Scope and content note This collection consists of the letters and legal documents of John Popkin Adams (1812-1856), his wife, and daughters. The material relates to Adams' work as U.S. consul at La Guaira, Venezuela, his efforts to establish an inter-oceanic railroad on the ithsmus of Panama, land speculation in the U.S., and his pursuit of monetary claims against Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador related to privateering during the Spanish American wars of independence. Letters are arranged chronologically from...

Collection-level Scope and Content Note The Edward A. Drake Papers are primarily comprised of correspondence by officials of the Panama Railroad Company (mostly dating from 1905 through 1927), and by notable Panamanian politicians and government ministers (total of 62 folders). Content is personal with some references to Panamanian political events of the time, as well as to the railroad business. An additional eight folders include a few personal letters by Edward Drake; condolence letters written to Drake's wife, Jeanette...