Collection Search

[Journal of voyage from New York City aboard the Raleigh]

The unsigned manuscript, apparently British in origin, was written while on the Frigate "Raleigh," commanded by Captain James Gambier. Gives list of passengers, who are all officers and says they are bound for the Chesapeake. On 12 November his...

GLC02542.08

Journal of a cruise to China and Japan in the U.S. Sloop Vandalia.

Journal of a sailor under Captain John Pope. The journal describes customs in the ports it visited, mentions meeting Commodore Matthew Perry's flag ship, and provides information on hostilities between American troops and the Japanese military.

GLC02547

Proclamation re: admission of Texas to the Union, with John Tod ALS

Issued by Jones as President of the Republic of Texas, calling all Senators and Representatives to convene a state government. Accompanied by a 2 p. John Tod ALS, Galveston, concerning the proclamation, written while commanding in the Texas navy.

GLC02560

to David R. Jones

Retained draft in secretarial hand for Whitings own files of a letter detailing the surrender of Fort Sumter. Describing attack on fort, says soon "Anderson's position will be untenable." Worries about a naval attack by Union forces, "more than...

GLC02601

to Tobias Lear re: intention to sail for Algiers

Preble was the Captain of the "U.S.S. Constitution" and Commander of the U.S. Naval forces in the Mediterranean from 1803-1804. Docketed under the date in the upper-right hand corner.

GLC02794.054

[Amendment to an act approving letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods]

Signed as President of the Confederate States and countersigned by Speaker of the House Thomas S. Bocock and President of the Senate (and Vice President) Alexander H. Stephens. This document amended the original act that approved letters of marque...

GLC02778

to James McHenry re: War Department's fiscal needs

Written as President to his Secretary of War. Numbered at top 173.

GLC02793.008

to Henri César Marquis de Castellane Majastre [in French]

Monteil justifies the actions he has taken during his argument with Comte de Grasse. Complains about de Grasse's actions, especially at the Battle of Virginia Capes. Written on board the Ardent, the ship onto which Monteil was demoted, in the...

GLC04322.07

[Group photo of U.S. Navy sailors]

Place, date, and names are written on mount. Back row (left to right): Frank Pape, Bay City Mich. R.W. McDonald, Buffalo, NY. W.T.K. Brown (no place listed). F.D. Grier, Philadelphia, Pa. E.E. Gold, Chicago, Ill. Joseph Bolingbrook (no place listed)...

GLC04546.143

to William Lewis Maury

Orders from the Confederate Navy Department releasing Maury from active duty at Wilmington Station due to poor health. Sidney (or Sydney) Smith Lee was Robert E. Lee's older brother. A commander in the Confederate States Navy, S. Lee was chief of the...

GLC04572.24

George Dewey

Bust portrait, dated Christmas. Imperial carte de visite in uniform.

GLC06442

to Father

One of their monitors sank and the cause is unknown. There is not much firing going on at present.

GLC07705.189

The Political Magazine and Parliamentary, Naval, Military, and Literary Journal

One pamphlet entitled The Political Magazine and Parliamentary, Naval, Military, and Literary Journal for the year M.DCC.LXXX. Volume 1, dated 1780.

GLC10162

to John Y. Mason

Discusses boats for crossing the Rio Grande. Asks Secretary of the Navy Mason to introduce Captain Napoleon Harrison to Colonel Abert, with whom Harrison wishes to discuss the boats.

GLC00094

to James Madison

The letter mentions companies engaged in promoting the development of the West, the attack on St. Augustine, Florida, the military draft, and Virginia's claims in Ohio. On the letter there is a penciled quotation in later hand on bottom annotating...

GLC00099.047

to James Madison

The letter includes military and political content. The letter discusses the war in Virginia and the Carolinas, news of Washington coming south, and news of the Yorktown campaign. Also mentions: British fleet, York, VA, possibly Gloucester, VA, York...

