14
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box 9, folder 15
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box 9, folder 16
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box 9, folder 17
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box 10, folder 1
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box 10, folder 2
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box 10, folder 3
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box 10, folder 4
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box 10, folder 5
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box 10, folder 6
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box 10, folder 7
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box 10, folder 8
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box 10, folder 9
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box 10, folder 10
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box 10, folder 11
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box 10, folder 12
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box 10, folder 13
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box 10, folder 14
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box 11, folder 1
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box 11, folder 2
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box 11, folder 3
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box 11, folder 4
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box 11, folder 5
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box 11, folder 6
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box 11, folder 7
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box 11, folder 8
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box 11, folder 9
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box 11, folder 10
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box 11, folder 11
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box 11, folder 12
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box 12, folder 1
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box 12, folder 2
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box 12, folder 3
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box 12, folder 4
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box 12, folder 5
Scope and Content Notes
D'Happart's personal papers consist of family correspondence, papers, and documents relating to his imprisonment and divorce. The Thompson Family papers document the family of his wife, Elizabeth Thompson St. Leger d'Happart. The Thomas family papers include family correspondence, and business agreements going back to a 1768 agreement for the delivery of beef cattle to Fort Pitt.
Missing Title
Later correspondence between d'Happart and Elizabeth is characterized by antagonism over shared property and custody of their children, particularly their oldest son. It is unclear how public their marital conflicts were, but Elizabeth's petition for a divorce was granted by the governor of Pennsylvania in 1815. D'Happart contested the divorce, hoping that the governor would instead favor d'Happart's own competing divorce petition.
Containers
box 12, folder 6
Containers
box 12, folder 7
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box 12, folder 8
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box 12, folder 9
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box 12, folder 10
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box 12, folder 11
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box 12, folder 12
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box 12, folder 13
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box 12, folder 14
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box 12, folder 15
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box 12, folder 16
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box 13, folder 1
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box 13, folder 2
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box 13, folder 3
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box 13, folder 4
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box 13, folder 5
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box 13, folder 6
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box 13, folder 7
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box 13, folder 8
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box 13, folder 9
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box 13, folder 10
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box 13, folder 11
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box 13, folder 12
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box 13, folder 13
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box 13, folder 14
Containers
box 13, folder 15
Scope and Content Notes
These bound transcription books contain handwritten copies of correspondence in English and French. They seem to be correspondence to and from d'Happart and his family. These books appear to be the work of a nineteenth century family member. Please note that the inclusive dates given for each transcription book represent the letters on the first and last page of that volume; the letters within each book are not in strict chronological order, so the dates are primarily for the identification of individual books. These transcription books are not comprehensive, and include family correspondence not contained in their original form elsewhere in this collection.
Containers
box 14, folder 1
Containers
box 14, folder 2
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box 14, folder 3
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box 14, folder 4
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box 14, folder 5
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box 14, folder 6
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box 14, folder 7
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box 14, folder 8
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box 14, folder 9
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box 14, folder 10
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box 15, folder 1
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box 15, folder 2
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box 15, folder 3
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box 15, folder 4
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box 15, folder 5
Containers
box 15, folder 6
Containers
box 15, folder 7
Scope and Content Notes
These published materials were likely collected by d'Happart in the United States and France. They include literary magazines published in the United States in English and French, and two longer French language works.
Containers
box 16, folder 1
Containers
box 16, folder 2
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box 16, folder 3
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box 16, folder 4
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box 16, folder 5
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box 16, folder 6
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box 16, folder 7
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box 16, folder 8
Containers
box 16, folder 9
Scope and Content Notes
These index cards were created by a twentieth century researcher who used the Joseph d'Happart papers. Each card summarizes a document, and references the document by date. This collection of cards is not exhaustive; not all documents in the collection are represented by a card. The creator of the cards evidently did not speak French, supplying no summary of French language documents, instead simply identifying that they are written "in French."