Map shows late eighteenth century geographical outlines and major cities in North America, South America, and parts of Africa and Oceania. No scale indicated.

Armide was premiered at the Paris Opéra on September 23, 1777, recalling the earlier success of Lully’s opera of the same name, which premiered nearly a century earlier on February 15, 1686. After collaborating on several reform operas with Calzabigi, Gluck revived the older dramatic tradition of Quinault (Lully's librettist) by setting the older text in the modern musical style. The seventeenth-century five act model requires more continuous music, with few distinct arias, as well as divertissements and spectacular effects. Gluck also respects the tragic conclusion endemic to the model, avoiding the modern practice of the lieto fine ("happy ending") in which misfortunes are reversed at the last possible moment.

Armide was premiered at the Paris Opéra on September 23, 1777, recalling the earlier success of Lully’s opera of the same name, which premiered nearly a century earlier on February 15, 1686. After collaborating on several reform operas with Calzabigi, Gluck revived the older dramatic tradition of Quinault (Lully's librettist) by setting the older text in the modern musical style. The seventeenth-century five act model requires more continuous music, with few distinct arias, as well as divertissements and spectacular effects. Gluck also respects the tragic conclusion endemic to the model, avoiding the modern practice of the lieto fine ("happy ending") in which misfortunes are reversed at the last possible moment.

Map shows geography, settlements, Native American habitation, territorial lines, and political borders in the southern two-thirds of late eighteenth century North America and the West Indies. Relief shown pictorially. No scale noted.

One page of musical score written in black ink.

Portrait of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, wearing a light-colored dress and leaning against columns draped with fabric. A landscape is visible in the background.

1783 edition of Musikalischer Almanach für Deutschland.

Map shows European possessions in the New World, major settlements, islands in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, coast of Portugal, Spain, and Africa. Uncharted northwestern portion of North America is marked "Niet Ontdekte" [not known]. Includes notes on discoveries and explorers with dates. Relief shown pictorially. Scale not given.

The Viennese premiere of Orfeo was extremely well received, and Gluck decided to revise the opera as Orphée et Eurydice for Paris in 1774, with the French adaptation and additions provided by Pierre Louis Moline. The role of Orpheus was lowered slightly for an haute-contre singer (a male operatic voice type more in line with an alto range), adhering to French preferences. The opera was lengthened, to create a more magnificent spectacle, with extra arias, ensembles, and instrumental numbers. Gluck also modified the orchestration to accommodate the orchestra at the Académie Royale de Musique. This version, Orphée et Eurydice, became one of the most popular operas in France.

Petition from Santiago de Jesús Sánchez to Antonio Fabián de Puga asking for compensation for litigation costs over a stolen horse. The document itself is taped along the left edge of the paper.

Sacchini’s first opera for the French stage was Renaud. Although he had the support of Marie Antoinette, Sacchini quickly learned that foreign (especially Italian) composers in Paris faced difficulties. The premiere of Renaud was intentionally delayed in an attempt to highlight Sacchini’s privilege with the queen, and the opera did not enjoy immediate success, even from Piccinni’s supporters. However, Renaud went on to be performed frequently, appearing as late as 1815.

Decrees from Don Diego de Lasaga in which he cites two previous decrees issued by Viceroy Martín de Mayorga Ferrer. The first cited decree says that all lands in obeyance belong to the Crown and no one may use them; the second says that there are no more taxes on imported or or exported flour.

Orders from Santiago de Jesús Sánchez to citizens of Laredo saying that all capable children are to be sent to school to learn the Christian doctrine. According to the order children up to 12 years old who are not well versed in doctrine should go, and there are fines for disobedience.

Engraving of "Ben J. Franklin L.L.D." for European Magazine printed on April 1, 1783. The design is attributed to William Angus and printed by J. Fielding. The engraving shows an image of founding father Benjamin Franklin in a circular frame to replicate a painting by F. Schwediauer.

Petition and report from justicias mayores from five towns to the Viceroy of New Spain. The report tells of continued Indian invasions, and a request for more troops to guard the frontier.

Message and orders from Diego de Lasaga to justicias in the province. de Lasaga's orders call for justicias to be on the watch for wandering merchants stealing cattle from haciendas when owners aren't present.

Message from Leonardo Sánchez de la Barrera asking for restitution of five sold animals. In the document he names culprits and an investigation is ordered, and testimonies are given, etc.

Decree from Santiago de Jesús Sánchez with orders to keep up arms, be on alert for defense of the villa, and a call for a monthly review.

Decree from Santiago de Jesús Sánchez forbidding card playing and gambling, and laying out fines for those who disobey.