Collection Search

to William McBlair

Sending a gift of liquor in hopes of good fortune. Kennard is setting off for the United States in command of the "W.G. Servis." For his own "better preservation" on the trip he sends McBlair a gift of several "cases of liquor." Letter written on...

GLC00722.20

to William McBlair

Reporting the events that led to the British capture of the slave trading ship "Clara B. Williams," which had been falsely flying the American flag. The crew is being sent to Sierra Leone to be tried. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," on the...

GLC00722.21

Copy of certificates of Lieuts. Walker & Cummings, regarding the casks left by the "W.G. Lewis"

Copy of Walker's statement certifying that he saw about ten large casks which Captain Fredell said belonged to him "but that he did not want them." Fredell was the captain of the barque "William G. Lewis," a suspected slave ship captured by the U.S...

GLC00722.22

[Copy of a statement regarding capture of a slave ship]

Copy of a statement regarding a captured suspected slave ship. Certifying that "Mr. Curtis, the 1st mate of the barque 'Wm G. Lewis," stated that no one on board the ship had contact with the mainland. With the names of Theodore L. Walker, Hunter...

GLC00722.23

to William McBlair

Unable to furnish information regarding captured slave trading vessels. Letter written on board the H.M.S. "Hecate," off the Congo River. George F. Burgess was a Commander in the British Navy and captain of the "Hecate."

GLC00722.24

to William McBlair

Kennard requests McBlair's permission to punish a sailor for insubordination. Letter written before March 1858, on board the U.S.S. "Dale."

GLC00722.26

[Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship] [in Dutch]

Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship, with prices in dollars listed as well. Items listed range from January through 2 September 1858.

GLC00722.27

to William McBlair

Requesting permission to return to Liberia, John Adams states that he needs to return to personally report a death, or be liable for punishment under the laws of Liberia, of which he is a citizen. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Adams is...

GLC00722.36

to William McBlair

Relates a conversation with British Naval Commander Wise regarding capture of a slave trading ship. Winder, an American sailor had been stationed on the British ship "Vesuvius," under the command of Wise. Wise told Winder that he had boarded a ship...

GLC00722.39

The political economy of slavery

First edition of Ruffin's pro-slavery pamphlet, signed by Andrew Johnson. Johnson writes on the cover "Send this to my room with my mail." The pamphlet was published in 1857, Johnson most likely signed it in 1858. Untrimmed edges. Lacking wrappers...

GLC00774

[Preamble and resolution]

Printed petition signed by William Rawle as President of the Abolition Society and [Benjamin] Williams as secretary. Sent to Jacob H. De Witt, member of the House of Representatives from the 7th District of New York. Petition states that the society...

GLC00777

to George C. Whiting

Franklin Pierce discusses the pension for the widow of Navy Commander Samuel Larkin. He mentions testimony given on the cause of his death which showed that Larkin contracted the disease while on duty in Africa. Paper watermarked "Joynson/1856."...

GLC00655.09

to John Sherman

Helper, a Unionist and anti-slavery North Carolinian, writes to Sherman, an Ohio congressman, about his opposition to slavery as a "Southern Republican." He discusses his controversial book, 'The Impending Crisis of the South.' He writes "For good or...

GLC00657

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, discusses attempts to catch a slave trader, life at sea, family matters, and religion. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" at sea.

GLC00722.58

to V. McBlair

Letter to his wife discussing life at sea and his visit to Liberia. Upon arrival in Liberia, McBlair's ship "Dale" gives the young nation a twenty-one gun salute. In Monrovia, the Liberian capital, McBlair meets with President Benson and former...

GLC00722.59

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, he discusses British pressure regarding American suppression of the slave trade, as well as his daily operations at sea, family affairs, and religion. He hopes to return to the United States by the first of December and believes...

GLC00722.60

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing his dislike of the British, the death of a United States Consul in Sierra Leone by "homicide," and the island of Goree, a former center of the African slave trade. He states he is "Anti-Anglais," calling the British "National...

GLC00722.65

Check and three prints pertaining to Gerrit Smith [Decimalized .01-.04]

GLC00723

The last moments of John Brown

Etching on vellum, based on Hovenden's 1884 painting depicting John Brown kissing a black baby while on his way to the gallows. The painting was based on an incident reported in the New York Tribune, that later proved to be apocryphal. Printed by...

