Guide to the Nicholas Brown papers, 1690-1889

(bulk 1844-1849)

John Hay Library
John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts
Box A
Brown University
Providence, RI, 02912
Tel: 401-863-3723
email:hay@brown.edu

Published in 2018

Collection Overview

Title:	Nicholas Brown papers
Date range:	1690-1889, (bulk 1844-1849)
Creator:	Brown, Nicholas, 1792-1859
Extent:	70 items
Abstract:	Consists of letters, poems, and autographs received by Nicholas Brown and his wife Caroline Matilda Clements Brown, primarily during Brown's term as U.S. Consul to Italy.
Language of materials:	Eng
Repository:	John Hay Library
Collection number:	MS-1U-B2

Scope & content

Consists of letters, poems, and autographs received by Nicholas Brown and his wife Caroline Matilda Clements Brown, primarily during Brown's term as U.S. Consul to Italy. About half of the collection consists of letters received by Brown regarding the Italian War of Independence (1848-1849). There are nine letters from Giuseppe Mazzini regarding various subjects related to the war, including requests for the protection of those purchasing and transporting arms, requests for information about an imprisoned friend, and the bombardment of Rome by General Nicolas Oudinot. One Mazzini letter introduces Georges Sand to Mrs. Brown. There are two letters from Alfred Lowe about the siege of Civita Vecchia; one from Massimo d' Azeglio regarding refugees; and three from Cristina Belgioioso requesting protection for wounded, passports for travelers, and that Brown mail letters for her so General Oudinot would not confiscate them. Poems by Mezzofanti (?) and Augustus L. Hillhouse are also in the collection. There is correspondence about paintings by Guercino and Bassano and sculptures by Camillo Pistrucci that were purchased by the Browns. J. Milton Mackie wrote to Mrs. Brown about his writings.

Access Points

Subject Names

• Mazzini, Giuseppe, 1805-1872
• Belgioioso, Cristina, 1808-1871
• Azeglio, Massimo d', 1798-1866
• Lowe, Alfred

Subject Topics

• Diplomatic and consular service, American -- Italy

Geographical Names

• Italy -- Politics and Government -- 1815-1870

Document Types

• Correspondence
• Drawings (visual works)
• Certificates of deposit
• Poetry

Subject Topics

• Government, Politics and Law
• Military
• Rhode Island/Local Interest

Arrangement

The papers are in an album which may have been assembled as an autograph album.

Biographical/Historical Note

Nicholas Brown (1792-1859) was the U.S. Consul to Italy from 1846 to 1849. He was the eldest son of Nicholas Brown (1769-1841) for whom Brown University is named.

Access & Use

Access to the collection:	There are no restrictions on access, except that the collection can only be seen by prior appointment. Some materials may be stored off-site and cannot be produced on the same day on which they are requested.
Use of the materials:	Although Brown University has physical ownership of the collection and the materials contained therein, it does not claim literary rights. Researchers should note that compliance with copyright law is their responsibility. Researchers must determine the owners of the literary rights and obtain any necessary permissions from them.
Preferred citation:	Nicholas Brown papers, MS-1U-B2, Brown University Library
Contact information:	John Hay Library John Hay Library, University Archives and Manuscripts Box A Brown University Providence, RI, 02912 Tel: 401-863-3723 email:hay@brown.edu

Administrative Information

ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Acquisition:	Donated by John Carter Brown.
ABOUT THE FINDING AID
Author:	Finding aid prepared by Brown University Library Staff.
Encoding:	This finding aid was produced using the RIAMCO EAD spreadsheet, 2018 July 6
Descriptive rules:	Finding aid based on Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Additional Information

Inventory

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