Collection Search

Report of the arguments of counsel, in the case of Prudence Crandall, Plff. in error, Vs. State of Connecticut, before the Supreme Court of Errors, at their session at Brooklyn, July Term, 1834.

Prudence Crandall, having allowed black children into her school, was tried by the State of Connecticut for violating a law against the education of colored children who were not inhabitants of the State, which required consent of the town of...

GLC09124

Historical and Legal Examination of that part of the decision of the Supreme Court ....

" of the United States in the Dred Scott case, which declares the unconstitutionality of the Missouri Compromise Act, and the self extension of the Constitution to territories, carrying slavery along with it..." New York, D. Appleton and Company...

GLC09126

to George R. Gilman, Governor of Georgia

Letter about the crisis over fugitive slaves and the landmark Supreme Court case, Prigg vs. Pennsylvania, which determined that states were not required to enforce slave laws of other states. From South Carolina Gov. Patrick Noble to Gov. of Georgia...

GLC09141.01

"In Senate...committee on Federal Relations...in relation to an alleged violation, on the part of ...[Maine]

"In Senate...committee on Federal Relations...in relation to an alleged violation, on the part of ...[Maine], of that important provision of the constitution of the United States, concerning the apprehension and trial of 'fugitives from justice.'...

GLC09141.02

Gazette of the United States [Marbury vs. Madison]

Landmark Supreme Court decision reported in the Gazette of the United States. "The Chief Justice this day declared the opinion of the court...on the motion of Mr. G. Lee for a rule to shew cause why a Madamus should not issue to compel James Madison...

GLC09144

The Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser

Letter from "A Free Negro" printed in the Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser. "I am one of that unfortunate race of men who are distinguished from the rest of the human species by black skin and woolly hair, disadvantages of very little...

GLC09151

The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel Webster

Collection of 16 antebellum pamphlets, including several scarce and rare items, touching on the major political topics in post-Jacksonian politics, mainly the future of slavery. Partial contents: "The Great Orations and Senatorial Speech of Daniel...

GLC09233

Susan B. Boomer Diary 1848-1858

Diary of a young woman who left Massachusetts to settle in Bristol, Illinois, with opinions on slavery, patriotism, the Compromise of 1850, and the Fugitive Slave Act. "I spent the night at Uncle James's. During the evening a fugitive slave was...

GLC09292

Review of Lysander Spooner on the Unconstitutionality of Slavery…

Spooner argues that certain "clauses in the United States Constitution universally supposed to refer to and recognize Slavery [have made] 'the preservation, propagation, and perpetuation of Slavery the vital and animating spirit of the National...

GLC09299

Speech.. in the House of Representatives supporting Thirteenth Amendment

Printed by William C. Bryant.

GLC07033.02

Lawmakers who voted aye for the Thirteenth Amendment [Photographic montage]

Oval photograpic montage. The individuals are identified in accompanying wood engraving, Anti-Slavery Constitutional Amendment picture. There is slight damage to the central top edge of the photograph. There is also another copy in the Powell...

GLC07033.03

Speech...House of Delegates of Virginia, on the abolition of slavery

Second edition. Argues the Fugitive Slave Law of 1793 was unconstitiutional in Ohio due to Northwest ordinance.

GLC07035

to Laura Jackson Arnold re: secession and preservation of the Union

"But if after we have done all that we can do for an honorable preservation of the Union, there shall be a determination on our part by the free states to deprive us of our rights which the fair interpretation of the constitution... guarantees to us...

GLC07079

to James Duane

Comments on a visit by Major North, who he describes as "a Genteel young man." Notes an unconfirmed report that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution and hopes it will compel other states to do the same. Criticizes Robert R. Livingston for his...

GLC07109

to Committee of Philadelphians re: defending his actions as President

Written to a Committee, including among others "Asa Packer, Owen Jones, John Cadwalader, Samuel Smith, G. Fox, Andrew Craig, Hiester Clymer and many others." Buchanan, declining an invitation to a public political dinner in Philadelphia...