GLC00099.074

to James Madison

The letter describes the situation at Yorktown, the arrival of the French fleet and troops, fleet actions, and the Virginia military. Also mentions Lord Cornwallis, Marquis de Lafayette, the war in Virginia. Edmund Pendleton discusses the anticipated...

GLC00099.076

to James Madison

The letter provides news of George Rogers Clark's expedition in Illinois and Indian conflicts. Also, mentions French fleet and southern military affairs. Docketed by Madison.

GLC00099.048

to James Madison

The letter mentions Portsmouth, VA, public executions in Britain and actions of the British fleet and British government. Signature was partially cut along top but not removed from leaf.

GLC00099.049

to James Madison

The letter discusses British troops landing in Virginia, their depredations, military movements in the Carolinas and Georgia, and activity in the Virginia House of Delegates. Also mentions: Portsmouth, VA, Hampton, VA, New York, landings of the...

GLC00099.052

to James Madison re: military news, situation in Canada, disarray

Mentions military news, situation in Canada, poor state of government in Virginia. Also mentions: British fleet, The Cork Fleet, French fleet, Quebec (Canada), Virginia House of Delegates, New York (N.Y.). Includes other political content.

GLC00099.053

to James Madison

Includes activities of the British Army in Virginia and the Carolinas, Virginia House of Delegates. Also mentions: New York, British fleet, Portsmouth, VA, Gen. Muhlenberg, Inquiry into the conduct of General Gates, Virginia House of Delegates...

GLC00099.054

to James Madison

Letter mentions engagements with the British in Virginia, rumors of the wounding of Cornwallis, Virginia House of Delegates. Other topics include: General Muhlenberg, British fleet, Portsmouth, VA, wounding of Lord Cornwallis, Colonel Sumter...

GLC00099.055

to James Madison

The letter discusses the British fleet, state of Virginia militia and possible outbreak of Pleurisy, attempts of the House of Delegates at fundraising using taxes and old and new money circulation.

GLC00099.056

to James Madison

The letter mentions: French fleet, Count D'Estaing, Colonel Greene, Lord Cornwallis, Hillsboro, NC, Salisbury, NC, Cape Fear, NC, possibly Camden, Governor Nash, Caswell, General Greene, military recruitment, Portsmouth, VA, and American victories.

GLC00099.060

to James Madison

Letter mentions concerns over fleet and troop movements, military news from the Carolinas, and speculation of European relations with America. Mentions: French fleet, British fleet, Lynnhaven Bay, Cape Fear, General Greene, General O'Hara; Dutch and...

GLC00099.063

to James Madison

The letter discusses war news from Virginia and the Carolinas and speculation on the next British move. Also mentions: French fleet, Lord Cornwallis, General Greene, death of Colonel Tarleton, criticism of Congress, and the rumor of the death of the...

GLC00099.064

to James Madison

The letter discusses the state of the British, the war in Virginia, and British plundering "their plunder is immence particularly in slaves." Also mentions: French fleet, Spanish fleet, Dutch fleet, Sir Henry Clinton, General Phillips, James River...

GLC00099.068

to James Madison

The letter discusses his return home after his trip to western Virginia, British activities in Virginia, and news from the Carolinas. Also mentions: military rumors, Portsmouth, VA, Petersburg, VA, possibly Augusta, GA, General Greene, Lord Rawdon...

GLC00099.073

to James Madison

The letter describes the British moving into Yorktown, French news, the establishment of Vermont as a separate state, political problems, and "the brave general Campbell." Also mentions: British fleet, York, VA, Gloucester, VA, removal of Jacques...

GLC00099.075

to James Madison

The letter discusses the siege at Yorktown and foreign affairs. Also mentions the French fleet and the British attack on Pigeon Hill (General Nelson's farm near York, Virginia) and difficulties with Spain. Three penciled notes on page 1 (possibly...

GLC00099.077

to James Madison

Important letter on Cornwallis's surrender at Yorktown. Mentions: American victory at Yorktown, Comte de Grasse, General Greene, Charleston, SC, and military rumors.

