France in America Bibliotheque nationale and LoC effort

[Emmanuel Dabney]

I found this the other day while doing work for a class.

http://international.loc.gov/intldl/fiahtml/fia_collections/fia_lists/frlcmrcsaTitles1.html

You will find papers and correspondence of John Slidell as well as French newspapers of 1860-1864, including transcriptions for those who cannot read French.

Slidell's handwriting is wonderful in the pages I have glanced at.

Enjoy!

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: France in America Bibliotheque nationale and LoC effort

Emmanuel-
The writing is wonderful quality. Most original documents I have seen are usually in bad penmanship due to the writer's lack-of-education, possible physical infirmity, etc. Slidell was well-educated and his handwriting attests to this fact.

( As we know from period writing samples, handwriting was important in the ages before typewriters/computers because it represented the writer's level-of-education and/or knowledge to other people. Yet, I digress as usual.:p)

I have read a few pages so far from the Paris document and it is interesting to note that Slidell (I feel) is pretty cheery to Sec. Benjamin on the subject of how slavery is hotly contested within factions of the French Government. Slidell makes it seem like it is a minor issue, but from the way I read it all, this might be a cover-up while reporting back to his boss.

Thanks so much for these documents... great stuff!

-Johnny Lloyd