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The American Magazine.

Contains six monthly issues. Billed as "Containing a Miscellaneous Collection of Original an other Valuable Essays, in Prose and Verse, and Calculated both for Instruction and Amusement." A quote underneath the title reads: "Science the guide, and...

GLC03462

to Sister

Expresses dismay about the news of his father's sickness. Complains of the cold weather, remarking that "if they dont put us in Winter Quarters this winter we will all be dead before spring." Written on stationery with embossed image of soldier...

GLC03523.08.21

to James M. Maitland

Informs his brother that he has purchased a farm 300 acres from Blair County. States, "Now in regards to Politics: I am an administration Democrat Squatter...Sovernty I care nothing about...any political doctrine that will not suit East west north &...

GLC03523.10.023

to Elhanan M. Mast

Reports to his brother-in-law that he has heard of the defeat at Manassas Junction, which took place on 21-22 July 1861, professing that the version of the story that he heard was much exaggerated. Informs him that Captain Baldwin's company has...

GLC03523.10.033

to Elhanan M. Mast

Relays to his brother that Hugh Jewett has accepted the Democratic nomination. Remarks that "the opposition is making great Lamentation over the Nominations and are endeavoring to make Capital by saying that the Democrats are opposed to the war, when...

GLC03523.10.034

to [James M. Maitland]

Tells his brother that he has been happily working at the Rolling Mill, where he has made 900 dollars. He is also in good health. Reports on farm activities and comments that their uncle, James Maitland died two years ago. States, "Conflict has come...

GLC03523.10.062

to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes, "There is considerable excitement in the Political atmosphere. The Republicans have nominated rather a strong ticket headed by John Brough for Governor and Charlie Anderson of Texas notoriety for Lieut Gov." Recently read a speech by Brough...

GLC03523.10.067

to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to "cousin," possibly Joseph M. Maitland, based on content. Writes, "I made a Union Speech which was well received by all except Vallandighammers of whom I will notice before I close... I am all over for Brough the union Candidate for Gov. & I...

GLC03523.10.099

to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs his son, "We... have noticed by the papers that Rosencrans [sic] is pushing after the [Rebl] army and has possession of Chattanooga and that Burnside with his army has taken Cumberlan [sic] Gap with 2,000 Prisoners and 19 guns, and had also...

GLC03523.10.103

Speech of Salmon P. Chase, in the case of the colored woman Matilda

Speech given before an Ohio court, arguing for the freedom of a slave named Matilda. Argues that Matilda should be free now that she is in Ohio, and argues that the Fugitive Slave Act is unconstitutional. Matilda had been brought before the court...

GLC05114

Kanzas and the Constitution.

Printed by Damrell & Moore. Written by "Cecil," a pseudonym of Sidney G. Fisher. First published in the Philadelphia North American 31 July 1856, and copied into the Boston Daily Advertiser 18 August 1856.

GLC05116.17

The fugitive slave bill: its history and unconstitutionality

Gives various arguments why the Fugitive Slave bill should be declared unconstitutional. Also tells the story of James Hamlet, a mulatto arrested under the law despite protests that he was not a slave. Eventually Hamlet was returned to freedom....

GLC05118

Message from the President [re: ratification of the 11th Amendment]

"Message from the President... Concerning the suability of states, in pursuance of a Resolution of the two houses, of the second of March last." First edition, printed by order of the House of Representatives.

GLC05161

Constitutions of the United States of America [adds Vermont]

"The Constitutions of the United States; according to the latest amendments; to which are annexed, the Declaration of Independence; and the federal constitution; with the amendments thereto. This edition contains the Constitution of Vermont, not in...

GLC05166

to John Andrew Shulze

Printed resolution signed by Parris as Governor of Maine to Pennsylvania Governor John Andrew Shulze. Certified by A. Nichols as Maine's Secretary of State. First page claims he is passing along a copy of a resolution passed by the legislature of...

GLC05191

to John Sullivan

Transmits a copy of the proceedings of the Massachusetts ratifying convention for the Constitution. Notes that the Convention recommended amendments and alterations to the Constitution.

