Japan: Papers re business and government, 1854-1879
Scope and Contents
The collection contains a wide range of professional and personal papers. There is an extensive selection of printed and manuscript material collected in Hong Kong, China and Japan throughout Parkes' career. There are also around 750 letters, including correspondence with Sir Rutherford Alcock, Major-General Charles George Gordon, Lord John Russell and Sir Ernest Satow. Most of the personal correspondence addressed to Parkes dates from the last two years of his life, with much of the remainder relating to periods of particular activity such as the Second China War. The collection also contains maps; a few documents in other languages; and a set of letters, sketch maps, memoranda and other papers regarding Gordon's campaigns at the head of the 'Ever Victorious Army' in the service of the Chinese Imperial government during the 1860s. Most of the material belongs to three main sections: Correspondence and Despatches (Parkes 1-6); Material from O.H.M.S. Envelopes (Parkes 7-30); and Other Material (Parkes 31-42). The remaining papers are documents in Chinese (Parkes 43-46); Japanese (Parkes 47); and Korean (Parkes 48).
Dates
- Creation: 1854-1879
Creator
- From the Fonds: Parkes, Sir Harry Smith, 1828-1885 (Knight, diplomat) (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
Any person wishing to consult the collection must obtain written permission from Matheson and Co. Ltd. Applicants may submit their request an application form which is available from the Manuscripts Reading Room and via the University Library web pages at https://www.lib.cam.ac.uk/files/jm_application_form_2024_02.pdf. They should state specifically on the form that they desire access to the Parkes Papers.
Extent
1 bundle(s) (1 bundle)
Language of Materials
English
Repository Details
Part of the Cambridge University Library Repository
Cambridge University Library
West Road
Cambridge CB3 9DR United Kingdom
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all other enquiries: mss@lib.cam.ac.uk