GLC00737

Emancipation Proclamation [California printing, Cheesman copy]

One of three color lithographic broadsides. Printed by L. Nagel and copyright by "F.S. Butler, 1864." Presented to Lincoln for signing by David Williams Cheesman. Signed on back: "Property of Mrs. Maria Cheesman/ Phoenix/ Oregon." See Eberstadt,...

GLC00742

to Braxton Bragg

Writes to Bragg in order to send him a copy of "a special order of the enemy, taken from the Louisville Journal of the 18th." A newspaper clipping of "Special Orders No. 21," is attached. The order is a Union order regarding the building of...

GLC02456.27

to Owen Brown

Brown discusses the free state struggle, and reports there are rumors of a free state man being murdered, and that it may lead to more violence. Says "We feel more, & more certain that Kansas will be a Free State." Also discusses family affairs...

GLC02454

to Pierre G. T. Beauregard

Confederate Major General Maury writes to General Beauregard requesting that he make known what work the engineers should focus on first. Asks if the work above the city should be put off until the work at Bay Shore is completed. Informs, "At present...

GLC02461.21

Abolitionists collection: 19 letters and documents [decimalized]

GLC02448

to Joshua Leavitt

Birney, an abolitionist, writes to Leavitt, a reformer and minister in Boston. Has been asked to write columns for the Herald, a newspaper, and is allowed by the editor to freely express his opinions. Notes that Dr. Bailey (possibly Gamaliel Bailey...

GLC02448.02

to Reverend Dr. Murray

Recalls receiving a letter from Murray regarding the Cleveland Emancipation Convention one year before. Transmits a circular (GLC 2448.03.02), an account of the organization of the National Compensation Emancipation Society. Asks Murray to read the...

GLC02448.03.01

[Manumission of a slave]

Appears to be a copy dated 2 January 1792, of a document written on 1 August 1791. Note at bottom signed by Thomas Edwards on 2 January 1792 says "An extract from the Deed recorded in the Northumberland District Court." Document says that Carter was...

GLC02448.04

to unknown

Written from "White Hall," Clay's estate. Clay, an emancipationist, replies to a letter from an unspecified recipient. Possibly discussing his run for Governor as an anti-slavery candidate in 1851, writes, "The number of votes cast for the anti...

GLC02448.05

to Joseph Ricketson

Accepts Ricketson's invitation to lecture before the New Bedford Lyceum, if his health permits. Exclaims, "Would that U could be an attendant at your anti-slavery meetings, to be held to-day and to-morrow in your place!" Notes that his friend, the...

GLC02448.06

to unknown

Higginson, a militant abolitionist, discusses an upcoming meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society: "About the defence of W. P. there is of course no question. All plans for the defence of the meeting must depend on the wish of the Society-...

GLC02448.07

to John Mason Peck

Lovejoy, an abolitionist, writes to Peck, a reverend in St. Louis. Requests Peck to stop sending copies of the "Pioneer," a paper containing criticism of Lovejoy. Docket is faded.

GLC02448.08

to Owen Lovejoy

Sumner, a United States Senator, writes to Lovejoy, a Representative from Illinois. Writes, "Here is Senate Bill 230, which you desired. We shall send you the Freedom Bill, & trust to your good votes & Providence." In a post script, notes that...

GLC02448.15

to Marius Racine Robinson

May, a prominent abolitionist and reformer, writes to Robinson, Secretary of the Western Anti-Slavery Society. Robinson had invited May to speak, and May promises to come if he can find a suitable replacement to serve as pastor in his absence...

GLC02448.12

to James Redpath

Phillips, an ardent abolitionist, informs Redpath that the "Traveller," a Boston paper, printed an article Phillips wrote. Asks Redpath to inform him why the "Post" would not print the article, and to cut and send a copy of the article from the...

GLC02448.13

to Henry Wilson

Tappan, an anti-slavery activist, writes to Wilson, a United States Senator from Massachusetts. Notes that the last time he saw Wilson, Wilson was walking down Broadway (in New York City) at the head of his regiment. Remarks, "But since, you have...

GLC02448.16

[Receipt for receiving an estate of 635 pounds and a negro girl]

Cosigned by Christopher Robinson and Silas Helme as witnesses. Legal document signed by James Perry Jr. that he received 635 pounds, 5 shillings and "One Negro Girl Named Lucy" from William Potter, the executor of the estate of Perry's mother Marcy...

GLC02448.18

[Bill for sale of eight slaves]

Partially printed. George Wylly sells eight slaves (Saturday, Tuesday, Dilia, Julia, Emily, Elizabeth, Mary, and Charly) to Davis Smith. Docket indicates that the enslaved people were sold for $4900.

