Subseries V: Thomas Campbell manuscripts and prints, 1796 - 1848
Sub-Series
Dates
- 1796 - 1848
Access:
All series and subseries within this collection are open for research, with the exception of a few files within the Academia series that are restricted. The Academia series contains financial and sensitive institutional records from Wilkes College, and financial report records from Princeton University that will remain restricted for 80 years upon creation.
Biographical Sketch of Thomas Campbell:
Thomas Campbell, eleventh and youngest son of Alexander Campbell, was born on July 27, 1777 in Glasgow, Scotland. As part of a once prominent family, Thomas was the grandson of a Highland laird, Campbell of Kirnan whose line can be traced back to the first Norman lord of Lochawe. This legacy now lost as the Campbell family experienced a great number of financial and other difficulties. Beginning with Alexander’s trading firm in Virginia which fell through due to the Revolutionary War, he retired shortly after.
Thomas Campbell’s early education came from the primary schools in Glasgow where, even from a young age, he showed an affinity for writing. But due to his delicate disposition he was sent away to the countryside for fresher air and returned soon after much stronger than before. Under the guidance of his mentor David Alison, Campbell began to excel in his studies, especially Greek, earning awards for his translations by the time he was twelve.
For a period of time, in 1793, Campbell attempted to study law at university and under a relative Alexander Campbell, Writer of the Signet in Glasgow, but abandoned it and returned to more humanistic pursuits. Determined still to financially support his struggling family, Campbell became a private tutor during his late teens. In 1795 he traveled to the island Mull, of the Inner Hebrides to tutor the family of Mrs. Campbell of Sunipol. It was here, with the island's lonely shores and beautifully wild terrain that the subject of his most famous poem Pleasure of Hope was developed with a nudge from his friend Hamilton Paul. After deciding against returning to University, Campbell continued tutoring this time to the family of General Napier in Algeryshire. Campbell also continued to write, his poems Love and Madness and a few others come from this period of his life.
In 1798, Campbell moved to Ednishire at the age of 21 to continue his writing career and be closer to his Scottish roots. It was here that he met Dr. Robert Anderson and the two got along quickly. As an editor for collections of British poetry Dr. Anderson was impressed by Campbell’s literary prowess and encouraged him to pursue a writing career. Anderson later introduced Campbell to Mundell, a publisher that quickly put the poet to work. Campbell’s first task was to compile an abridged work of Bryan Edward’s West Indies. This period of time provided happiness and financial stability for Campbell. Through his work he received many pupils securing him and his family a comfortable livelihood. Also, his time in Edinburgh brought him into a circle of like minded individuals who now hold great renown such as Sir Walter Scott, Henry Brougham, Francis Jeffery, Dr. Thomas Brown, John Leyden, and James Grahame.
As the monotony of industry writing grew too much Campbell threw himself into poetry and began to actually construct Pleasure of Hope. After its completion in 1799 Dr. Anderson took it to Mundell who accepted it and began publishing immediately. Pleasures of Hope became a career defining work that quickly received critical acclaim. The poem itself is a testament to its time and Campbell’s sentimental approach to tragic events strongly focus on the common man’s feelings. This period of time was characterized by political excitement over the idea of liberty, sparking sympathy for oppressed peoples such as the Polish and the Greeks. Major themes of this work combine patriotic heroism and truth; drawing inspiration from such events as the French Revolution, slavery, and the partition of Poland. With the release of this work fame struck the young poet quickly and remained with him throughout his career.
In 1800 he went to Germany to visit Gottlieb Friedrich Klopstock at Hamburg. Afterwards he traveled to Ratisbon, which was captured by the French three days after his arrival. Campbell hid with monks of the Benedictine College until all was clear. The events of the trip inspired several lines in his poem Hohenlinden, even though he did not witness and fight. When he returned to Hamburg he finished another poem Exile of Eden. It was around this time that Campbell received the news of his father passing away, but during his rush to get home to Edinburg he found that he was charged with treason. This was quickly proven false after an investigation, also during a search of his belongings the police found a draft of his national poem Ye Mariners of England and the patriotic themes of the work helped to assure the people incharge and he was free to go home. In the aftermath of his father’s death Campbell felt a growing pressure to take care of his widowed mother and sister. A year later into his work he received an invitation from Lord Minto, a good friend from England. During this time spent in England Campbell interacted with many literary celebrities of the time and published Lochiel and Hohenlinden when he returned home to Edinburgh.