GLC04362

Resolves of the General Court of... Massachusetts

Contains messages of Gov. James Bowdoin on Shays' Rebellion and discussion re: appointing representatives to the Constitutional Convention

GLC04395

Letter on publishing Cooper Institute address, with pamphlet [decimalized]

GLC04436

to Charles C. Nott re: publishing Cooper Institute address (for 1860 election)

Lincoln's letter to Nott concerning the Nott-Brainerd edition of the Cooper Institute address. While gracious for the time they have spent in correcting and annotating his speech, Lincoln is quite adamant that the speech is not to be altered so as to...

GLC04436.01

The Address of... delivered at Cooper Institute [ed. by C.C. Nott & C. Brainerd]

Printed by George F. Nesbitt & Co. Edited by Charles C. Nott and Cephas Brainerd and issued by the Young Men's Republican Union of New York. This pamphlet is collateral to Lincoln's letter to Nott, taking him to task for taking liberties in editing...

GLC04436.02

Collection of materials related to Lincoln's Cooper Institute speech 27 February 1860 [Decimalized]

GLC04471

National politics: Speech of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, delivered at the Cooper Institute, Monday, Feb 27, 1860.

Published by the New York Tribune as Tribune Tracts No. 4. Lincoln addresses the most pressing issue of the day, slavery, and attacks the view put forth by Stephen Douglas and others that slavery was founded by the forefathers of the country. He...

GLC04471.01

Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, in vindication of the policy of the framers of the Constitution and the principles of the Republican Party. . .

Title continues "Delivered in the Cooper Institute, Feb. 27th, 1860, issued by the Young Men's Republican Union (659 Broadway, New York) with notes by Charles C. Nott & Cephas Brainerd." Signed by Nott and Brainerd on title page. Printed by George...

GLC04471.03

Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, in vindication of the policy of the framers of the Constitution and the principles of the Republican Party. . .

Title continues "Delivered in the Cooper Institute, Feb. 27th, 1860, issued by the Young Men's Republican Union (659 Broadway, New York) with notes by Charles C. Nott & Cephas Brainerd." Printed by George F. Nesbitt & Co., Printers and Stationers...

GLC04471.04

The Cooper Union Address given by Abraham Lincoln in the Great Hall of The Cooper Union in New York February 27, 1860

With an introduction written by Leroy H. Buckingham, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English, The Cooper Union. Published by The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, 1960. Buckingham's introduction discusses Lincoln's political...

GLC04471.09

[Announcement of Confederate troops entering Kentucky]

Confederate Major General Kirby Smith announcing that the Confederate Army "has again entered your territory, under my command." Says they are not coming as invaders, but under the principle that govenment derives its powers from the governed. Says...

GLC04507.02

"A JOINT RESOLUTION..."

Full title reads "A JOINT RESOLUTION, RESPECTING THE GRADUAL EMANCIPATION OF SLAVES, AND COLONIZATION OF PEOPLE OF COLOR WITHIN THE UNITED STATES." Respecting the Graduate Emancipation of Slaves, and Colonization of People of Color Within the United...

GLC04521

[Oath of allegiance]

An oath of allegiance pledging to defend the Constitution of the United States, the union of the states, and to abide by all laws passed to emancipate slaves. The document is signed by Isham Bailey and witnessed by Andrew B. Conly. With 5-cent...

GLC04522.08

[Certifying copy of New York resolution ratifying Fourteenth amendment]

A true copy certifying that New York State has ratified the Fourteenth Amendment, a copy of which is on the second page.

GLC04556

to John Andrew Shulze

Printed resolution from the Indiana State Legislature opposing an amendment to the United States Constitution proposed by the Georgia Legislature that would restrict the movement of free blacks and manumitted slaves. First page signed by Hendricks...

GLC04565

to James W. Eldridge

Discusses his service in the Confederate army, acquaintances with famous Confederate generals, and worries about the future of the nation. "Bad blood is brewing and must be let to keep quiet. Our Constitution is a good things among friends, but...

