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Horace Lee Washington papers

 Collection
Identifier: Mss-2

Scope and Contents

The Horace Lee Washington Papers consist of Washington’s manuscript and typescript correspondence of both his diplomatic and private activities. The inclusive years of correspondence contained in this collection are 1894 and 1937. During his career, Washington served in the diplomatic corps at Cairo, 1894-1896; Alexandretta, 1896-1899; Geneva, 1900-1905; Capetown, 1905-1906; Marseilles, 1908-1909; Liverpool, 1909-1924; and London, 1924-1928. The majority of letters in this collection date between 1914 and 1917, while Washington was Consul-general at Liverpool. Washington’s superior and chief correspondent at this time was Frederic C. Penfield, American Ambassador of the Embassy of the United States at Vienna, 1913-1917.

Dates

  • 1894-1937

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

R. Stanton Avery Special Collections material is non-circulating, requires staff retrieval, and is available to NEHGS members (Research level and above) during normal library hours.

Biographical Note

Horace Lee Washington (1864-1938) was a distinguished member of the United States State Department from 1892-1929. Throughout his career in foreign service, Washington served the United States in many prominent positions, especially as Consul-General at Liverpool, England. There, he proved to be an outstanding diplomat during World War I. He continued his career in the State Department until he retired in 1929. Washington died at Liverpool, England in 1938.

Extent

1.5 linear feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Horace Lee Washington (1864-1938) served with the U.S. State Department for thirty-seven years. The papers contain Washington's manuscript and typescript correspondence for both his diplomatic activities as a member of the United States State Department, 1892-1929, and his private activities.

Arrangement

  • Sub-group I. Consular papers consisting of diplomatic correspondence in chronological order
  • Sub-group II. Personal papers
    • Series A. Private correspondence in chronological order
    • Series B. Financial papers in chronological order
  • Sub-group III. Miscellaneous

Other Finding Aids

Unpublished guide to the collection is available in the library; folder level control.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift; 1979 February 21; Massachusetts Historical Society,1154 Boylston St., Boston MA 02215; Accession #790221.

Title
Guide to the Horace Lee Washington Papers
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Sponsor
Processing sponsored by National Endowment for the Humanities: RC-33644-79-167.

Repository Details

Part of the R. Stanton Avery Special Collections Repository

Contact:
R. Stanton Avery Special Collections
New England Historic Genealogical Society
99-101 Newbury Street
Boston MA 02116-3007 United States
617-536-5740
617-536-7307 (Fax)