GLC07124

The Constitution of the United States [Connecticut ratification act printing]

Ratification of the U.S. Constitution, printing the Constitution, with the act of the Connecticut Convention, ratifying it 9 January 1788 at end. Connecticut was the fifth state to ratify the new Constitution. This is presumed to have been printed at...

GLC07142

The Constitution of the United States of America.

Third edition. Published by T. K. & P. G. Collins. Signed by Jefferson Davis on both the first and rear pastedowns. Provides a history of the Constitution, with other documents, state papers and statistics.

GLC07153

to unknown [incomplete]

Writes at length on the relationship between church and state, particularly in regard to unconstitutional tax assessment and the use of public funds to build a Congregational meeting house in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Discusses the Constitution...

GLC07160.01

to Henry Van Schaak

Thanks him for his letter. Regrets that he suffers so much persecution on account of his "adherence to the Episcopal Church." Reminds him that current law protects the free exercise of religion. Stillman is possibly Samuel Stillman, pastor of the...

GLC07160.03

to Loring Andrews

Writes a letter to the editor of the Western Star to condemn the practice of using public funds to pay for parish teachers linked to denominational majorities. Such taxation and town treasury appropriations, he charges, violate the constitutional...

GLC07160.04

to Henry Van Schaack

Advises that there are certain expenses that must be taxed on the Congregationalists. Requests information on the damages and costs resulting from a suit against the town. Sends two Philadelphia newspapers containing the speech of Mr. Sedgwick on...

GLC07160.05

[Notes on taxation and establishment of churches in Massachusetts]

Notes outlining his arguments against the practices of taxation and appropriation of public monies to fund construction of meeting houses and payment of teachers for denominational majorities. Cites the state constitution and its Bill of Rights. In...

GLC07160.06

to John Sherman re: Johnson and Tenure of Office Act

"Whilst I think he wanted the constitutionality of the 'Tenure Act' tested I think now he would be glad either to get the vacancy of Sec. of War or have the office just where it was during suspension."

GLC07166

to unknown

Discusses being deeply involved in family life for the past six months, during which time his daughter was born. Discusses his service as his correspondent's lawyer and mentions an issue his correspondent had with Edmund Randolph. His...

GLC07198

[Men and Women's Emancipation petitions]

Blank, unsigned petitions for the emancipation of slavery. Folded document. First page is titled "Women's Emancipation Petition," second page is titled "Men's Emancipation Petition." Calls on the U.S. House and Senate to abolish slavery throughout...

GLC07202.05

Gazette of the United States. [No. 76 (January 2, 1790)]

re: urging ratification of Bill of Rights in Virginia; "an act providing for the expenses which may attend negotiations with Indian tribes ..." etc.

GLC07268

Gazette of the United states. [Vol. 1, no. 1 (April 15, 1789) - v. 2, no. 109 (April 28, 1790)]

Bound copy consisting of two volumes, 173 issues. Day by day accounts of the beginnings of the Federal Government. The issues have not been bound chronologically. Also, there is an extra issue of Vol. 2, no. 109 bound with the second volume.

GLC07275

to Leverett Saltonstall re: "the Constitutional check of the Senate"

"It is...in the Senate alone, that the friends of our Union, and of its Free Republican Institutions, can find a solid foundation for the cheering hope that they will be preserved and redeemed...the Constitutional check of the Senate, fearlessly and...

GLC07279

to Elbridge Gerry re: people's perspective of the Constitution

"When we begin to practice on a constitution like that which is now before us, we should have men in the administration, who, from principle and habit, are firmly attached to the liberties of the people and the rights of the particular states... I am...

GLC07300

to Henry Bailey re: the 13th Amendment and end of slavery

Written to his son. With pencil underlining. In part: "I cast my last vote...for the 13th Amendment." Accompanied by 3 collateral items: 1) Joseph Bailey, ALS to unknown, 6/4/1885; 2) Sarah? ALS to Joseph Bailey, 12/16/1874 [possibly a Quaker: use of...

GLC07404

A Report of the Debates and Proceedings.... [secession crisis]

Title continued: "...in the secret sessions of the Conference Convention." Broadside for the February 1861 convention proposing 6 constitutional amendments to avoid disunion. Printed by Appleton. Includes extending Missouri Compromise west to...

