Manuscript Collection Number: 121
Accessioned: Purchase, April 1973.
Extent: 2 linear feet
Content: Correspondence, manuscripts, notebooks, appointment books, articles, calling cards,
clippings, galley proofs, invitations, notes, receipts, telegrams, postcards, photographs, printed
material, souvenirs, addresses, essays, copyright registrations, and ephemera.
Access: The collection is open for research.
Processed: November 1996 by Julie Witsken.
After college Johnson became a clerk for Scribner Educational Books in Chicago. Within two years he was promoted to a position with the editorial staff of Scribner's Monthly, which later became the Century Magazine. He was again promoted in 1881 to associate editor under R. W. Gilder. Upon Gilder's death in 1909, Johnson became editor, a position he held until 1913. While at Century Publishing, Johnson co-edited the Century War Series, which was serialized in the magazine and later published in four volumes as Battles and Leaders of the Civil War. He also produced several volumes of his own poetry, including The Winter Hour, and Other Poems (1891) and Poems, published in 1902 and enlarged in 1908, 1919, and 1931. Because he regularly wrote to commemorate illustrious persons and occasions, Johnson was often referred to as the unofficial poet laureate of the United States.
Johnson was involved in numerous literary organizations. He served for many years as treasurer and then secretary of the American Copyright League, and was active in the international copyright movement. For his service in this area he was decorated by the French and Italian governments and received an honorary M.A. from Yale University. A member of the National Institute of Arts and Letters and secretary of the Institute from 1903 to 1909, he became the preliminary secretary of the Academy of Arts and Letters during its formation. Johnson's devotion to literature and the arts can also be seen by his origination of the Keats and Shelley Memorial in Rome.
In addition to his literary pursuits, Johnson dedicated himself to the conservation of America's natural resources. Together with John Muir, he instigated the movement which resulted in the creation of Yosemite National Park. In 1913 he was made chairman of the National Committee for the Preservation of Yosemite National Park. He directly appealed to President Roosevelt for a conference of governors to conserve the Eastern states' forests, and was thus responsible for generating what became the White House conferences on conservation.
Another of Johnson's interests was Italy. In addition to displaying a love of the Italian arts and culture, he showed an unwavering dedication to the welfare of the country. He organized the New York committee of the Italian War Relief Fund of America, which raised a total of $225,000, and the "American Poets Ambulances in Italy," which administered aid to the Italian army during 1917. In 1920 President Wilson appointed him Ambassador to Italy. He served as ambassador until 1921.
Upon his return to the United States, Johnson remained active in many of his former organizations. He lectured and continued to write until his death in 1937. His autobiography, RememberedYesterdays, was published in 1923.
Each series reflects a particular aspect or period of Johnson's life. Series I, Publishing, contains materials related to Johnson's activities while editor of the Century Magazine and to the publication of his own works of poetry. The materials, particularly Johnson's correspondence, express typical editorial concerns and describe the politics of publishing. The series is note-worthy for its documentation of the formation of the Academy of Arts and Letters. In his autobiography Remembered Yesterdays, Johnson claims to be the only person then living who was "officially and intimately connected with the history of [the Academy] in one capacity or another from its inception" (p. 439).
Series II and III contain additional evidence of Johnson's love of letters. Series II, Poetry, includes draft and printed versions of Johnson's poems. Series III, Prose, contains drafts of Johnson's prose works and notes for his speaking engagements, many of which deal with some literary topic.
The subject of Series IV, Maurice F. Egan, shared Johnson's love of letters. An American educator, editor, author, and diplomat, Egan was one of Johnson's closest friends. Like Johnson, he was active in the international copyright movement. The materials in this series present the concerns of those in American literary circles; illuminate Johnson's personal life and achievements; and offer insights into the culture and current events of Denmark. As Egan served as Ambassador to Denmark from 1907-1918, his letters to Johnson during that period also discuss diplomatic and political affairs during a turbulent time in world history.
