Lawyer and philanthropist of Peekskill, N.Y. Personal, business, political, and philanthropic correspondence (chiefly 1925-1938), relating to Pugsley's political work for the Democratic Party, his philanthropic activities, his efforts to promote better understanding and knowledge of international affairs, U.S. and New York politics (1910-1938), and U.S. economic conditions (1920s and 1930s). Correspondents include Roscoe Pound and William Howard Taft.

Correspondence, legal papers, press releases, printed material and other miscellaneous papers of Chester DeWitt Pugsley spanning the years 1873-1938, with the majority of the material dating from 1925-1938. Extensive personal, business, political, and philanthropic correspondence (chiefly 1925-1938), relates to Pugsley's political work for the Democratic Party; his philanthropic activities; his efforts to promote better understanding and knowledge of international affairs; his involvement in U.S. and New York politics (1910-1938); and U.S. economic conditions during the 1920s and 1930s, including information on banking. Correspondents include Roscoe Pound and William Howard Taft. Legal papers consist chiefly of typed copies of wills, affidavits, deeds, and trusts relating to Pugsley, the Westchester County National Bank, and various institutional recipients of Pugsley's philanthropy. There are numerous press releases and clippings from news bureaus concerning Pugsley's views on foreign and domestic affairs, his benefactions, institutes and conferences held, and the activities of the American Scenic and Historical Preservation Society. Printed material includes programs of college and university commencements and institutes; notices of stockholders'meetings; advertising circulars; notices of Harvard University class reunions; and papers dealing with national and New York politics in 1916. There are also resolutions relating to world organizations, the Westchester County National Bank, the Church Conference on Social Work, and the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia; and scattered minutes of the Peekskill Field Committee, Rollins College, and the League to Enforce Peace. Miscellaneous papers include speeches on domestic and foreign tdpics given by Pugsley.

Arranged in the following series: Correspondence, Legal Papers, Miscellany, and Printed Material. For a more complete description see Davis and Miller, "Guide to the Cataloged Collections in the Manuscript Department of the William R. Perkins Library, Duke University" (1980).

Dorothea Dix was an American author, teacher, and reformer who advocated for improving treatment and facilities for mental health care. She also served as a superintendent for women nurses during the American Civil War. This collection consists of assorted pieces of correspondence and poetry by Dix, many relating to her health, treatment of patients, and other personal topics. Includes a 1862 letter signed by Abraham Lincoln relaying her recommendations to Edwin Stanton.

This collection consists of assembled and acquired examples of correspondence and poetry written by Dorothea Dix. Some materials date from the 1860s. In one note, dated May 1862, Dix lists recommendations for promotions in the US Army hospital administration. This bears an autograph note, signed by Abraham Lincoln, forwarding the list for consideration to Secretary of War Stanton.

Other letters date from the 1870s and 1880s and relate friends of Dix or to Dix's own care and health, particularly regarding her residency at a State Hospital in Trenton, near Philadelphia. Dix occasionally references her work for mentally ill patients.

The collection also contains two poems; one signed D.L.D. and another attributed to Dix.