GLC07421

William Jay and the Constitutional movement for the abolition of slavery.

Written by Bayard Tuckerman. With preface written by John Jay, grandson of John and son of William Jay. Printed by Dodd, Mead & Company. Jay inscribes to the Honorable William Allen Butler, an author, lawyer, and poet.

GLC07440

to Henry Knox Craig

He comments on Andrew Johnson's pending impeachment trial Says, "It seems to me that it is a predetermination to get rid of Mr. Johnson…and the prospect that the Reconstruction Acts may be declared unconstitutional in the decision on the McCardle...

GLC02382.038

Substance of Two Speeches, Delivered in the Senate of the United States on the Subject of the Missouri Bill

Printed pamphlet written by King as an anti-slavery U.S. Senator from New York. King also signed the U.S. Constitution in 1787. King was asked to write the pamphlet, which summarized his two anti-slavery speeches given before the U.S. Senate during...

GLC02384

Abraham Lincoln Interprets the Constitution

excerpts from letters

GLC08880.061

Memorial to Congress, Adopted at a Meeting of Citizens at the Rooms of the Chamber of Commerce

Signed in print by William A. Booth as committee chair and twenty seven other New Yorkers. The memorial, printed a few months before the outbreak of the Civil War, was made in an effort to maintain peace. It appointed a committee that met on 26...

GLC08932

Amendments of the Constitution, submitted to the consideration of the American people.

Argues for constitutional amendments to abolish slavery, establish universal citizenship and prosecute treason. Issued during the ratification process of the Thirteenth Amendment proposes a number of amendments, and discusses them in context of...

GLC08996

An appeal to the women of the United States by the National Woman Suffrage and Educational Committee

Urges women to demand equal rights for themselves, including the franchise, argues that the Constitution gaurantees equal rights to women, and offers a "Decleration and Pledge" for supporters of women's suffrage. Letter also states ways in which...

GLC08999

Copy of Proposed Amendment to the Constitution of the United States

Amendment to the Constitution concerning slavery. "...No amendment shall be made to the Constitution which will authorize or give to Congress the power to abolish or interfere, within any State, with the domestic institutions, including that of...

GLC09040

The Quarterly Law Journal, vol IV, No 3, [163] - 202.

Circuit court case of United States v. Amy, re: slave stealing letter written by her master. Arrested under Section 22 of the Act of Congress which provides that "Any person shall steal a letter from the mail, the offender shall, upon conviction, be...

GLC09087

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more...

GLC02437.03120

to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters...

GLC02437.03319

to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by...

GLC02437.03322

to James Sullivan [incomplete]

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Previous research determined the addressee to be James Sullivan, but the document does not indicate that explicitly. Knox discusses the settlement of the estate of Thomas...

GLC02437.03428

to George Washington [incomplete]

Comments on a recent trip Washington took to his western lands. Expresses relief that Washington did not travel as far west as he originally planned due to "the indians being in a bad temper." Referring to settlers on Washington's lands, writes...

GLC02437.03087

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Later copy of GLC02437.03120. Contains a note at the top of page one written by the transcriber of this letter at a later date: "The parts between parentheses are from the rough draught in my possession of Knox's letter to Parson's- The other parts...

GLC02437.03121

to James Hillhouse re: amendments to Constitution

Madison writes a detailed critique of amendments proposed by Senator Hillhouse of Connecticut. Hillhouse, a former Federalist, proposed the amendments first in 1808 and published them in 1830. He proposed eliminating the Electoral College and...

GLC07523

to Stephen Van Rensselaer

Indicates that he has heard news of Virginia's ratification of the Constitution and offers his congratulations. He had been worried about the consequences for the country had Virginia not ratified. Believes the adoption in Virginia will have a...

GLC07537

to Mr. Rankin re: being arrested in San Pedro, CA for reading U.S. Constitution

GLC07599

to Henry A. Wise re: platform

"Pray strengthen my arms in the South for the support of the Union & the Constitution & do not arrest us whilst we are dealing blows upon your enemies & our enemies by stopping as to inquire the construction which we may place on this or that...

GLC07620