In 1802 Campbell married his cousin Matilda Sinclair, afterwards the couple moved to Sydenham. Campbell now held the responsibility of supporting his mother, wife, and their two sons, Alison and Thomas. His days were well occupied and spent happily. In 1809 Cambell published Gertrude of Wyoming 1, Lord Ullin’s Daughter, and The Battle of the Baltic which all were received well by the public. But, as the lyric poetry that Campbell specialized in began to fall out of style, his works received less attention. Although this shift did not take away from any of his past accomplishments as he was still a respected individual, it does illustrate the changes in popularity and style. Campbell’s Pleasure of Hope will always be thought of as his greatest achievement.
In 1826 Campbell was elected as Lord Rector of Glasgow University and continued to hold this position until 1829. But this latter half of Campbell’s life featured drastic ups and downs. During his second semester at the university in 1828 his wife passed away and this loss affected him greatly. He was alone from then on as his first son Alison Campbell died at the very early age of five (1805-1810) and their second son Thomas was considered insane and institutionalized. Campbell had also lost his mother many years prior in 1812, twelve years after his father passed.
One of Campbell’s final projects is the role that he played in helping to establish the University of London. In the years leading up to its creation in 1826, Campbell wrote about the importance of education and got the support of his colleagues from his previous position as Rector of Glasgow University. Along with this he continued with his efforts of liberty in regards to Poland and never lessened in his support. In his decline he was still described as cheery and pleasant by friends that kept him company. Thomas Campbell died on June 15, 1844 in Boulogne, France and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Extent
From the Collection: 17 Cubic Feet
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Condition Note:
The artwork contained within Subseries I: Art is in relatively good condition, mostly showing signs of age such as paper discoloring. The only notable damage from this subseries is that some pieces contain worn edges and/or slight staining. Despite the lack of damage, due to the age of the pieces care should be taken while handling. As for Subseries II: Manuscripts, the pieces are generally all in fair condition, once again showing signs of age such as paper discoloration. This subseries contains several pieces which contain damage including minor tears, stains, and tattered edges. This subseries should be handled with care due to its age, however there are two pieces which should be held with extreme care due to their fragility:
8.27. Item 17a: Poem by Thomas Campbell titled, “O'Connor's Child or Love Lies Bleeding,”, no date. 8.31. Item 17f: Letter from Thomas Campbell to William Withering, 1796 June 20
8.27. Item 17a: Poem by Thomas Campbell titled, “O'Connor's Child or Love Lies Bleeding,”, no date. 8.31. Item 17f: Letter from Thomas Campbell to William Withering, 1796 June 20
Subseries V: Thomas Campbell manuscripts and prints, 1796-1848
Subseries V: Thomas Campbell manuscripts and prints, 1796-1848, is arranged chronologically and contains prints, engravings, lithographs, and portraits by various artists of Thomas Campbell, 19th century Scottish poet as well as manuscripts written by and to the figure. Subseries V is arranged into two further subseries: Subseries I: Art, 1815-1848 and Subseries II: Manuscripts: 1796-1838.
Subseries I: Art, 1815-1848, is arranged chronologically and contains engravings, lithographs, and other portraiture of Thomas Campbell from various artists such as A. Collas, B. Holl, D.M. Nee, Henry Richard Cook, H. Meger, William Hopwood, and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Lawrence’s work is featured significantly in this subseries as a majority of other engravers and printmakers would work off of his original paintings of Campbell. The manuscript subseries within Subseries V is arranged chronologically spanning from 1796 to 1838 and includes poems and correspondence written by and to Thomas Campbell. Correspondents within this subseries include individuals such as William Withering, John Richardson, W.Y. Ottley, and Mrs Marryatt. Many of these letters to these recipients concern personal matters such as loneliness, missing his companions, and difficulties with work and personal affairs. This series includes around nine primary sources relating to Thomas Campbell that span across various types of written media including poems, biographical sketches, and letters. Major themes for his poetry in the series fit in with his larger career of poetic works as they cover war related violence, tragedy, and heartache. Oconnor’s child Or Love lies bleeding and the section from Hallowed Ground may not have been his most influential or well known pieces but even still they help to preserve and shape the complex overarching narrative of his writing. The biographical sketch and the letters help to create a more well-rounded description of who Campbell actually was by showing how others viewed him, his values in daily life, and how he honestly interacted with the people in his life. The sketch is wholly unfinished but does show a fascination with his early life as it covers his beginnings and primary education. His prowess in Greek in these early stages seemed to help shape his career as a high achieving student that later lended him many educational opportunities and connections later in his life.
These connections became very important to Campbell later in his life not only for social interaction and comfort but they also illustrate his impact on the greater educated and literary communities.