Johnson too served as an American Ambassador. Series V, Italy, contains materials documenting Johnson's stint as ambassador to Italy from 1920-1921; his love of the Italian country, culture, and people; and his philanthropic and diplomatic efforts to benefit the people of Italy. His correspondence provides a glimpse of American foreign policy in a post-World War I world. Notes from the San Remo Conference of 1920 document the policies implemented by world leaders to create order after the war.
Series VI, Personal, contains material pertaining to Johnson's personal life. A large part of this series comprises information from and about Johnson's immediate and genealogical family, which he attempted to trace. It also includes correspondence from family and from friend Grace Litchfield; photographs, clippings, and articles about Johnson; memoirs of travel and noteworthy occasions such as seeing Lincoln at City Hall; notebooks and appointment books; and printed matter, such as a copy of Ivanhoe, which belonged to Johnson.
I. Publishing, 1879-1931
1. Correspondence, 1879-1931
2. Century Publishing Co. [1879-1913]
3. Activities and Organizations [1898-1899]
4. Autobiography (Remembered Yesterdays) and Other Publications [1913-1924]
5. Notes
II. Poetry
1. Collected Poems: 1881-1922
2. Other Poems
III. Prose
1. Addresses
2. Essays
IV. Maurice F. Egan, 1883-1923
1. Correspondence, 1883-1923
2. Works and Awards [1887-1922]
V. Italy, 1883-1923 (bulk 1919-1921)
1. Correspondence, 1918-1923
2. Tommasi Salvini [1883-1916]
3. Tourism [1920]
4. The Roma [1921-1922]
5. Ambassador, 1919-1921
6. Miscellaneous
VI. Personal, 1826-1930
1. Correspondence, 1887-1930
2. Family [1826-1907]
3. Biographical [1883-1924]
4. Memoirs
5. Travel [1911-1922]
6. Photographs
7. Miscellaneous Papers [1906-1921]
8. Bound and/or Printed Material
1 Series I. Publishing, 1879-1931.
Contains materials relating to Johnson's publishing activities and his term
as editor of the Century Magazine.
Series I.1. Correspondence, 1879-1931.
Contains correspondence with various writers, publishers, dignitaries,
societies, and fans. Also includes drafts, copies of letters, and notes
related to them. The letters deal with editing and printing matters, works
both published and in progress, and the concerns of the Academy of Arts
and Letters and the American Copyright League. Particularly interesting
are the correspondence (beginning with the letter of Dec. 14, 1912)
between Johnson and the trustees of the Century, in which the
circumstances necessitating Johnson's resignation from his editorial
position are expounded; a letter from Johnson describing his meeting with
President Taft regarding the launching of the Academy of Arts and Letters
(Sep. 12, 1909); and a memo outlining the goals of the American
Copyright League (n.d). The correspondence is arranged chronologically.
F1 Correspondence, 1879-1911
(20 items)
F2 Correspondence, 1912-1918
Also includes dated receipts. (23 items)
F3 Correspondence, 1922-1931
(11 items)
F4 Correspondence, n.d.
Includes a poem dedicated to RUJ. (14 items)
Series I.2. Century Publishing Co.
F5 Civil War Series notes [1884]
Contains two notebooks and loose holographic notes on the arrangement of the
series. (7 items)
F6 Correspondence with Richard Watson Gilder, editor of the Century before RUJ
1879-1903. (10 items)
F7 Death of R.W. Gilder, 1909
Contains holograph and printed forms of RUJ's tribute to his predecessor. Also
includes greens from Gilder's coffin. (7 items)
F8 Retirement Memorabilia, 1913
Includes newspaper clipping and announcement of RUJ's retirement from the
Century. Also contains seating list and menu from the Testimonial Dinner
(Dec. 11, 1913), which was attended by a number of people of distinction such as
Henry Mills Alden and William Howard Taft. (7 items)
F9 Transfer of the Century
Photocopy of newspaper clipping recounting legal dispute regarding the transfer.
