James J. Deavenport, "Fires of Montezuma" manuscript
Collection
Identifier: MSS-845-BC
Scope and Content
“The Fires of Montezuma or Legends of the Aztecs" is the manuscript of a romance novel by J. J. Deavenport. The novel is set in New Mexico; Zuni is central to the theme. Parts of this manuscript were serialized in the Aberdeen Weekly in 1911. The story, according to the newspaper, "is worth the reading for its weird fanciful imagings, and superstitions that portray accurately the characteristics of the wild untutored Aborigines." It is uncertain how long the serial ran, and whether or not the entire manuscript made it to print. Typescripts of chapters 1-13, from the Aberdeen Weekly are included.
A comparison of handwriting between this manuscript and documents written/signed by Chief Justice Deavenport, lead to the possibility that the manuscript was not hand written by James J. Deavenport. Perhaps it was transcribed by another hand.
A comparison of handwriting between this manuscript and documents written/signed by Chief Justice Deavenport, lead to the possibility that the manuscript was not hand written by James J. Deavenport. Perhaps it was transcribed by another hand.
Dates
- ca. 1860, 1911
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Due to the fragile nature of the manuscript, duplication is not permitted. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.
Biography / History
James J. Deavenport was appointed Chief Justice of the United States Territorial Supreme Court of New Mexico by President Pierce in August 1853. He resigned the position in July 1858, citing personal reasons, primarily insufficient pay and neither wanting to be apart from his family in Mississippi nor wanting to make New Mexico their permanent home. As a federal judge, Deavenport would have ridden a circuit around New Mexico. His observations undoubtedly led him to write "The Fires of Montezuma or Legends of the Aztecs." Several sources refer to Deavenport as "Davenport."
Sources:
Poldervaart, Arie W. Black-Robed Justice. Historical Society of New Mexico, 1948.
Letters Received by the Attorney General, 1809-1870. Western Law and Order (Bethesda, MD: University Publications of America, 1995). Reel 9.
Sources:
Poldervaart, Arie W. Black-Robed Justice. Historical Society of New Mexico, 1948.
Letters Received by the Attorney General, 1809-1870. Western Law and Order (Bethesda, MD: University Publications of America, 1995). Reel 9.
Extent
1 box (.3 cu. ft.)
Abstract
"The Fires of Montezuma or Legends of the Aztecs" is the manuscript of a romance novel written by J. J. Deavenport, former Chief Justice of the U.S. Territorial Supreme Court in New Mexico. The novel is set in New Mexico; Zuni is central to the theme.
- Title
- Finding Aid of the James J. Deavenport, "Fires of Montezuma" manuscript, ca. 1860, 1911
- Status
- Edited Full Draft
- Author
- B. Silbergleit
- Date
- © 2009
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is in English
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository
Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451
cswrref@unm.edu