Collection: Charles Lanman papers | Archival Collections

Charles Lanman (1819-1895) was the compiler of the Dictionary of the United States Congress (1859). His papers consist of autobiographies assembled between 1823 and 1868 in preparation for that work.

Dates

1823-1868

Use and Access to Collection

This collection is open for research.

Duplication and Copyright Information

Photocopies of original materials may be provided for a fee and at the discretion of the curator. Please see our Duplication of Materials policy for more information. Queries regarding publication rights and copyright status of materials within this collection should be directed to the appropriate curator.

Extent

0.50 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Scope and Contents

The Charles Lanman papers covers the period from 1823 to 1868 and consists of biographical sketches of Maryland congressmen collected during the preparation of the Dictionary of the United States Congress. Among the correspondent are: John Archer, Stevenson Archer, Richard Bowie, Ezekiel Chambers, Joseph Cottman, Leonard Covington, John Cresswell, Alexander Evans, John Franklin, Patrick Hamill, Benjamin Harris, James Heath, Reverdy Johnson, William Johnson, John Kerr, John B. Kerr, Jacob Kunkel, Cornelius Leary, Thomas Magruder, John Mason, Jiram McCullough, Robert McLane, George Peter, Charles Phelps, James Ricaud, James Stewart, John Stoddert, Thomas Swann, Francis Thomas, John Thomas, Jr., George Vickers, William Pickney Whyte, John Barney, Benjamin Howard, John Pendleton Kennedy, Peter Little, Alexander Randall, Philip Reed, George Aickman, Watkins Lyon, James Patridge, William Ridgeley, and Richard Stockton.

Biographical / Historical

Charles Lanman (1819-1895) was appointed librarian of the War Department in 1849 and resigned in 1850 to become secretary to Daniel Webster. In 1853 and from 1855-1857 was librarian and head of the Returns Office in the Interior Department. In 1859 he published the Dictionary of the United States Congress, which underwent several revisions. Lanman became librarian of the House of Representatives in 1861 and returned to the Interior Department in 1865