Series I. 3. Activities and Organizations
F10 American Copyright League, 1891
Contains a letter in French from the French Minister of Foreign Affairs conferring
the Cross of the Legion of Honor Award upon RUJ for his involvement in
international copyright reform. Also includes a letterhead listing League
members. (2 items)
F11 Academy of Arts and Letters [1898]
National Institute of Arts and Letters' Constitution and List of Members, and
RUJ's holographic notes on the formation of the Academy. (3 items)
F12 Dagnan-Bouvert Exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, 1899
Announcement of exhibit which RUJ had proposed and supported. (2 items)
Series I. 4. Autobiography (Remembered Yesterdays) and Other Publications
F13 Autobiography Reviews [1924]
(3 items)
F14 Autobiography Notes
Holographic notes related to Remembered Yesterdays. (2 items)
F15 Copyrights for Verse, 1913
Copyrights for RUJ's volumes of poetry. Also typed letters and memos
regarding publishing costs. (10 items)
Series I. 5. Notes
F16 Miscellaneous notes and scraps
Related to publishing, many on envelope backs. Also includes a typed literary
note by RUJ regarding the publication of his verse volumes. (about 100 items)
2 Series II. Poetry
Holograph and typed drafts as well a few printed versions of RUJ's poetry.
Some poems have multiple versions, and many typed poems have
holographic corrections and annotations. Several poems are also signed.
Poems are arranged according to Collected Poems: 1881-1922 (1923),
followed by untitled poems and poems not by Johnson. Holographic notes
and other material related to the individual poems are also included.
Series II. 1. Collected Poems: 1881-1922.
F17 from The Winter Hour
On Nearing Washington
October
Noblesse Oblige
In the Moment of Victory
F18 from Songs of Liberty
Love Once Was Like an April Dawn
F19 from Italian Rhapsody
Italian Rhapsody
F20 from Moments of Italy
The Spanish Stairs
The Name Writ in Water
To Dreyfus Vindicated
The Absent Guest
The Lover of His Kind
Something in Beauty Binds Us to the Good
The Scar
A Message Back to Youth
Daphne
Waters of Song
2 Series II. Poetry (cont'd)
Series II. 1. Collected Poems: 1881-1922 (cont'd)
F21 from Saint-Gaudens: An Ode
Saint-Gaudens
Also includes a galley with holographic notations.
F22 Death of Saint-Gaudens
Photocopied newspaper clippings regarding the sculptor's works and his death,
and RUJ's notes on a speech to be given in Saint-Gaudens' honor. (8 items)
F23 from Later Poems of Occasion
A Memory of Brittany
The Message of Fulton
The Vision of Gettysburg
F24 from Poems of War and Peace
The Corridors of Congress
F25 from Poems of the Great War
Includes notes and a memo to publisher.
Rheims
To the Spirit of Byron
The New World
The Haunting Face (On the Portrait of a Child Lost in the Lusitania)
Shakespeare
Embattled France (Rhapsodie Francaise)
F26 from Poems Chiefly of Friendship
Quid Pro Quo
A Song of Parting
Reading Horace
Gifts
Oriole and the Poet
A Song of Any Lover
A Prayer in the Dark
The President (The Panama Tolls)
Constance
Love-letters at Auction
The Laggard Poet (To W. W.)
2 Series II. Poetry (cont'd)
Series II. 1. Collected Poems: 1881 - 1922 (cont'd)
F27 from Later Poems of the Great War
Includes a letter to the publisher.
To Paderewski, Patriot
The Price of Honor (The Columbian Indemnity)
To the First Gun
The Sword of Lafayette
To the New Russia (Published as "To Russia New and Free")
The Victor of the Marne
Two Flags Upon Westminster Towers
Hymn for America
A Song for America
America in France
F28 from Miscellaneous Poems
A Teacher
To a Poet at the Piano (K. O.)
To a Student of Kant
And Then?
The Plea for the Defendant
Carpe Diem
A Little Room of Dreams
To the American Poets of To-day
F29 from Poems of Italy in War-Time
Visions of Italy
A Vision of Venezia (Published as part of "Visions of Italy")
The Traitors of Caporetto
To Italy
Italia Redenta
F30 from Latest War-Time Poems
Includes family anecdote that inspired a poem.