GLC02448.19

[The Rights of Lousiana]

Article discusses the admission of Lousiana as a state and how at that time they held enslaved people and the government promised to protect the property (enslaved people) of her people, yet they violated that right when Missouri was admitted. The...

GLC02691.12.01

to Sarah W. Hale

She spends much of the legible part of the letter waxing poetic to her sister regarding her strong, positive feelings about her family, particularly her brother Horatio, and an overall positive outlook. Part of this letter is crosswritten.

GLC08934.007

to Angeline Henry

Henry writes to his sister from a camp outside Brandy Station, Virginia. Comments on the radical changes in weather. Reports that the army has been reorganized and his corps is a third larger. Expects Union General Ulysses S. Grant to take command...

GLC03523.07.25

Charleston daily courier. [Vol. 61, no. 19,427 (March 27, 1863)]

Battle of Tallahatchie, National Fast - President Sanctified another Day of Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer, Yankee Iron-Clad Steam Ram "Chillicothe" Disabled, Another Advance on Fort Pemberton, High Price Paid for Negro Slaves at Auction, The...

GLC05959.37.14

To: Marquis de Lafayette.

Re: "Exterminating the Monster Aristocracy" of New England Federalists, Constitution, The Voice of the People, French Colonies, and to Compound (House in Secure Facilities) Slaves in St. Dominique (Haiti).

GLC08063

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

[Runaway slave]

A runaway slave in his own right, Pennington, while avoiding arrest in Liverpool, England, comments on the situation here in American and a fugitive slave case: "...My constant trouble of mind is the evils now pressing on my nation and people. What...

GLC09088

[Slave Patrol Contract]

Appoints a captain to oversee a company of men for "Patrol duty at least two nights in each week; and on the Sabbath day to disperse all collections of negroes or boys violating the Ordinances of the Town. On all slaves found off their owner's...

GLC09122

to Sarah Hale

Letter to her sister, which is apparently the first since she left home. She describes quickly becoming accustomed to the lifestyle in Georgia and says that she prefers it, including the number of blacks in the area: she mentions that they "find it...

GLC08934.004

to Watson Freeman

Weeden, a tailor with a shop at 10 Franklin Avenue in Boston, declines to repair Watson's coat by saying "With me Principle first - Money afterwards. Though a poor man I crave the patronage of no Being that would volunteer his services to arrest a...

GLC09028.01

178 Sugar and Cotton Plantation Slaves!... [Slave sale catalogue from Waverly and Meredith plantations]

By J. A. Beard & May-…13th and 14th March, 1855… Will be Sold at Auction, at Banks Arcade, Magazine Street, in the City of New Orleans…" Catalogue of slaves, listed by families, individually described: "No. 1 field hand, fine axman, sawyer and hewer"...

GLC09340

to Alexander M. Ross

Knows that John Brown first conceived of raiding Harpers Ferry before going to Kansas, no matter what magazines say. Reporters "say 'It is impossible to trace exactly how and when the Harper's Ferry invasion first took shape in John Brown's mind...

GLC03007.19

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses at length her faith in God, and how despair only makes it stronger, as her father taught her. Mentions smallpox incidents nearby and greater women's rights in California. Her oldest son, fifteen, has run off to become a locomotive...

GLC03007.20

to Alexander M. Ross

Intends to send him all of her recollections regarding Kennedy Farm and preparations for Harpers Ferry Raid, and gives a biography of John E. Cook, one of the raiders. Discusses Cook's upbringing, his marriage, and an affair he had. Tells how...

GLC03007.23

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses terrible winter rains and failing health of her sister Ruth Brown Thompson.

GLC03007.24

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses her sister, Ruth Brown Thompson and Ruth's husband Henry Thompson. Both have failing health. Argues that Kansas should give Henry a pension, since he fought under John Brown at the Battle of Black Jack to help keep Kansas a free state....

GLC03007.31

to Alexander M. Ross

Reading Richard Hinton's book "John Brown and His Men," but doing so slowly, since much of it is painful to her. Says the book should have appeal and that it has a few small mistakes "that no one except I would notice." Received a letter from her...

GLC03007.40

to Alexander M. Ross

Has heard that her brother, John Brown Jr., is dead, but is not sure if this is true. Worries the sad news might be bad for her sister Ruth's health. Tried to write an article for Cosmopolitan Magazine, but poor health prevented her. John Brown Jr...

GLC03007.41

to Alexander M. Ross

Writes to say she hopes his health is improving.

