This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held in the Wilson Library at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in our reading room, and not digitally available through the World Wide Web. See the Duplication Policy section for more information.
Size | 2.0 feet of linear shelf space (approximately 550 items) |
Abstract | Edward Joseph Hale was editor of the Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer; Confederate officer; United States consul in Manchester, England, 1885-1889; and United States envoy to Costa Rica, 1913-1916. Papers include E. J. Hale's correspondence, letterbooks, and other items relating to his diplomatic posts; his interest in canal projects at the Isthmus (a small amount), in England, and in North Carolina; state and national politics; and family business matters. The collection includes official and personal correspondence with Woodrow Wilson and correspondence of Hale's sons, Thomas Hill Hale and Frederick Toomer Hale, in Fayetteville, N.C., and Santa Cruz, Calif., concerning family business and the Depression, 1928-1936. |
Creator | Hale, E. J. (Edward Joseph). |
Curatorial Unit | Southern Historical Collection |
Language | English |
The following terms from Library of Congress Subject Headings suggest topics, persons, geography, etc. interspersed through the entire collection; the terms do not usually represent discrete and easily identifiable portions of the collection--such as folders or items.
Clicking on a subject heading below will take you into the University Library's online catalog.
Edward Joseph Hale, son of Edward Jones Hale and Sarah Jane Walker, was graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1860 as valedictorian. He worked briefly for his father, who was founding editor of the Fayetteville Observer, before enlisting in the Confederate Army. He achieved the rank of major in the Confederate army and remained in service until his surrender with Lane's Brigade at Appomattox. Because of the Observer's support of the Confederacy, Sherman had destroyed its printing presses, which put a temporary end to the enterprise. After the war, Hale entered a mercantile house in New York, where he eventually became a partner. He moved back to North Carolina in 1875 and, in 1882, reestablished the Fayetteville Observer.
Hale was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention in 1884 for which he drafted a tariff plank for its platform. The following year, he was appointed to the position of consul to Manchester, England, a key post because of extensive cotton trade between the South and the manufacturing interests in that city. After his consulship, Hale became the confidential financial agent of the North England Trust Company and was sent to India to investigate the indigo industry and make investments. From 1890 to 1891, he lived in New York as commissioner of the Manchester Ship Canal in North America.
Hale returned to North Carolina in 1892 and resumed the editorship of the Observer and his position in state politics. In 1894, he was again a member of the North Carolina Democratic Convention, drawing up the National part of the State Platform. He served again in 1896, 1900, 1904 and 1906.
Back to TopThe collection includes correspondence and other papers of E. J. Hale and Hale family members. Included is official and personal correspondence with Woodrow Wilson and with Hale's sons, Thomas Hill Hale and Frederick Toomer Hale, concerning family business and the Depression, 1928-1936. Much of the correspondence while Hale was consul to England relates to immigration to the United States, the Manchester Ship Canal, the indigo industry of India, the 1916 coup d'etat in Mexico, and trade laws. Other papers include special passports and certificates from his consul position, recommendations and endorsements, speeches and articles from both abroad and in North Carolina, newspaper clippings, and some biographical information.
Back to TopArrangement: chronological.
Correspondence in both letterbook form and loose letters, chiefly 1885-1915. After 1920, correspondence is with E. J. Hale's two sons, Frederick Toomer Hale and Thomas Hill Hale, on family business matters and the Great Depression. Also included is correspondence in 1922 on Hale's death and estate.
Arrangement: chronological.
Letterbooks containing the correspondence of E. J. Hale mainly while he was consul at Manchester, England.
Arrangement: chronological.
Correspondence primarily during Hale's years as consul. Most letters discuss international affairs.
Arrangement: topical.
Primarily statements of support, an application, passports, and clearances for the Manchester consul position, with an additional folder of information on Costa Rica.
Arrangement: topical.
Clippings, invitations, and speeches from Hale's career as consul in both England and Costa Rica; speeches and information on projects in North Carolina; and some biographical information.
Image Folder PF-300/1 |
Photographs of E. J. Hale and Mrs. E. J. Hale, ca. 1890-1900 #00300, Series: "4. Pictures, undated." PF-300/1 |
Processed by: Suzanne Ruffing, March 1996
Encoded by: Rachel Canada, May 2004
Updated by: Nancy Kaiser, November 2020
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