The Ship of Liberty
The Flag We Love So Well
Interlude (In War-Time)
The Marne
Listen to Your Guardian Angel
The Spoils of War
The Only Doll in the Valley
2 Series II. Poetry (cont'd)
Series II. 1. Collected Poems: 1881 - 1922 (cont'd)
F31 from Towers of Remembrance
Towers of Remembrance
The Beacon Fires of Italy
An Epistle to Italy
To the Unknown Soldier of France
The Coming of Foch
Heirs of Keats
Shelley
O Made for Love
Disillusion
Impromtu to a Certain Person
A Thought at Fiuggi
The Great Adventure
Series II. 2. Other Poems
F32 Titled Poems
The Bardling and the Moon
Farewell to My Seventieth Year
The Compact of Honor
A Warning to Lovers (A Hidden Valentine)
To Elbridge Adams
To Those Who Starve
Troops of Friends
The Omens of the Harvest
One Cyprus
On Watt's Painting Love and Death'
The Lost Pleiad
Seeing in the Dark
Three A.M.
America's Neutrality
The Memory of June
The Return of Nature
To Miss Amy Murray, at the Harp
The Chivalry of War or The Target
The Great Man
A Friend
Invective
Invectives I. On a Certain Publisher
2
F32 Invectives IV. To the Inventor of the Questionaire
Invectives V. To a New Millionaire
To One Who Despaired of the Republic
Envoi
Impromptu--on the broken limb
The Isonzo (The New Blind)
Second Childhood
Mother Goose's Football Melodies
On a lady who boasted of her high lineage
Valentine to a Boy with Two Names
Epistle to a Former Member of Congress
F33 Untitled poems and poetry fragments
Includes limerick-type poems about family members.
(about 60 items)
F34 Poetry not by RUJ
A Bit of Foreign Exchange Initialed J.J.J.
Parting Stanzas Nimrod H. Johnson in RUJ's hand
Untitled for "Life" Signed P. Dant in RUJ's hand
3 Series III. Prose
Contains typed and holograph drafts of Johnson's prose. Some works
have multiple versions. Also includes items such as newspaper articles,
notes, and correspondence directly related to the works. The works are
arranged alphabetically by title.
Series III. 1. Addresses
F35 To the Art Section of the National Federation of Women's Clubs
Holograph edition plus two typed copies, both with holographic notations. Also
includes holographic notes. Dated May 26, 1916. (23 leaves)
F36 To the Peace Society of New York
Two copies, typed with holographic corrections. Dated Jan. 30, 1913. (38 leaves)
F37 To the Phi Beta Kappa of William and Mary College
Holograph draft. (5 leaves)
3
F38 Readings from My Verse
Holograph draft. (4 leaves)
F39 On Riley in Indianapolis
Holograph draft plus note. (5 leaves)
F40 To the Society of Patriotic Women
Holograph draft. (2 leaves)
F41 Untitled Addresses
3 holograph drafts, one of which is remarks prefatory to a reading of
Shakespeare. The second is an introduction of the Commander-in-chief of the
Italian Army, and the third appears to be another introduction. (11 leaves)
Series III. 2. Essays
F42 After Genoa: The Need for Solidarity
Typed with holograph notations. Also includes photocopied newspaper clippings
regarding Johnson's remarks on French policy at the Genoa Conference of 1922, a
typed copy of an article in the London Morning Post regarding the same, and a
typed unsigned letter to the editor of the World. (8 leaves)
F43 The Alleged Decline of American Poetry
Holograph draft. (2 leaves)
F44 Are We Ashamed of Good Manners?
Holograph draft. Also includes notes and outline. (15 leaves)
F45 Common Sense in Carriage Calling
Holograph draft and typed version with holograph corrections. (7 leaves)
F46 Extend the Oath of Allegiance
Typed with holograph notations. (2 leaves)
F47 Is There Any "New" Poetry?
Typed with holograph notations. (2 leaves)
F48 Our Marooned Ambassadors
Holograph draft and typed copy with holograph corrections. (43 leaves)
3
F49 Poetry and American Life
Two copies, typed with holograph notations. Also includes holograph notes.
(63 leaves)
F50 Shelley and His New Found Portrait
Typed with holograph notations. Also includes typed comments. (3 leaves)
F51 ...Theatres for Children
Typed with holographic notations. (4 leaves)
F52 Wake-Up, America!