GLC04210.05

Independent chronicle and the universal advertiser. [Vol. XIX, no. 987 (September 27, 1787)]

Prints a copy of the Constitution and reports activities at the Constitutional Convention. Also contains an article on "the Means of promoting Federal Sentiments in the United States," various news items, and advertisements. This was a special...

GLC04221

to Dabney H. Maury

Discusses the Southern Historical Society, its publications, and the disqualification of Confederate Army and Navy Officers from Virginia State Office under the 14th Amendment.

GLC04228

Setting date for first election & commencing proceedings under U.S. Constitution

Printed broadside signed as Sec. of Congress.

GLC04300

to Meshech Weare re: sends last journals of Congress, hopes for new government

Signed as Sec. of Congress to the Governor of New Hampshire. Prays that the new government will "promote and secure the happiness, prosperity and glory of the union."

GLC04310

to Stockton Bates

They held "un grand revue du Corps" for a party of visiting English officers, to which he is opposed. Heard about the Gettysburg dedication. Meade has reduced the 8-day ration to 5 because men cannot carry that much. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC03523.23.27

A Defence of the Constitutions of the government of the United States...

New Edition, with a preface extracted from Jedediah Morse's American Geography, describing Adams. Printed by John Stockdale. Bound in contemporary tree calf with gilt edges.

GLC03771.01

Report of the Committee on Federal Relations in Regard to the Calling of a Sovereign Convention

Also on the committee were J.H. Gordon, G.W. Goldsborough, James T. Briscoe, and Barnes Compton. Printed by E.S. Riley in Frederick, Maryland. Opposes all efforts to defeat rebellion in the Confederate States. Says "If a President of the United...

GLC03773.01

[Mr. Thatcher's Speech] [Fragment]

Possibly in Joseph Bradley Varnum's hand. Mentions, via Harrison Gray Otis, the publication of a Constitutional report by Alexander Hamilton. Also notes George Thatcher claim that the "System was deficient" and that he could write a better...

GLC03845.22

to Edward Augustus Stansbury

Adams writes to Stansbury, editor of the "Free Soil Courier" in Burlington, Vermont. Attests "the report of what I said at the Convention in the eighth District, which nominated Mr. Mann, is misrepresented, as every thing is misrepresented which...

GLC03863

to David Ramsay re: new Constitution is a "masterpiece of human wisdom"

GLC04838

[Tariff resolution of North Carolina Constitutional Convention]

Signed as president of the convention, countersigned by John Hunt as secretary. States that the North Carolina Convention decided to neither ratify nor reject the new Constitution, and resolved to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States if...

GLC04839

to Samuel Huntington

Reports on legislative debates and progress in a number of areas, including using western lands to lower the national debt, honoring government securities, Alexander Hamilton's report on Public Credit, and the relationships between state and federal...

GLC04841

Complete set of documents of 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution [decimalized]

GLC04842

to Gen. Assembly of NC re: negotiations over Miss. Navigation, threats to Union

Discusses negotiations over Mississippi navigation, threats to the national Union, finance, convention (for ratifying the Constitution)

GLC04842.03

to Mr. Allibane? re: business, announcing election to Constitutional Convention

GLC04842.04

to Edward Telfair re: condemning the import of Black enslaved people into Georgia

Written as former delegate from Georgia to the current Governor, condemning the importation of Black enslaved people into Georgia as a ploy to increase the state's congressional representation. Portion of embossed tax stamp on bottom of paper. Few...

GLC04842.05

to William Irvine re: finance, opposition to Constitution, Kentucky statehood

GLC04842.06

to Mathew Carey re: proposal to give federal government veto over state laws

Asking for a bound copy of Carey's "Museum" and saying that he cannot provide a copy of his "System" [CP's draft proposals for a constitution] because one copy was laid before the Convention and the other is on-loan. He writes that the proposals...

GLC04842.12

to Samuel Johnstone re: reporting on absent delegate, citing strength of Union

Williamson mentions a French pirate as an example of the states coming together in a Federal Union. Written as a delegate to the governor of North Carolina.

GLC04842.13

to Gen. Elias Dayton (his father) re: business, a military trial

Written to his father, Elias Dayton, who had declined election to the Constitutional Convention in favor of his son, because he himself was serving in Congress. Jonathan Dayton was the youngest member of the convention.

