Robert W. Scott journals
Abstract
Descriptive Summary
- Title
- Robert W. Scott journals
- Date
- 1829-1836 (inclusive)
- 1829-1830 (bulk)
- Creator
- Scott, Robert W. (Robert Wilmot), 1808-1884
- Extent
- 0.1 Cubic Feet
- Subjects
- Prisons -- United States -- History.
- Farmers.
- Arrangement
- Collection is arranged chronologically.
- Preferred Citation
- 87m35: [identification of item], Robert W. Scott journals, 1829-1836, bulk 1829-1830, University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
- Repository
- University of Kentucky
Collection Overview
- Biography / History
- Lawyer, politician, and farmer, Robert Wilmont Scott was a native of Bourbon County, Ky. After attending Transylvania University, Scott studied law in Frankfort and in Mercer County. In 1829 he traveled to the east coast. In 1835 Scott began raising stock in Franklin County. During this time he was instrumental in organizing the Franklin County Agricultural Society. Scott was also involved in area politics.
- Scope and Content
- The Robert W. Scott journals (dated 1829-1836, bulk 1829-1830; 0.23 cubic feet; 2 items) consists of two journals kept by Franklin County, Ky. lawyer and farmer, Robert Wilmont Scott. The earlier journal consists of two parts, the first entitled "notes on law books read by me", includes a list of legal texts read by Scott. The second part includes Scott's "Memoranda itineris" on a journey he made to the east coast states from 1829-1830. He describes his trip from Lexington, Ky. through West Virginia and Virginia. He notes meetings with James Madison, James Monroe, John Randolph, and John Marshall. He details a boat trip he made from the Chesapeake Bay to New York. Scott describes many of the sights he visited in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. He provides a lengthy description of his activities in Washington, D. C., including a visit to Congress.
- Volume two begins with Scott's trip to Pennsylvania and continues through his return to Kentucky. He concludes with a few remarks about a trip he made to New Orleans in 1836. Though Scott never mentions the purpose of his journey, he does seem to have been particularly interested in visiting prisons. He notes conditions in several such institutions. He also describes several colleges, including Washington College, the University of Virginia, and Princeton among others. Also noted are many towns, businesses, factories, law courts and museums he visited. A typescript of the "memoranda itineris" is included.
Restrictions on Access and Use
- Conditions Governing Access
- Collection is open to researchers by appointment.
- Use Restrictions
- The physical rights to the materials in this collection are held by the University of Kentucky Special Collections Research Center.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Table of Contents
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
Special Collections Research Center - Closed
The Breckinridge Research Room will be closed starting May 11, 2026, and anticipates re-opening Fall semester 2026 in an alternate location for the duration of the King Library renovation.
Reproduction requests will still be available during the closure.
Contact SCRC with questions.
Requests
No items have been requested.
You may come across language in UK Libraries Special Collections Research Center collections and online resources that you find harmful or offensive. SCRC collects materials from different cultures and time periods to preserve and make available the historical record. These materials document the time period when they were created and the view of their creator. As a result, some may demonstrate racist and offensive views that do not reflect the values of UK Libraries.
If you find description with problematic language that you think SCRC should review, please contact us at SCRC@uky.edu.
