Scope and Content Note
The papers of Willard H. Brownson span the years 1859-1932, with the bulk dating from 1867 to 1932, and consist of correspondence, letterpress books, diaries, a cruise book, night order books, scrapbooks, and a watch, quarter, and station bill. The papers chiefly relate to Brownson's naval career, but the scrapbooks also contain obituaries and newspaper clippngs pertaining to members of his family. Included are letters, telegrams, and reports concerning the purchase and testing of warships for the United States Navy, as well as assorted log and cruise books for the ships Detroit (protected cruiser), Monongahela (sloop of war), Tennessee (screw frigate), and Yankee (auxiliary cruiser). The diaries and scrapbooks include numerous entries documenting Brownson's many official and personal dealings with President Theodore Roosevelt, including his resignation from the Bureau of Navigation over the Rixey Affair in 1907.