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[The Ordinance of secession for the state of South Carolina]

Exact lithographic copy of the original manuscript ordinance with reproduced signatures of those who voted for the act. Printed by Evans and Cogswell, by act of the South Carolina assembly. "...An ordinance to dissolve the Union between the State of...

GLC00395

Is Davis a traitor, or, Was secession a constitutional right previous to the war of 1861?

Written by Albert Taylor Bledsoe, a former Northerner and friend of Davis. First edition published by Innes & Co. Signed twice by Davis (inside of front cover and on page 61); initialed by his wife Varina Davis. Part of his library. "Reserved copy -...

GLC00432

Acts passed at a Congress of the United States of America...

Containing the Bill of rights. This copy annotated by Assoc. Supreme Court Justice William Cushing; Collation: pi A-B4 C4(-C4)D-Z4 2A1 2B-2C4. With adverts. First 8vo edition and first unofficial edition of Acts passed at a Congress. Cushing's...

GLC00447

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Also signed by Jesse K. Hines, William T. Smyth, S. [R.?] Spencer, and Edward Wilkins. A committee transmits an inscribed silver pitcher, waiter, and goblets to Thomas Holliday Hicks at the end of his term as Maryland Governor. According to the...

GLC00451.07

Speeches, arguments, addresses and letters of Clement L. Vallandigham

First edition published by J. Walter & Company. Presentation copy inscribed by Vallandigham on a yellow free (nearly) endpaper to his friend, the actor Edward Forrest, in Dayton, Ohio on 12 January 1866. With photograph as frontis. Vallandigham of...

GLC00476.01

The Commissary of Foreign Affairs to the Minister Planipotentiary of the United States of America

Transcribed letter, with response, declining government-subsidized housing as it contradicts the Constitution. Philibert Buchot was Commissary of Foreign Affairs for the French Republic in 1794. Monroe was Minister to France from 1794-1796. Serves...

GLC00496.065.02

Constitution [printing of first draft, docketed by James Wilson]

First two leaves in facsimile, with docketed wrapper. Committee of Detail printing. First draft. Wilson chaired the Committee of Five which drafted this copy of the Constitution. With one correction in Wilson's hand. Docket on blank wrapper:...

GLC00528

to Elbridge Gerry

Comments on an impending lawsuit. Discusses Virginia Governor Patrick Henry's recent request to Congress for assistance against the Indians and the problems it poses for the federal government : "as the ultimate decision of Congress upon the...

GLC00529.01

to A. C. Paige

Discusses slavery and the Union in relationship to politics. States, in part: "Whilst we cling to the Union we must yield to our sister states all that was intended to be secured to them by the Constitution." Also discusses publication of the letter...

GLC00529.04

The address of the Hon. Abraham Lincoln [Cooper Institute address]

Disbound. First edition but third printing of remarks. Annotated by Cephas Brainerd and Charles C. Nott. Not in Sabin but related to B41160. Known as the Cooper Union (Cooper Institute) address. This speech in New York was instrumental in...

GLC00533

to Joshua Clayton

Marked "Circular" and possibly sent to each state. Encloses papers (not present) containing the speech of the late governor, John Hancock, and the proceedings of the legislature of Massachusetts. Resumes Hancock's argument against the Supreme Court's...

GLC00575

to James W. Wall

In the letter, James Buchanan is attacking Radical Republicans, whom he sees as self-destructive. Also discusses strengthening the Democrats in New Jersey, and Johnson's failed veto on the Civil Rights Act.

GLC00576

to General C.J. Wright

In the letter, Jefferson Davis writes about his political future and Reconstruction. Davis upholds the secessionist notion of the Union: "The word Union implies volition among the members...." The location where the letter was written is possibly...

GLC00578

[Press release of an address by President Franklin Roosevelt at the dedication of a monument honoring George Rogers Clark]

Headed by a request by Presidential Assistant Secretary Stephen Early that the press release be held as confidential until 10:30 of that day, with Early's printed signature. The President states that Clark began his expedition with a religious...

GLC00625

to Robert Tyler

John Tyler writes to his son, Robert Tyler. He discusses the defeat of Judge Campbell, who had been rejected because he was a Roman Catholic: "to make a man's religious opinions the test for office is to break down the fairest and most beautiful...