GLC04842.20

to William Irvine re: opposition to Constitution

Stewart writes to Irvine, a Penna. delegate to the Continental Congress: "It is expected by the Anti-Federal Party that very extensive Petitions will be laid before them against the new Constitution. I however think they have abated much in their...

GLC04844

to [William Ellery Jr.] re: contempt for "pure democracy" of R.I. (ratification)

Rhode Island had not ratified the Constitution. Ellery shared Thomson's unhappiness.

GLC04847

First act of Congress. Act to regulate certain oaths, to support Constitution

Printed act of Congress setting the form of oath: "I, A.B. do solemnly swear or affirm (as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States." Certified and Co-signed by Samuel A. Otis as Secretary of the Senate and John...

GLC04856

to James Wilson re: Wilson's role in ratifying Constitution, appointment

Wayne congratulates Wilson on the adoption of the Federal Constitution: "permit me to add that it was to a display of the perfect knowledge you entertained, & the plain elucidation you gave of the components of the System, which caused it to be...

GLC04865

to the Public accusing R.I. legislature of acting "contrary to the Articles"

Probably intended for publication. The essay attacks the Rhode Island legislature for not sending representatives to Congress or the Constitutional Convention. King, who signs himself five times in the text but signs "Procolus" at the end, argues...

GLC04873

Proceedings and debates of... Pennsylvania [with] Debates... on the Constitution

With contemporary ownership signature of Francis Shallus. Convention debates are printed in vols. 1-2 while PA Assembly debates are printed in vol. 3.

GLC04955

An address delivered before the citizens of Worcester.

Discusses the consequences of dissolution of the Union in the immediate aftermath of the Nullification crisis. Written during the Nullification crisis. "I know, indeed, that the dissolution of the Union would be the source of incalculable injury to...

GLC04972

A written and printed version of a letter from William M. Peyton to William Cabell Rives discussing Virginia's secession [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05021

to William Cabell Rives

Colonel Peyton discusses Virginia's recent secession from the Union, stating "I think Virginia would have acted more wisely ... if, with her prestige as the great head of the slave states, she had planted her foot upon the opening lid of this Pandora...

GLC05021.01

[Printed letter to William Cabell Rives discussing Virginia's secession]

Colonel Peyton discusses Virginia's recent secession from the Union, stating "I think Virginia would have acted more wisely ... if, with her prestige as the great head of the slave states, she had planted her foot upon the opening lid of this Pandora...

GLC05021.02

to C. C. Leigh

Writes to Leigh in New York: "It occurs to me, that occasionally there may be colored servant girls- refugees- to be obtained, and that through the National Society, you may have something to do with finding places for them. I should like a good...

GLC05029

to Virginians

Written in Grafton, West Virginia (then Virginia). Brigadier General Morris writes from the Headquarters of the United States Volunteers to issue a proclamation of the Commanding General, Department of Ohio. Declares "I have now the pleasure of...

GLC05046

[Proclamation establishing a provisional government in North Carolina]

Proclamation establishing a provisional government in North Carolina, in which Holden directly addresses the "colored people of the State." Issued by Holden, the first man to be appointed as a provisional governor of any state east of the Mississippi...

GLC05082

to John Franklin, William Hooker Smith, and John Jenkins

Franklin, writing as president of the Pennsylvania Council, discusses the strife in the Wyoming Valley of Pennsylvania, land that was claimed by both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Acknowledges the "affliction" of the Yankee settlers, describes the...

GLC04686

Letter of Gerrit Smith to S.P. Chase, on the unconstitutionality of every part of American slavery

Published by S. W. Green, Patriot Office. Letter was written at Peterboro, New York 1 November 1847. Chase recently disagreed with Smith's resolution at the National Convention of the Liberty party that slavery is unconstitutional. Argues that the...

GLC04717.01

Speeches and letters of Gerrit Smith (from January, 1864, to January, 1865), on the rebellion. Volume II.

Published by the American News Company. Contains Smith's opinion on the Constitution of the United States in relation to the Civil War, the Democratic Party, and other topics.

