1842 antique TRAVEL POEM JOURNAL WILLITS phila pa SHIP STAR SPANGLED BANNER For Sale

1842 antique TRAVEL POEM JOURNAL WILLITS phila pa SHIP STAR SPANGLED BANNER
SCROLL DOWN for MORE PHOTOS in DESCRIPTION
ClickHEREto view or search ANTIQUE.COTTAGE listings.

Original 1842–1853 handwritten journal and literary album of James Willits of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This substantial notebook measures approx. 6.5" x 8.5", with 100+ pages of beautifully penned writings, poems, essays, and travel narratives in period ink. The covers are detached but included, showing early marbled boards and spine remnants. The interior remains intact, containing a rich mixture of patriotic, poetic, travel, and social commentary.

Contents & Highlights

Travel Writing:
Willits records a firsthand steamboat journey from Philadelphia to Wilmington on July 5, 1842. His account blends patriotic pride with vivid descriptions of scenery and celebration:
“I stepped upon the deck of a crowded steamboat which was about to depart…Part of the lower deck was occupied almost exclusively by ladies, a perfect collection of beauty.”
Along the Delaware, he observes both shores:
“The low and futile surface of Jersey, the hill and irregular view with its beautiful scenery on the Pennsylvania side.”
Patriotism fills the scene:
“A crowd of stalwart and sunburned marines were gazing from her side upon us. Whilst the Star Spangled Banner floated proudly on the waters.”
The trip ends with fireworks and light:
“Fireworks in most beautiful colors, whilst Camden was almost illuminated by the frequent discharges of rockets as if in rivalship.”

Historical Reflections:
Revolutionary War memory, including Colonel Greene’s stand at Fort Mifflin:
“Celebrated for the battle fought and gained in the Revolution by Colonel Greene who inflicted on the enemy a loss of 400 men with their commander.”

Poetry & Literary Pieces:
Multiple long original poems and verse, including The Indian Death Song, Recollections of Childhood, Humanity in Distress, The Wish, and Musings on Franklin’s Grave.
Examples include:
“Raise the war cry loud and high, for the tomahawk is nigh…Death, though near, I will not fear.”
and
“O Franklin, ever immortal! Rest, and yet though gone, I stand upon thy grave and recall thy worth.”

Social Clubs & Meetings:
Records the Morton Social Club meeting of 1843, a rare glimpse into early Philadelphia social life:
“The large and respectable meeting convened at Mrs. Pharo’s…The roll was read, it embraced the names of individuals well known to the community.”

Later Additions (1850s–1861):
The notebook remained in use for nearly two decades, with poems continuing into the 1850s and early 1860s. The final entry (1861) closes with a reflective verse:
“The darkest hour brings the morn…For though all are the tears, bright shines is the dawn.”

This is far more than a poetry copybook — it is a literary, patriotic, and travel journal of antebellum Philadelphia, blending personal reflection with Fourth of July steamboat travel, Revolutionary battlefield memory, Native American verse, and Franklin’s legacy. The mix of travel writing and patriotic imagery makes this a standout piece of 19th-century Americana.

the author appears to be a Philadelphia youth or literary-minded individual who compiled journal entries, poetry, travel writing, and social records over the years 1842–1861.

Authentic period piece related to family, historyor local heritage - well-suited for historical collections, genealogical /genealogy research, or museum acquisition.Vintage or Antique.



CONDITION: See listing description and photos.































- International buyers are responsible to pay VAT or other Taxes to their countries as required.

- collects and remits sales tax on behalf of several states.If you are a dealer, you can write to to file a form to become tax exempt.
LOC:
LOC2: BOOKBOX35-TMKTK-E250824BTA218