GLC00639.24

Gazette of the United States. [No. XLVII (September 23, 1789)]

Reports on the Senate proceedings and prints twelve proposed amendments to the Constitution, an early form of the Bill of Rights. Reports on a debate in the House of Representatives on judicial salaries. Contains news from Europe, including the...

GLC01063

Proposed amendments to the US Constitution (with transmittal)

Accompanied by a transmittal document 1795/12/15. Swem, Virginia Imprints 7834. Evans 29798. Signed by H. Brooke and John Stewart.

GLC01075

to unknown

Briefly states that "sovereign states cannot rebel."

GLC01089

The Pennsylvania packet, and daily advertiser. [No. 3300 (August 28, 1789)]

Prints seventeen proposed amendments to the Constitution. Reports on activities in the House of Representatives and news from around the country and Europe. Contains many advertisements.

GLC01129

Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture

One photograph montage dated January 31, 1865 entitled, "Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture." Reverse side contains a key for each senator photographed. Those photographed had voted to prohibit slavery. (see another copy in the Powell...

GLC01230

Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture

One photograph montage dated January 31, 1865 entitled, "Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture." Reverse side contains a key for each senator photographed. Those photographed had voted to prohibit slavery. (see another copy in the Powell...

GLC01230.01

Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture

One photograph montage dated January 31, 1865 entitled, "Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment Picture." Reverse side contains a key for each senator photographed. Those photographed had voted to prohibit slavery. (see another copy in the Powell...

GLC01230.02

The Conscription Act: a Series of Articles Communicated to the Journal of Commerce

Pamphlet No. 40 in a series published by the Loyal Publication Society of New York. Printed by W. C. Bryant & Co. The essays, numbered 1, 2, and 3, were published on November 18th, 21st, and 24th respectively.
Written in response to the decision...

GLC01265.03

Against the Degradation of the States: an Oration Delivered Before the Peace Democracy, at Canton, Stark County, Ohio, July 4, 1863

Published at the request of the Democrats. Argues that the recognition of the South is inevitable. Proclaims that the federal government is attempting to overthrow the sovereignty of the Confederate States. Emphasizes the right and constitutional...

GLC01265.17

President Lincoln's views

May 16, 1863 resolutions from a group of New York Democrats led by Erastus Corning, along with Lincoln's response. The committee argues that the arrest of Clement L. Vallandigham of Ohio for treason had violated the latter's rights under the...

GLC01265.19

Address of the Hon. William Whiting before the Boston Highlands Grant Club, August 5, 1868

Published by A. Williams and Company. Criticizes Andrew Johnson for taking over congressional authority and compares him to Napoleon Bonaparte. Discusses the constitutionality of the reconstruction acts. Accuses the Democratic Party of having a...

GLC01265.33

The Amendment of the federal Constitution : an Address Before the
Christian Association for National Reformation, of Southern Illinois by James Wallace, in Rev. S. Wylie's Church, Eden, November 8, 1864.

Argues that the constitution needs to be amended "so as to become the fundamental law of a christian republican government." States that when the Southern states seceeded from the Union, they were not only rejecting the authority of the...

GLC01265.38

to William J. Whittford

He writes on the Christian faith and God's will which has carried them to this point in the war. He refers to the Garrison abolitionists and their motto: "The United States Constitution is a covenant with death and an agreement with hell."

GLC07205.103

Gazette of the United States. [Vol. 2, no.20 (June 19, 1790)]

Whole no. 124. re: Notice of Rhode Island's ratification of the Constitution; Washington's letter to Hebrew Congregation of Savannah; etc.

GLC07270

to Gertrude Ely

Notes that he shares Ely's "impatience and amusement" with the Molly Pitcher Club. Discusses attempts to alter the Volstead law and his personal opposition to prohibition. But because of his belief in popular government he must respect the law....

GLC07319

to Robert Adams

Thanks Adams, possibly an underground railroad conductor, for the invitation to Independence Day events at Fall River, Massachusetts, but cannot make it. Sends his sentiments instead which he calls trite but necessary. "Defenders of the...

GLC07356.01

to Ralph Site

Fulfills a request for a prospectus of the course of study available at Washington College, where Lee served as president. In a letter on the verso of the printed prospectus, Lee comments that he was obliged for Site's 1859 report to the Ohio...

GLC07542

to David Stuart

Washington thanks Stuart for his observations on the fitness of the Potomac for the fur trade with China. Asks if Stuart has informed Colonel John Fitzgerald and Colonel Howe of his observations and inquires if he gave them reason to believe those...