GLC03007.42

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Discusses events at Kennedy Farm while preparing to raid Harpers Ferry. Anne Brown was there to help cook and clean. Author and recipient inferred from content. Only the last four pages remain.

GLC03007.49

[Photograph of John Browned signed commission for Harper's Ferry]

A photograph of the commission, signed by John Brown as Commander in Chief, appointing Owen Brown a captain in John Brown's army. Document is dated 13 October 1859. Photograph is mounted on heavy piece of cardboard. The photograph is 14.5 x 20 cm...

GLC03007.55

"Negro Group on Aikins [Aiken's] Farm, The Residue of 65 Slaves. Farm 3000 acres."

Group of twelve African Americans (including men, women, and children), and three white soldiers: one on horseback behind the group, and two visible to the left. Written near Petersburg, Virginia.

GLC03029.41

to Alexander Milton Ross

One letter from Owen Brown to Alexander Milton Ross dated April 3, 1878. Discusses mutual acquaintances, Ross' book and the struggle for abolition.

GLC03007.56.16

to unknown

One unaddressed letter from Henry Thompson dated April 24, 1892. Concerns correspondence between the two. Letter is possibly to Alexander Milton Ross.

GLC03007.56.21

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated August 15, 1893.

GLC03007.56.29

[Scrapbook featuring an image of John Brown]

One scrapbook that originaly held the rest of GLC03007.56, which has been removed from the scrapbook. The scrapbook also contains notes on the first page and the image of John Brown.

GLC03007.56.35

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Second page of a two page letter, first page missing. Thanks the recipient for sending him a copy of "The Lincoln Memorial Album." Says the recipient's contribution to the book "interested me greatly" and that "I had not before quite understood...

GLC03007.07

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for "placing my father before the world in his true light" with "a truthful and just estimate of his character and motives" in his writings for the public. Mentions that she was with John Brown just two weeks before his raid, and that she...

GLC03007.08

to Alexander M. Ross

Inquires after an extra copy of a pamphlet detailing the events which took place in Harper's Ferry. She details information of the publisher, Osborn P. Anderson, a free Black man who was with Brown at Harper's Ferry. Expresses hope that Anderson was...

GLC03007.10

to Alexander M. Ross

One lettera ddressed to Alexander M. Ross from Anne Brown Adams dated January 16, 1886. Mentions hardships of motherhood and awaiting word from a publisher to printpapers that she spent. Thanks him for suggesting soda as a remedy for her sore throat...

GLC03007.13

to Alexander M. Ross

One letter addressed to Alexander Ross from Anne Brown Adams dated July 31, 1887. Mentions the health of her children and reading The Life of Frederick Douglass. Does not find truth in Douglass's account of meeting John Brown. Believes that Uncle Tom...

GLC03007.15

to Alexander M. Ross

Wonders why there is so much evil in the world, is thankful for the good people she has known, and rejoices in the election of Benjamin Harrison as President. Has recently moved from Rohnerville to Petrolia. Wonders "why some people were ever...

GLC03007.22

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for his offer of "a scholarship at the College" and hopes her second daughter Bertha can raise the funds to attend, and wonders about requirements for acceptance. Plans to write biographies for more of the Harpers Ferry raiders for him...

GLC03007.27

to Alexander M. Ross

Wonders if her children should participate in the "John Brown's Fort" attraction at the Chicago World's Fair. "Mr. Holmes Pres. of the John Brown Fort Co." has asked if her children will come work at the exhibition. At first he promised good wages...

GLC03007.32

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses Ross' plans that somehow involve helping the black community. It is not clear exactly what this plan involves, but she suggests he try using the black newspapers to help his plans. Worries that few African Americans will care about his...

GLC03007.33

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for his help. Talks about her hard times financially, and reports briefly on her siblings. Discusses Richard Hinton, who is writing a book on John Brown, and Richard W. Howard, "the pretender" who is offering newspapers a fabricated...

GLC03007.34

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses various men who have inquired about John Brown. Some seek relics, others want stories from her. Is disappointed with Franklin Sanborn and what he has written about her father. Also mentions Sanborn's plans to write a book about John...

GLC03007.36

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses Mary Stearns and a fund to help her family. Explains that Mrs. Stearns liked her father, but not his family, recounts a story of her unkindness, and wonders if Stearns has become infirm in her old age. Adams claims to hold no grudge...

GLC03007.38

to Alexander M. Ross

Encloses a letter from Franklin Sanborn, to see if he knows anything about "the Dr. McLain mentioned therein."

