Three ALSs from Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, signed “Joshua L. Chamberlain” or “J. L. Chamberlain,” eight total pages, ranging in size from 5 x 7.5 to 5 x 8, each addressed from Brunswick, Maine, and dated between 1871 and 1883, the full breadth of his tenure as president of Bowdoin College.
The earliest handwritten letter, November 16, 1871, addressed to a judge, in part: “Miss Estes of whom I spoke, wishes me to write you for her. I don’t know much of her formally, but she is said to be a ‘smart’ girl in every good sense. She is engaged to a first rate fellow, friend of mine…She will bring you other testimonials I suppose. I do not ask this of you as a personal favor; but only desire you to look at the young lady’s care & do her justice which is your habit.”
The second, July 27, 1881, written as a letter of recommendation, in part: “I can cordially commend as a man of integrity and experience in business relations of various kinds Captain Augustus L. Smith now of Portland. He served with fidelity in the war for the Union, was afterward a very efficient clerk in the office of the secretary of state, and chief clerk in the ‘Adjutant General’s office…He was also for some time a Captain in our Maine volunteer militia…I regard Captain Smith as a true man, & deserving of confidence & favorable consideration.”
The last letter, September 20, 1883, sent to Maine politician and lawyer William LeBaron Putnam, in part: “Not hearing from the Committee on the selection of a candidate for the Professorship of Philosophy, the Faculty, as the opening of the term is near at hand, have felt constrained to take some measures to provide for the instruction in that branch for the ensuing year. By their request I leave town today for Boston and perhaps other places to endeavor to find a suitable person.” In overall fine condition.