Holograph outline and notes. (6 leaves)
F53 Untitled Essays
One holograph draft regarding pacifism, and one incomplete typed draft with
holographic notations defending magazines. (13 leaves)
F54 Prose fragments
(5 leaves)
4 Series IV. Maurice F. Egan, 1883-1923
Contains material relating to Maurice F. Egan (1852-1924), American
author, educator, editor, Ambassador to Denmark from 1907-1918, and
close friend of Johnson.
Series IV. 1. Correspondence, 1883-1923.
Letters from Egan to Johnson, many of them extremely detailed, provide
remarks on the major accomplishments of Johnson's career and help to
illuminate his personal life; discuss Egan's ambassadorial duties and other
diplomatic matters; and offer insights into the current events and culture of
Denmark. Of particular interest are a letter recounting President Theodore
Roosevelt's visit to the American Embassy in Denmark (May 10, 1910)
and a letter describing the wedding of Danish royalty (Sep. 23, 1908). The
letters span the dates 1883 to 1923, but curiously, no letters from 1913 to
1920 are present. Correspondence is arranged chronologically.
F55 1883-1907
(7 items)
4
F56 1908-1910
(15 items)
F57 1911-1912
(11 items)
F58 1921-1923
(13 items)
F59 n.d.
(11 items)
Series IV. 2. Works and Awards
F60 Works, 1887-1922
Contains prose and poetry pieces, most ly printed and in the form of newspaper
clippings, by Egan. The prose works deal with international copyright laws (We
Want Cheap American Books from the South Bend Times, dated October 25,
1890) and diplomatic matters (Telling the Diplomatic Truth, printed in Collier's,
Sep. 9, 1922). Also included are holograph epigrams written by Egan and
Johnson about each other. (6 items)
F61 Awards
Invitation to an awards ceremony for Egan hosted by the president and faculty of
the University of Notre Dame. Egan was conferred the Laetare Medal. (1 item)
Series V. Italy, 1883-1923
Consists of materials documenting Johnson's interests in and time spent in
Italy. Johnson traveled to Italy several times and had a deep appreciation
for the country and culture. He organized several philanthropic missions
to Italy, and served as U.S. Ambassador to Italy from 1920 to 1921.
Series V. 1. Correspondence, 1918-1923
Contains letters and drafts dealing primarily, though not exclusively, with
Johnson's activities as Ambassador to Italy. In his letters Johnson apprises
the U.S. Secretary of State Bainbridge Colby of affairs in Italy, and makes
recommendations regarding foreign policy. As chairman of the American
Poet Ambulances in Italy, he also exhorts others to attend a benefit concert
for Italian soldiers and offers thanks for their contributions. Included is a
photograph of the recipient of one of his organization's aid.
Correspondence is arranged chronologically.
F62 Correspondence, 1918-1923
(14 items)
Series V. 2. Tommasi Salvini
F63 Tommasi Salvini, 1883-1916
Contains copies of newspaper clippings reporting the death of Italian actor
Tommasi Salvini, whom RUJ greatly admired. Also includes a document in
Italian; correspondence with publishers and photographers regarding RUJ's use of
photos of Salvini; and RUJ's holograph notes. (10 items)
Series V.3. Tourism
F64 Tourism [1920]
Contains RUJ's holograph itinerary for sight-seeing in Rome and holograph notes
on sight-seeing in Naples. In the latter, he observes the massive destruction
caused by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. (2 items, 13 leaves)
Series V.4. Roma
F65 Roma [1921-1922]
Contains two copies each of RUJ's account of his first trip on Mar. 3, 1921, in the
Roma, the Italian dirigible, and of his second trip on Mar. 15, 19[21]. All copies
have holograph notations and corrections. Italy ceded the Roma to the United
States in the interest of aeronautic exchange; copies of two 1921 letters from
Italian officials thanking the U.S. for its preservation of the name "Roma" are also
included. Also contains copies of Roma photos from the New York Tribune.
