A CATALOGUE OF THE Harris follection of American Poetry WITH BIOGRAPHICAL AND BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTES BY JOHN C. STOCKBRIDGE. PROVIDENCE 1886. INTRODUCTION. THE clause in the will of Senator Anthony which refers to his gift of "The Harris Collection of American Poetry" to the Library of Brown University, reads as follows: 66 I give to the Library of Brown University the collection of American poetry which I have recently bought of the estate of my late cousin, Caleb F. Harris, and which, I am told, is the best collection extant. I request that it be kept together, and that over the alcove in which it is placed, there be an inscription in Latin by Professor Lincoln : "The Harris Collection of American Poetry; commenced by Albert G. Greene, continued by Caleb Fiske Harris and Henry B. Anthony. By the latter presented to this Library." As soon as the necessary arrangements were made, the collection was removed, shortly after the death of Mr. Anthony, to the Library Building of the University and placed in a cheerful room, fitted for its reception, where, doubtless, it will remain as long as the building stands. In accordance with the wishes of the generous donor, the following Latin inscription, prepared by Prof. John Larkin Lincoln, LL.D., and printed in plain black capitals, occupies a conspicuous position on the southeastern wall of "The Harris Collection Room: " POESIS AMERICANA HARRISIANA QVAM AB ALBERTO GORTON GREENE INCOHATAM HVIC BIBLIOTHECAE TESTAMENTO LEGAVIT This inscription contains, in brief, a history of this altogether unique and remarkable collection of American Poetry, and, at this point, it may not be necessary to give its details. These will appear as we present the sketches of the lives of the three individuals who were especially concerned in the formation, enlargement and enriching of the collection. sketches are as follows: ALBERT GORTON GREENE. The Albert Gorton Greene was born in Providence, R. I., February 10, 1802, and was a son of John H. and Elizabeth (Beverly) Greene. Samuel Gorton, who is represented in the middle name of Mr. Greene, was one of the most remarkable characters in the annals of early Rhode Island history, and the story of his experiences with the authorities of the "Bay State" has the charm and the fascination of a romance. The ancestors of Mr. Greene were among the first settlers of Warwick, and held a high rank among the citizens of the little State which they so honorably represented in many departments of civil and social life. He was fitted for college in the University Grammar School, Providence, and was so far advanced in his preparatory studies as to be qualified to enter the Sophomore class of Brown University in 1817, from which institution he graduated in 1820. He studied law with the distinguished Hon. John Whipple, and was admitted to the Rhode Island bar in 1823, and commenced the practice of his profession in Providence. After a few years of faithful devotion to the duties of his vocation, he was elected, on the organization of the city government under its new charter in 1832, clerk of the City Council, and clerk of the Municipal Court, holding the two offices for some twenty-five years; at the end of which period he was chosen Judge of the Municipal Court, and occupied this position for not far from nine years, 1858-67. The state of his health was such that in 1867 he resigned his office. Although occupied for so many years with the onerous and exacting duties of the responsible positions he occupied and so acceptably filled, he |