GLC04717.10

to Governor Chase, Ohio

Smith writes to Salmon Portland Chase, Governor of Ohio, also an abolitionist. Expresses his disappointment in Chase's Inaugural Address: "The habit of the whole country is to justify the pretensions of slavery, and, therefore, to adopt the...

GLC04717.24

Personal Liberty Bill

Begins with a list of the foremost duties of the New York Legislature: to close the dramshops, to prevent withholding suffrage from Black men, and to protect the "weary and heart-broken fugitive slaves" within State limits. Includes an excerpt of a...

GLC04717.27

To the voters of the Counties of Oswego and Madison

Complains that he was nominated for a Congressional seat, a position he did not seek. Assures he will not resign, but will perform his duty, pursuing abolition from his position. Includes his political creed, asserting that slavery is not in the...

GLC04717.36

Gerrit Smith to Susan B. Anthony

Smith writes to Anthony, the legendary activist and reformer: "Why men have the ballot and women hav'nt it, and why they have so much else in which they refuse to let women share, originates in the simple fact, that the superior physical strength is...

GLC04717.55

Let crushed Cuba arise! Substance of the speech of Gerrit Smith, in Syracuse, July 4th 1873.

Smith writes, "In our Fourth of July celebrations there are two events, which, far above all other events, we come together to celebrate. One of these is the deliverance of our country, nearly a century ago, from political despotism, and the other...

GLC04717.63

to Samuel Huntington

The governor of New York sends to the governor of Connecticut the New York legislature's proposed amendments to the Constitution (not included). Asks that this draft of the Bill of Rights be circulated in the Connecticut legislature.

GLC04767

to Benjamin Rush re: coming glories of Constitution, future end of slavery & rum

Also concerns his hopes that slavery and alcohol would be abolished (prohibition), and the debate on the power to remove officials from office. He expects that the excise tax on rum will help defend people "against the poison." Concerning New...

GLC04769

Proposed amendments to the Constitution

This document, in a contemporary hand, compiles and compares the proposals of several states. Many of the proposals are in the form substantially used in the Bill of Rights.

GLC04770

to Henry Knox re: considering constitutionality of a Pennsylvania Act

GLC04772.01

to S[amuel?] Holten re: ratification of the Constitution

GLC04772.03

Petition to Abraham Lincoln

re: returning control of the church to Union clergy. With AES of Abraham Lincoln (4 March 1864) re: necessity of separation between church and state; and AES of Maj. Gen. Stephen A. Hurlbut (18 March 1864) re: "no military necessity" for taking...

GLC04813.01

Petition to P.J.D. Irwin

Petition to Army Surgeon P.J.D. Irwin re: attesting to church's Confederate leanings. With endorsement of surgeons in charge of U.S. general military hospitals (11 March 1864) and AES of P.J.D. Irwin (14 March 1864).

GLC04813.02

An Act relative to a convention ratifying the Constitution

John Carter imprint.

GLC03609

State of Rhode-Island, and Providence-Plantations. In General Assembly, October Session, 1788.

This document is a copy of a proposed amendment to the proposed Constitution that was distributed to town-clerks throughout Rhode Island to provide information about what progress was being made towards ratification. This particular broadside...

GLC03610

to John Switzer

Written from Ashland, Clay's estate, to Switzer at Union Bridge, Frederick County, Maryland. Replying to a request from Switzer, Senator Clay discusses his opinions on colonization and slavery. Refers Switzer to an address he gave to the...

GLC03725

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. Says he has sent Asa three letters since his last letter of 14 January, even though he has not received any of them. Reports that "the army are alive with joy and excitement here over with the good news from the...

GLC03742.06

to Asa Smith

Written by William to his brother Asa. References receiving Asa's letter. Hopes the mud is no deeper than it is where he is. Says he almost got stuck with a team of 6 horses at Arlington. Says "25 negroes went out beyond our camp to cut wood for the...

GLC03742.07

to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. Mentions high winds that blew through camp recently. Says in less than a half hour half the tents in camp were down, and by evening there were only 10 left standing. Says they were ordered to...

