Personal, political, and business correspondence from family members and their associates detailing aspects of the family's life in Talbot County. Notable materials includes the political papers of Senator Robert Henry Goldsborough; the legal papers of his lawyer, Nicholas Hammond; and the business and farming records of his son, William. The collection includes national and regional newspapers and other published materials such as pamphlets, books of poetry, and almanacs. See also MSA SC 906 on Nicholas Hammond himself.
Throughout the dynasty of the Goldsborough family we can see their connection to the political sphere from family members serving in the Continental Congress, to one being selected for the U.S. Constitutional Convention of 1787, U.S. Senate, and the Maryland State Legislature. In the economic sphere the Goldsborough family is tied to a variety of institutions such as banking, farming and slavery. The family's connection to the banking industry is shown in papers concerning the First and Second Bank of the United States as well as their criticism concerning President Andrew Jackson's decision to shut down the Second Bank of the United States. The Goldsboroughs' paper demonstrate a wealth of knowledge and economic power in farming. This collection includes the receipts of many of their transactions as well as land owned by the family in various locations, and the agricultural colleges attended by some. Additionally, the family was involved in the institution of slavery. Documents in this collection include names, ages, and the gender of slaves as well as descriptive posters describing runaway slaves and rewards for their return. |