GLC03007.43

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses declining health of herself and Ross. Wonders if they will meet in the next life, and if they will recognize each other. Tells him to ignore those who slander him, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and say all manner of evil...

GLC03007.45

to Alexander M. Ross

Praises Ross, thanks him for his friendship, and wishes they could see each other. Talks of beautiful California weather and geography. Worries that her husband, Henry Thompson, may not have long to live.

GLC03007.46

to Alexander M. Ross

Wishes to know the cause of his grief, which he mentioned in a previous letter. Hopes he will visit California, and that they can finally meet. Wishes to introduce him to her grandson, who also has a strong love of nature. Discusses other family...

GLC03007.47

to Alexander M. Ross [Incomplete]

Defending her father, John Brown, against what appear to be statements that he took money and used it for personal needs. Concludes that Mary Stearns' "mind must be disordered" with age due to statements that she made. The statements seem to imply...

GLC03007.50

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Wonders why so much evil exists in the world and about the nature of good and bad and the inequality of rich and poor. Recipient inferred from content. Only the last two pages remain.

GLC03007.51

[Names and addresses of John Brown collector and two others]

Lists the names and addresses of Dr. C. W. Olsen, Boyd Stutler, and Mrs. M. Winchester. Boyd Stutler, 1889-1970, was a famous collector of John Brown documents, the other two are unknown.

GLC03007.54

to Alexander Milton Ross

One letter from John Brown Jr. to Alexander Milton Ross dated April 19, 1879. Discussing books on the population of the world, the emigration of African Americans and a paper he is writing.

GLC03007.56.05

to Alexander Milton Ross

One letter from Horatio Rust to Alexander Milton Ross dated December 1, 1892. Concerns John Brown.

GLC03007.56.17

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated April 6, 1897.

GLC03007.56.24

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated February 19, 1895.

GLC03007.56.25

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated May 20, 1895.

GLC03007.56.28

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated June 28, 1894.

GLC03007.56.33

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Does not want her father made into a wax sculpture by men in Chicago who are staging an exhibition about John Brown's raid. Only the last two pages remain. Place and recipient inferred from content.

GLC03007.52

to Alexander M. Ross

Encloses "one of the Commissions issued to my Father's men. I know of the existence of only two of them. These were brought back by my brother Owen," who wishes they be returned once Ross has made copies of them. One commission was signed by John...

GLC03007.05

to Alexander M. Ross

One letter from Anne Brown Adams to Alexander M. Ross dated July 31, 1887. Pertains to one of her children receiving a vaccaniation, their illness and her opinion of Franklin Sanborn's book which mentions her father. Cannot believe "that people would...

GLC03007.14

to Garibaldi Ross

Brief biographies of the men involved in the raid on Harpers Ferry, and discussion of her job keeping house for the men as they prepare. Writes to Alexander Ross' son, because "Your father has requested me to tell you the story of my life at, or...

GLC03007.17

to Alexander M. Ross

Discussing newspaper articles related to her father, John Brown, and others' opinions of him. "I find now, since all the men who had any knowledge of his affairs, have written recollections and confessions, that he told me more of his plans than he...

GLC03007.18

to Alexander M. Ross

Rain has been so heavy all winter that she and her family have been virtually unable to leave the house.

GLC03007.25

to Alexander M. Ross

Thanks him for offering to help her daughters attend college. Says Bertha is too ill to go, but hopes Vivian, her eldest, may be able to attend, and awaits Vivian's reply. Second half of letter, dated 25 December, states that Vivian cannot attend...

GLC03007.28

to Alexander M. Ross

Apologizes for not being able to accept his offer of helping her children attend college. Regrets not being able to allow them a better education. Recipient inferred from content.

GLC03007.29

to Alexander M. Ross

May write articles about John Brown for money, and discusses her family. Has "written a sketch for an eastern paper" which she hopes to get paid for, and has other offers to write about her father. Discusses her financial hardships, lives of her...

GLC03007.39

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated December 9, 1892.

GLC03007.56.03

to Alexander Milton Ross

One letter from Ruth Brown Thompson to Alexander Milton Ross dated March 11, 1879. Thanks him for his book "Reflections and Experiences of an Abolitionist" and praises him for living a life of self-sacrifice.

GLC03007.56.15

Envelope to Alexander Milton Ross

One envelope addressed to Alexander Milton Ross at his home in Toronto, Canada dated April 30, 1897.

GLC03007.56.26