Writing book of Esther Dopp of Rome, Oneida County, New York. Volume is an eighteen-leaf unlined writing book published by Mack & Chapman of Oxford, Chenango County, New York in 1830. The front cover gives the title "Writing Book," beneath which is printed "Good Penmanship is the neatest accomplishment of the Scholar" and a quote about penmanship from Chesterfield. The line reading "The Property Of" is filled in with "Miss Esther Dopp, Rome, 1831." Beneath this is a woodcut vignette of a man on a beach with plants, his arm reclined on a picture frame, and holding a scroll. Two large woodcuts are on the rear wrapper, one showing an allegorical woman in a chariot pulled by two horses; she is holding ribbons on which are printed "$25000," "$50000," and "$100000." The lower woodcut, signed "D. Throop," shows three soldiers, one on horseback.

A joint commonplace book / friendship album, with poems both written by Esther and others inscribed to her. Most are religious and/or death-related in nature. Some titles include "The Farewell," "On the Death of Miss Mason," "Night," "Indian Oration on the Death of Commodore Decatur," "The New Year," and "She Died in Beauty."

The owner of this volume is believed to be Esther Dopp, born about 1800, Oneida County, New York, died November 11, 1831 in Rome, Oneida County, New York. She was the daughter of Henry and Martha (Gifford) Dopp. She seems to be the best match for the given dates of this writing book, but anyone with additional information should email speccoll@binghamton.edu