GLC07546

to Mr. Cheetham re: negotiations over 12th amendment

"No serious evil can result from the designs of the little faction which has existed for a short time previous to the presidential election [of 1800], & which is governed by no principle but is solely devoted to the aggrandisement of an individual."...

GLC07557

to James Madison re: correcting journals of Constitutional Convention

GLC07648

to Edmund Randolph re: debating legality of relocating Congress

GLC07677

Speech written by Chase for Andrew Johnson after Lincoln's assassination

"Oppressed by their sorrow and profoundly conscious how much I shall need the support and faith of my countrymen, I have take the Oath prescribed by the Constitution, and have entered upon the duties of the great office so suddenly, and so sadly made...

GLC07686

to James Madison

Responds favorably to the work done at the Annapolis Convention and since. Explains why he cannot attend the Constitutional Convention. He was re-elected president of the Society of Cincinnati, whose meeting coincides with the convention....

GLC07699

Message from the President of the United States... [Pardon proclamation]

Pardon proclamation justifying his constitutional right to pardon, noting similar proclamations from previous presidents.

GLC07725

to C. W. Hanson

Writes briefly of their correspondence and paying a bill for "spring wheat" he purchased. Discusses his candidacy for president in the 1840 election. Mentions Henry Clay, who was a candidate for the Whig nomination, and says he was informed there...

GLC07732.01

to Edward Livingston, Esq.

Discussing his opinions on the Sedition act. In part: "...My text of explanation would be this. The President is to heave the laws executed. He may order an offense then to be prosecuted. If he sees a prosecution put into a train which is not...

GLC07869

Brown v. Topeka Board of Education. Inscribed to Peter H. Brandt.

The Supreme Court's Decision declaring segregated schools unconstitutional.

GLC07940

To: Samuel Huntington

Forwarding proposed Bill of Rights for ratification to Governor of CT. with Huntington docket on verso.

GLC07973

to Joseph Conn Guild

"It is true in politics as in morals, that those who are not for us are against ... I have long believed, that it was only by preserving the identity of the Republican party, as embodied and chracterised by the principles of Mr. Jefferson that the...

GLC07986

Opinion of the Attorney-General on the act entitled "An Act For The Relief of Fitz-John Porter."

Brewster examined the bill for the restoration of Fitz-John Porter to the Army. In conclusion, states: "The bill is subject to objection, upon the ground that it is to be filled by a particular individual named. If this principle were adopted...

GLC08444

Resolutions of the Legislature of Vermont, in relation to Kansas.

House of Representatives mis. doc. no. 103 (34th Congress, 1st session). Willard, Secretary of State for Vermont, certifies these as a true copy of resolutions passed by Vermont in December 1855. Reprinted by Congress in May 1856. "Resolved, that...

GLC08452.03

Memorial of Major General Andrew Jackson

Rejoinder to a senate report that investigated Andrew Jackson's justification for taking possession of Pensacola and St. Marks in Florida during the first Seminole War and deemed it "against the laws and constitution of his country." Jackson argues...

GLC08605.01

Gazette of the United States. [No. LXVIII (December 5, 1789)]

Reports on the French Revolution (dated 7 October 1789) and North Carolina's ratification of the Constitution. Also contains articles on a severe fire in Philadelphia, news from Europe, congratulations for George Washington on becoming president...

GLC08761

to Jared Sparks

Sends a copy of a draft of a farewell speech (not included) George Washington had prepared "when he meditated a retirement at the expiration of his first term," and its relationship to his "Farewell Address." Also discusses authorship of the...

GLC08929

to Samuel Medary

Writes about the Fugitive Slave Act: "...the law of 1850...is the most unwarrantable violation of the rights and sovereignty of the states we have ever witnessed. The South, in my opinion, are committing a fatal error in urging and insisting on this...

GLC09070

to Benjamin Rush

Lengthy discussion of virtue and politics, reflecting on "slander" from his opponents. Tacitus' adage: "Posterity gives to every man his true honor," " has some Truth in it... but it is by no means an universal Aphorism; nor do I believe it to be...

GLC09107

Papers of George May Powell [decimalized]

The George May Powell collection contains personal and family correspondence. Also included are business papers relating to his Thirteenth Amendment anti-slavery photograph, his inventions, and his publications; a diary, letters, and essays...

