Library Research Guide for E-1827: The United States and China: Opium War to the Present

For an in depth search for manuscripts at Harvard, you should talk with the librarians at the likely Harvard repositories.

The Historical Collections in the Baker Library (Harvard Business School) holds a rich collection of records of American business enterprises, including trade with China. The Library is located across the river. You are welcome to visit the Library and use its collections.

Lester Knox Little (1892-1981) was inspector general of the Chinese Customs Service in 1940s China.

Lester Knox Little diaries and correspondence, 1943-1971. 17 volumes and 1 folder in 1 carton (.6 linear ft.)
Houghton | Harvard Depository | *2000M-56
HOLLIS Record

Lester Knox Little papers, 1932-1964 1 box and 18 volumes (2.5 linear ft.)
Houghton | b | MS Am 1999-1999.18
HOLLIS Record
Online guide

Lester Knox Little additional papers. 2 cartons (2.5 linear ft.)
Houghton | b | 82M-103 Shelved at MS Storage 175
HOLLIS Record

Microfilm of the personal papers of China trade magnates:

Microfilm edition of the Samuel Cabot papers, 1713-1858. 3 boxes, 12 v.
Microforms (Lamont) | INDEX Film M 525 = Guide
Microforms (Lamont) | Harvard Depository | Film M 525 Consult Documents/Microtexts desk

Microfilm edition of the Lee family papers, 1535-1957. 20 linear feet (20 boxes and 164 volumes)
Microforms (Lamont) | Film A 840
Microforms (Lamont) | INDEX Film A 840 =Guide

Microfilm edition of the Thomas Handasyd Perkins papers, 1789-1892 microform. 2 boxes, 70 v.
Microforms (Lamont) | Film A 842
Microforms (Lamont) | INDEX Film A 842 = Guide

The Forbes papers, 1723-1931.
Microforms (Lamont) | Film A 896 Reels are numbered 1-47 but also include 18-A, 27-A, 28-A, 30-A, 32-A, 34-A, 36-A, 37-A, 39-A, and 47-A for a total of 57 reels.
Microforms (Lamont) | INDEX Film A 896 = Guide

Originals in the Massachusetts Historical Society. Descriptive article: Manuscripts on the American China Trade at the Massachusetts Historical Society.