Large archive of approximately two hundred and twenty-seven (227) letters, land and military documents, pertaining to Edward Dickson Hicks II of Nashville, Tennessee (1831-1894) and his family, ranging in date from circa 1836-1918. Hicks and his family owned Devon Farm in Nashville, TN. Also includes land grants related to John Davis (1770-1853), early surveyor of Nashville, TN. 1st item: Land agreement between John Davis of Davidson County, TN, and and Daniel G. Totty and Samuel M. Baird of Hickman County, TN, dated September 16, 1852, with registrar notation below. 11 7/8" H x 7 1/2" W. 2nd item: Land sale document between Edward D. Hicks of Davidson County, TN, and David W. Daniels and James S. Daniels of Perry County, TN, dated October 21, 1854. 12 1/2" H x 7 3/4" W. 3rd-4th items: Two (2) additional land documents between John Davis and George W. Campbell of Davidson County, TN, dated February 1, 1857 and December 4, 1858. 12 5/8" H x 8" W. 5th item: Building contract between Edwards D. Hicks and James Haynie, Nashville, TN, March 11, 1858, with house plan and payment record to front page. 12" H x 7 5/8" W. 6th item: ALS. From James D. Porter, President of the Board of Trustees for the University of Nashville, Paris, TN, to Edward D. Hicks, October 23, 1890. Later pencil list presumably of the trustees en verso. Includes envelope addressed in Porter's hand, postmarked Paris Oct 23 1890, with a red Washington two cent stamp. Letter - 8 1/8" H x 10" W. Envelope - 3 1/4" H x 5 1/4" W. Note: James Davis Porter (1828-1912) was an American attorney, politician, educator, and officer of the Confederate Army. Porter spent the latter part of his life promoting and raising funds for his alma mater, the University of Nashville (from which he had been granted an honorary LL.D. in 1877), and its affiliated Peabody College. He was appointed a trustee of the Peabody Education Fund in 1883, and became president of the Board of Trustees for the University of Nashville in 1890. 7th item: Presidential United States Army appointment naming Edward Dickson Hicks Second Lieutenant of Field Artillery, dated June 1, 1918, recorded by the Adjutant General's Office, March 8, 1919. Signatures for the Adjutant General/Assistant Secretary of War, lower left and right. 10 5/8" H x 8 1/8" W. 8th-9th items: Two (2) railroad stock certificates, including Greeneville & Knoxville Railway Company and The New York Central and Hudson River Railroad Company. 10th item: Sarah Coleman black card stock remembrance card with gilt lettering. 6 5/8" H x 4 3/8" W. 11th-227th items: Approximately two hundred and sixteen (216) letters (many with envelopes), military records, checks, promissory notes, post cards, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and Vanderbilt University related documents, invitations, and more, dating from circa 1836-1918. Most are addressed to Mr. Edward D. Hicks, Nashville, Tennessee, others are addressed to Mrs. E. D. Hicks, Bellevue, Davidson County, Tennessee and East Brook Spa, Via Estill Spa, Tennessee, Miss Fannie Hicks, Providence, Rhode Island, and Mrs. Mary Hicks, Nashville, Tennessee. Many of the letters pertain to University of Nashville or the American Devon Cattle Club. Provenance: the collection of Ross Webb, Brentwood, TN.

All items in overall good condition with toning, dampstaining, foxing spots, tears, etc. to be expected from age. Some envelopes are unopened. 6th item: Porter signature in overall good, legible condition.