GLC00687

[montage of lawmakers who voted for the 13th Amendment]

montage of lawmakers who voted for the 13th Amendment, George May Powell.

GLC00687.053

to George May Powell

Frank pays a debt to George for the copyright of the photograph and engraving of Congress after passing an amendment.

GLC00687.054

to George May Powell

In response to a deal to sell George May Powell's Great National Picture in Mansfield, Redrussa has only sold one photograph.

GLC00687.055

to George May Powell

He reports his canvass from attempts to sell the photograph with only one order. Circulars have been distributed, and he hopes for more orders.

GLC00687.057

to George May Powell

She wants to clear up confusion about ordering photographs with the retail price. Her soldier agents need money.

GLC00687.058

to George May Powell

He has received the shipment, which did not match the specimen. The packing was not satisfactory and some frames were broken upon arrival. He will wait to continue canvassing until he receives satisfactory pictures.

GLC00687.059

to George May Powell

This is a request for publications with a promise to write soon.

GLC00687.060

to George May Powell

She has worked with a young man who has taken advantage of their copyright, printing pictures without permission. She asks George if she can print a large picture to fit an oval frame to then sell.

GLC00687.061

to George May Powell

She expresses concern about a miscommunication about subscribers' preferences pertaining to the lighter and darker copies. Many potential subscribers wanted to see the actual images before buying. A missing picture was traced through a missing agent...

GLC00687.062

to George May Powell

He is anxious to hear about the shipment of replacement images.

GLC00687.063

to George May Powell

Enoch Williams has received the reshipped package and has delivered the pictures. He has finished working for George May Powell, but if Powell agrees to reduce the price, he would again sell for him.

GLC00687.064

to George May Powell

This message from the printer says that they plan to use the image first in their journal and then as a circular.

GLC00687.065

to George May Powell

She is anxious to hear back from George and wants to know how other agents are responding. She is pleased with the response of the oval walnut frame.

GLC00687.066

to George May Powell

This is an order for more photographs.

GLC00687.067

to George May Powell

She writes to settle accounts and past bills. She refers to her agent, to whom she has promised a larger commission, who would like to begin canvassing in Chester County. She wonders if her husband, who will soon go to Vermont, should establish an...

GLC00687.068

to George May Powell

She wants to settle past bills and is concerned about heavy expenses.

GLC00687.069

to George May Powell

He is anxious to move forward selling pictures, but would like to first advertise extensively, working in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Minnesota.

GLC00687.070

to George May Powell

Samuel H. Peck requests a full description of the National Picture of the voters of the Constitutional Amendment.

GLC00687.071

to George May Powell

A.F. Williams writes about the deal they made the last time George May Powell was in the city, that Powell would assume all liabilities and would pay half of all profits from the sale of pictures. A strict account should be kept of all sales.

GLC00687.073

to Daniel Adams

Writes to his father about opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Daniel Adams, Jr. was town clerk and his father was a delegate at the state convention.

GLC00799

Constitution and Constitutional Convention archive [decimalized]

This collection of Pierce Butler's papers from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 provides unique views of the various conflicts that permeated the Constitutional Convention, while bringing to life the process of creating the United States...

GLC00819

Constitution [First printing of second draft] [Committee of Style]

Second draft of the Constitution, by the Committee of Style, printed on recto of each leaf and tied (leaves 1-2 only) with a ribbon, uncut and unbound. With the notes of Pierce Butler. Originally bound with blue ribbon. Document has creasemarks along...

GLC00819.02

Convention papers

Butler's wrapper and titlepage for these papers.

GLC00819.03

[Pierce Butler: Notebook from the Constitutional Convention]

Four pages of text with 12 blank pages and extensive doodles and calculations on the last page of the conjugate sheet. The notebook contains resolutions of May 30, and comments of Gerry, Wilson and Madison from June 6 to June 16. Continued by 819.09...

GLC00819.04

Quota of tax and delegates by States

Written on recto of first leaf only, a list beginning "Virginia," that indicates its population and ratio of delegates (for representation in Congress).

GLC00819.05

[State of the resolutions submitted by... Mr. Randolph...]

Changes to the Virginia Plan as agreed to by "a committee of the Whole House." In Secretary to the Convention William Jackson's hand per CH. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.06

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation....

