William Bollaert papers

Collection

Identifier: VAULT-Ayer-MS-83

Staff Only

Abstract

The William Bollaert papers include eight separate items (Ayer MS 83a-83h) most of which relate to his years in Texas. The collection includes journals, notes, clippings, and maps consisting of the following items: Notes and memoranda, 1837-1838 (MS 83a); Private journals, 1841-1849 (MS 83b); Diary, 1844 (MS 83c); Texas in 1842 - by a Traveller (MS 83d); Personal Narrative of a Residence and Travels in the Republic of Texas, 1840-1844 (MS 83e); Notes on Texas, 1843-1844 (MS 83f); Notes and view of Galveston Island, 1843 (MS 83g); and Miscellaneous notes concerning Texas (MS 83h). The private journals and diary provided the basis for the Personal Narrative ... which Bollaert planned to use as a manuscript for publication. Bollaert's journals include numerous encounters with Texas President's Houston and Lamar among other prominent military and political leaders. The Papers remain one of the most important sources of information on the frontier Republic and its people.

Dates

Creation: 1837-1849

Creator

Bollaert, William, 1807-1876 (Person)

Biography of William Bollaert

English writer, geographer, chemist, and ethnologist, William Bollaert journeyed to the Republic of Texas in eb. 1842 at the request of his friend William Kennedy, British Consul at Galveston. During the next two years, Bollaert traveled throughout Texas examining both the coastline and interior of the new Republic. From these investigations, he prepared a detailed report for the British Admiralty as well as maintained a comprehensive journal which he hoped to use as material for a commercial book one day. Despite his prolific publications in other areas, Bollaert's writings about Texas were limited to only ten journal articles. Troubled with yellow fever and dimmed prospects of Britain's future in Texas, Bollaert returned to London in July 1844.