4
F66 Notes, 1919-1921
Holograph notes on a peace settlement (1919); typed notes on the opening session
of Italian government (1920); and holograph notes on RUJ's audience with King
Victor Emmanuel III (1921). (3 items, 23 leaves)
F67 Personal notes from San Remo Conference, April 1920
Holograph. (1 item, 11 leaves)
F68 Official notes from San Remo Conference, April 1920
British Secretary's typed notes with some holograph annotations by RUJ.
Also includes reports on the boundaries of the state of Armenia and propositions
by the French delegation regarding the Allies' declaration in connection with
Germany. (11 items, 117 leaves)
F69 Memorabilia, 1921
One dinner invitation.
Series V. 6. Miscellaneous
F70 Notes and miscellaneous scraps
(10 items)
5 Series VI. Personal, 1826-1930
Materials pertaining to Johnson's personal life and printed material
belonging to him.
Series VI. 1. Correspondence, 1887-1930
Correspondence with family and with friend Grace Litchfield. Letters
refer to major events in Johnson's professional life as well as illuminate
his personal one. Noteworthy for its detail and content is a letter of Mar.
2, 1902, which describes the "greatest of the Roman Catholic functions
that it was possible to see, the Jubilee of Pope Leo XIII in St. Peter's, on
the twenty-fifth anniversary of his election." Correspondence is arranged
chronologically.
5
F71 Correspondence, 1887-1919
Includes two report cards of RUJ's grandchildren. (17 items)
F72 Correspondence, 1920-1930
Includes three postcards. (23 items)
Series VI. 2. Family
F73 Immediate Family [1826-]
Contains an article about RUJ's brother, Henry Underwood Johnson; two letters
written by RUJ's great-grandfather; copies of a tribute by RUJ to his daughter-in-law;
and typed family anecdotes. (4 items, 26 leaves)
F74 Genealogical Family, Part I [1886-1905]
Records, letters, clippings, articles, and other information serving to establish and
describe RUJ's geneological roots. (28 items, 52 leaves)
F75 Genealogical Family, Part II [1887-1906]
(30 items, 50 leaves)
F76 Genealogical Family, Part III [1893-1907]
(4 items, 7 leaves)
Series VI. 3. Biographical
F77 Newspaper and magazine articles [1883-1924]
Articles and clippings either are about or refer to RUJ. Some have holograph
notations by RUJ. (15 items, 23 leaves)
F78 Lectures [1913-]
Announcements and notes for RUJ's lectures. (3 items, 6 leaves)
Series VI. 4. Memoirs
F79 Memoirs
Contains holograph notes on seeing President Lincoln at City Hall; holograph
notes of luncheon at a colonel's house; a photocopy of a typed memoir of life on
Lexington Avenue in NYC; and holograph notes on meeting American author
Herman Melville at a Talker's Club meeting in New York. (4 items, 8 leaves)
Series VI. 5. Travel
F80 Travels, 1911-1922
Contains accounts of RUJ's travels in France (Oct. 1921 and Apr. 1922) and
London (1911) and his engagements in those countries. (2 items, 21 leaves)
Series VI. 6. Photographs
F81 Photographs
(16 items)
Series VI. 7. Miscellaneous Papers
F82 Contract, sale of RUJ's land, 1906
Typed copy. (3 leaves)
F83 Papers
Contains business cards, souvenir tickets, a typed copy of an extract from a
French magazine, and a photocopied newspaper clipping from The Morning Post,
London, Apr. 22, 1921. (9 items)
6 Series VI. 8. Bound and/or printed material
F84 Notebook, 1897
With holograph entries. (1 item)
F85 Appointment book, 1917
With holograph entries. (1 item)
F86 Appointment book, 1918
With holograph entries. (1 item)
F87 Appointment book, 1919
With holograph entries. (1 item)
F88 Notebook, n.d.
With holograph entries. (1 item)
F89 Later Poems of Occasion by RUJ
Signature. (1 item)
F90 Poems by RUJ
Unbound and uncut signatures.
F91 Virgil's First Ecologue Remembered by John Finley
Chapbook. With holographic note by Finley. Dated 1917.
F92 Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
With disbound cover.
Back to the UD Special Collections Home Page
Return to List of Manuscript Finding Aids by Title