"Jersey" -docket on p.8. Full transcript of the New Jersey Plan in hand of Robert Lansing, Jr.. Charles Hamilton thought this document might be written in the hand of Spaight, but SK identified later as John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.07

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation.... [partial]

In Butler's hand. A partial transcription of the New Jersey plan.

GLC00819.08

Notebook: Comments of the Delegates

A long, narrow notebook, once probably a single folded sheet of paper, now two separate items. The notebook records comments by Lancey [Lansing], Patterson, Randolph, Hamilton, Wilson, Madison, Williams, Sherman and Ellsworth. The first item consists...

GLC00819.09

The Supreme Legislative power of the United States of America...

Hamilton's constitutional plan for two legislative bodies, as Assembly and Senate, and a permanently elected executive. In the hand of John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.10

Proposition... from Mr. Franklin [and] Proposition from Mr. Rutledge

Franklin/Rutledge proposals with population figures. Docketed: "Proposition from Doctor Franklin June 30, 87- with sundry reports & Calculations from two Committees." Franklin proposed an equal number of delegates for the second branch of government...

GLC00819.11

And to make all Laws, not repugnant to this Constitution....

Half sheet of paper signed "P. Butler." A brief fragment concerning Congress' power to legislate. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.12

All demands... against the United States

Quarter sheet of paper. Confirming the validity of debts incurred by the previous Congress which will devolve upon the new legislature. With addition in a different hand "The Legislature shall fulfill the Engagements and discharge the Debts of the...

GLC00819.13

The Legislature shall fulfill the foreign engagements...

Quarter sheet, docketed on verso: "The Creditors." The word "foreign" inserted above in pencil. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.14

The regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Half sheet regarding the federal government's regulation of ports. Blank on verso. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.15

But no regulation of Commerce or Revenue...

Quarter sheet related to #819.15. Denies the federal government the right to give favor to the ports of one state over another. Note that this contradicts #819.15. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.16

Objections to the Constitution as far as it has advanced...

Lists eleven objections to the Constitution (the 12th has been struck). Docket reads "Objections to the Constitution / by Mr. Randal."

GLC00819.18

[Various proposals:] The Council of State...

Large folio sheet. Unidentified handwriting. Also re: import duties, revenues, limiting terms and appointments of elected officials including the President, limits on the executive pardon authority and a rejected clause concerning revenues.

GLC00819.19

The Members of the Legislature shall be ineligible to any Office...

Quarter sheet concerning eligibility for offices. Date from Hutson

GLC00819.20

Money Bills [and] Trade [with Pinckney anecdote]

Mentions the rejection of a clause rejecting the origination of money bills; also, additions concerning debts for the common defense, rejecting taxes of limited duration, trade, age and birth requirements for President. With a Charles Pinckney story...

GLC00819.21

Free persons, those bound to servitude for a term of years...

Two fragments written on front and back of a quarter sheet of paper. The front has part of the 3/5's clause. On verso begins "Prov'd that no Monopoly be granted"

GLC00819.22

Resolved... Territory of the States is too extensive to Consist of one Republic

Recommends dividing the states into three allied republics.

GLC00819.23

[Notes on debate]: Whether the States Vote Equally or not....

Half sheet of paper. Not dated in Hutson. Debate concerning the equality of votes of the states and the danger to small states posed by large ones.

GLC00819.24

In all Cases of Capture from an Enemy...

Folded small folio. Fragments concerning trade and limitations on the judiciary's office, with an unfinished resolve. (J. Whatman countermark in paper)

GLC00819.25

The Merryman habeas corpus case, Baltimore. The proceedings in full and opinion of Chief Justice Taney. The United States Government a military despotism.

Prints the proceedings of the Merryman case and Chief Justice Roger B. Taney's decision that Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus was unconstitutional.

GLC00833

to Nathaniel Freeman

Adams criticizes the unexpected marriage of a mutual friend. He mentions the female population in Newbury-Port and other personal matters. He discusses the intended judiciary system and comments that it will take many alterations and additions before...

GLC00881

Introduction to the History of America [first book printing of the Constitution]

Printed by Young & McCulloch. Student's textbook, heavily annotated. The Constitution appears in back with separate titlepage and pagination.

GLC00920

Resolution to amend Article II [Election of President]

Printed by John Fenno. The proposal was never enacted.

GLC00927.01