Abert, James William (1820-1897) Papers, 1861-1893

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Abert, James William, 1820-1897 

Title:  Papers, 1861-1893 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.66 cubic ft. (12 v.) 

Location Number:  Mss. A A991 

Scope and Content Note 

The papers of James Abert cover his travels to Europe, military service during the Civil War, and his years as a professor. The collection consists of twelve volumes, most of which are sketchbooks. These include sketches and watercolor drawings. Most of the illustrations are of classical, floral, and American Indian (especially Aztec) themes. Some are of buildings and statues seen on his 1861 trip to Paris and Rome. There is also a sketchbook which includes several articles written by Abert on art and the Aztecs. Also included are Abert’s military journal of his service as a topographical engineer in the Dept. of the Shenandoah, a notebook containing engineering memoranda with notes on the battle of Fredericksburg and maps, and a pamphlet entitled Personal Recollections of the War. The papers of James William Abert, Army officer and university professor, were purchased in 1943. 

Folder List 

 Box 1 

1. Sketchbook.Sketches of flora, mollusks, and Aztec Indians.
2. Sketchbook.Sketches of flora, fauna, and encounters between Native Americans and colonists.
3. Sketchbook.Watercolors of flora.Indexed. 
4. Notebook. Engineering memoranda, notes on the Arabian Nights, the Battle of Fredericksburg, and maps.

Box 2 

1. Personal Recollections of the War, by David H.Strother.Harpers New Monthly Magazine. 
2. Military Journal of CaptainAbert, while serving in the Corps of Topographical Engineers, Dept. of the Shenandoah, 2 July-30 Aug. 1861.
3. Sketchbook.Sketches of classical figures and themes.
4. Sketchbook.Sketches of classical and religious figures, and dogs.
5. Sketchbook.Entitled “Writings.”Contains several articles written by Abert on art and the Aztecs. 
6. Sketchbook.Sketches of classical figures and themes.
7. Sketchbook.Sketches and watercolors of flora.
8. Sketchbook.Sketches of Italian buildings, art, etc.