Subseries I: Art, 1815-1848, is arranged chronologically and contains engravings, lithographs, and other portraiture of Thomas Campbell from various artists such as A. Collas, B. Holl, D.M. Nee, Henry Richard Cook, H. Meger, William Hopwood, and Sir Thomas Lawrence. Lawrence’s work is featured significantly in this subseries as a majority of other engravers and printmakers would work off of his original paintings of Campbell. The manuscript subseries within Subseries V is arranged chronologically spanning from 1796 to 1838 and includes poems and correspondence written by and to Thomas Campbell. Correspondents within this subseries include individuals such as William Withering, John Richardson, W.Y. Ottley, and Mrs Marryatt. Many of these letters to these recipients concern personal matters such as loneliness, missing his companions, and difficulties with work and personal affairs. This series includes around nine primary sources relating to Thomas Campbell that span across various types of written media including poems, biographical sketches, and letters. Major themes for his poetry in the series fit in with his larger career of poetic works as they cover war related violence, tragedy, and heartache. Oconnor’s child Or Love lies bleeding and the section from Hallowed Ground may not have been his most influential or well known pieces but even still they help to preserve and shape the complex overarching narrative of his writing. The biographical sketch and the letters help to create a more well-rounded description of who Campbell actually was by showing how others viewed him, his values in daily life, and how he honestly interacted with the people in his life. The sketch is wholly unfinished but does show a fascination with his early life as it covers his beginnings and primary education. His prowess in Greek in these early stages seemed to help shape his career as a high achieving student that later lended him many educational opportunities and connections later in his life.
These connections became very important to Campbell later in his life not only for social interaction and comfort but they also illustrate his impact on the greater educated and literary communities.
Subseries I: Art, 1815-1848
Subseries I: Art, 1815-1848 is arranged chronologically and contains various mediums of art which depict Thomas Campbell including engravings, lithographs, and even a drawing. Some notable artists contained within the subseries include A. Collas, B. Holl, D.M. Nee, Henry Richard Cook, H. Meger, William Hopwood, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Sir Thomas. Lawrence, Edward Francis Finden, and even Thomas Campbell himself.
The vast majority of the pieces contained within the subseries are no more than portraits of the figure, however some reference Pleasures of Hope; one of, if not, the most famous works produced by Thomas Campbell.
Subseries II: Manuscripts, 1796-1838
Subseries II: Manuscripts, 1796-1838, is arranged chronologically by date and contains poems and correspondence written by Thomas Campbell, Scottish poet. The various types of manuscripts include correspondence with individuals such as William Withering, John Richardson, W.Y. Ottley, and Mrs Marryatt. This series includes around nine primary sources relating to Thomas Campbell that span across various types of written media including poems, biographical sketches, and letters.
Major themes for his poetry in the series fit in with his larger career of poetic works as they cover war related violence, tragedy, and heartache. Oconnor’s child Or Love lies bleeding and the section from Hallowed Ground may not have been his most influential or well known pieces but even still they help to preserve and shape the complex overarching narrative of his writing.
The biographical sketch and the letters help to create a more well-rounded description of who Campbell actually was by showing how others viewed him, his values in daily life, and how he honestly interacted with the people in his life. The sketch is wholly unfinished but does show a fascination with his early life as it covers his beginnings and primary education. His prowess in Greek in these early stages seemed to help shape his career as a high achieving student that later lended him many educational opportunities and connections later in his life.
These connections became very important to Campbell later in his life not only for social interaction and comfort but they also illustrate his impact on the greater educated and literary communities.
Major themes for his poetry in the series fit in with his larger career of poetic works as they cover war related violence, tragedy, and heartache. Oconnor’s child Or Love lies bleeding and the section from Hallowed Ground may not have been his most influential or well known pieces but even still they help to preserve and shape the complex overarching narrative of his writing.
The biographical sketch and the letters help to create a more well-rounded description of who Campbell actually was by showing how others viewed him, his values in daily life, and how he honestly interacted with the people in his life. The sketch is wholly unfinished but does show a fascination with his early life as it covers his beginnings and primary education. His prowess in Greek in these early stages seemed to help shape his career as a high achieving student that later lended him many educational opportunities and connections later in his life.
These connections became very important to Campbell later in his life not only for social interaction and comfort but they also illustrate his impact on the greater educated and literary communities.
Processed By:
Processed and described by: Juliana Lueders, Archives Work-Study, with assistance from Conrad Middleton, supervised and edited by Suzanna Calev, Archivist, Spring 2022.
Repository Details
Part of the Wilkes University Archives Repository
Contact:
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu
84 W South St.
Wilkes-Barre PA 18701 US
570-408-2000
570-408-7823 (Fax)
ask.archives@wilkes.edu