GLC03742.09

[Resolutions in the Virginia House of Delegates recommending additional Amendments to Constitution][copy]

Instructs Virginia senators and representatives in the U.S. Congress to "unite their utmost exertions" to obtain the following constitutional amendments included: 1. treaties that become law must be ratified by the House; 2. impeachments be conducted...

GLC03764

Va. Resolutions recommending amendment to bar aliens from Congress

Also asking that aliens be barred from the Judiciary and Executive departments.

GLC03765

Conscience and the Constitution with remarks on the recent speech of the Hon. Daniel Webster in the Senate of the United States on the subject of slavery.

Published by Crocker & Brewster. Stuart, a minister and Professor of Biblical Studies at Andover Seminary (near Boston), justifies slavery using a Biblical argument. Also predicts the economic repercussions of abolition: "Suppose the black...

GLC05845

to William Martin Dickson

Butler, a Union General and Radical Republican, discusses Jacob Dolson Cox's views on creating separate states for former slaves. Informs Dickson, a Republican judge and political figure in Ohio, that "The supposition that the negro can be...

GLC05872

Autograph letterbook of outgoing correspondence, most 1785-88, 1805-8 & 1811-12

Including letters to John Hancock, Patrick Henry, John Jay, Thomas Pickering, John Sullivan, Charles Thomson, James Bowdin, and other State governors regarding military affairs, state customs regulations and the need for interstate coordination...

GLC05896

[Petition of National Continental Union League for union with Canada]

Petition calling for lawful, peaceful and honorable union between the United States and Canada. Says "The time has come when it is desirable that Europe should cease to direct or control the political or domestic affairs or any portion of this...

GLC05900

Semi-weekly standard. [Vol. 11, no. 43 (May 1, 1861)]

Proclamation by Governor of Virginia, Interview with President Lincoln, Position of Judge Douglas. A gubernatorial proclamation repeals Virginia's ratification of the Constitution and proclaims allegiance to the Confederacy. Notes from an interview...

GLC05959.23.05

Confederate Baptist. [Vol. 2, no. 7 (November 18, 1863)]

A letter to the editor discusses the nature of Southern culture, particularly intellectually and religiously. Religious work in different areas is outlined in different letters to the editor on page 1, some in comparison with Presbyterians and...

GLC05959.39.41

Brownlow's Knoxville Whig and rebel ventilator. [Vol. 1, no. 51(February 1, 1865)]

Amendments to the constitution, Last speech of Edward Everett, The enemies of the constitutional amendments are the advocates of secession, An offer to murder President Lincoln, The Blair mission.

GLC05959.50.46

The Tri-weekly telegraph. [Vol. 29, no. 30, whole no. 3683 (May 25, 1863)]

News from Louisiana about the enemy evacuating. Letters from Shreveport, Gen. Henry E. McCulloch. The Constitution versus expediency. The new tax bill. Slave for sale ads.

GLC05959.51.074

Houston tri-weekly telegraph. [Vol. 30, no. 175, whole no. 3839 (November 28, 1864)]

Letter by General Lee to General Grant & Grant to Lee, concerning treatment of negro soldiers, President Lincoln in forthcoming message will recommend the abolition of slavery.

GLC05959.54.10

Houston tri-weekly telegraph. [Vol. 30, no. 208, whole no. 4826 (February 13, 1865)]

The new negro bill.

GLC05959.54.31

to Benjamin Rush re: balanced government under the Constitution

Adams mentions his Defence (just received by Rush) and writes "It is an opinion here that they [the volumes] contributed Somewhat to to restore permanent Tranquility to this Commonwealth, as well as Suppress the pestilent County Conventions...

GLC05289

to Rose Russell [in German]

Signed with initials. Speaks about the spirit of the Constitution and the Fifth Amendment during the McCarthy hearings and argues that "it is a misuse of congressional immunity to carry out practices which rightly belong to the competence of the...

GLC05322

to unknown

Discusses impending trouble between the North and South. Remarks that "the South presents a more united front" than during any other period. Comments extensively on states' rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Discusses some politicians' aim...

GLC05339.04