GLC00099.079

to James Madison

The letter mentions the discussion of British seriousness about peace, defeat of Comte de Grasse in the West Indies, and other war news. Also mentions: distrust of British, French fleet, Virginia House of Delegates, and Mr. Tyler. Signature and...

GLC00099.088

[Selecting officers to expedite the U.S.S. Powhatan]

He "ordered by the President to select such officers as may be necessary to expedite the ship." Porter was initially supposed to take his ship, the steam frigate Powhatan, to South Carolina to reinforce Fort Sumter in case the Confederates chose to...

GLC00866

[Commission for privateer "Active."]

Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Partially printed document. John Adams, as president, gives permission to David Stewart, a Baltimore merchant, to use his ship "Active" as a privateer during the Quasi War with France. The ship...

GLC00838

The Opelousas courier. [Vol. 11, no. 16 (March 21, 1863)]

With French text. Prints a proclamation by Governor Moore calling for a General Assembly in Shreveport, the temporary capital of Louisiana. Articles describe female soldiers and war industries. Includes several ads, among which is one offering full...

GLC00843

to John Quincy Adams

Letter written by Monroe as President to an unnamed recipient. The recipient is likely John Quincy Adams, however; this is inferred based on the content and on information in John Quincy Adams diary, discussing his meeting with Monroe on this topic...

GLC00969

to Governor Clinton

Seeking advice on various appointments from the Governor. In part: "To you I need not make the observation that of all the duties imposed on the Executive head of a government, appointment to office is the most difficult & most irksome..." He goes on...

GLC00986

to William Goddard

Walton writes about defense preparations in Georgia. He advises that a full board of devoted men has been assembled and are in very good spirits. Indicates that they have prepared several fire vessels to defend against the British navy and erected a...

GLC00977

to Thomas Rodney

Written by Rodney, an eventual signer of the Declaration of Independence, as Speaker of the Delaware Assembly to an unknown recipient, most likely Thomas Rodney. Says he wrote recipient on September 17, 1774. Says he was probably concerned about a...

GLC00983

to Andrew H. Foote

Bixby, seeking a mail contract, asks Foote to recommend him to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. He notes that Flag Officer Davis has already written such a letter. He adds that in the event of his flotilla being turned over to the navy, and there...

GLC00999

to Lester D. Gardner

Letter signed as Brigadier General, Air Service, Assistant Chief of Air Service. Advises that he will come to New York as soon as possible but that he has to have his tonsils out. He remarks that the Air Force "has almost ceased to exist ... " and...

GLC00950

[Two letters to Thomas T. Craven] [Decimalized .01 and .02]

GLC00815

to Thomas T. Craven

Perry, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces on the western coast of Africa, writes from the U.S.S. Macedonia (off the coast of Monrovia) to Lieutenant Commodore Craven of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. He directs Craven to survey anchorage at Fish Town, near Cape...

GLC00815.01

to Thomas T. Craven

Canot writes to Lieutenant Commodore Craven about the building and rigging of ship to be named 'Le Pauvre Diable.' He asks to borrow a book on shipbuilding if possible, and asks for advice on how to rig his ship in "the American stile."

GLC00815.02

Instructions to captains and commanders of private armed vessels...

Evans 17021. Printed broadside authorizing privateering. With Thompson's name printed at end

GLC00820

to Daniel Fisher

Boggs wrote this letter as a United States seaman being held as a prisoner of war on a British ship during the War of 1812. He comments on the war and asks for assistance in getting released. He discusses the miseries of the prisoners' situation over...

GLC00890

General Order no. 17, re: Texas question and possibility of more service

Docketed. Directed to the African Squadron; received on Oct. 19.

GLC00896

to Henry Knox

Later copy of original. Preparations for a seige in New York early in the year. Informs Knox he expects 20,000 men for the seige of New York. Asks Knox to prepare a plan for artillery during the seige, and requests advice on planning the seige....

GLC02437.09323

to Henry Knox

General Washington writes a letter marked "private" to Knox, Chief of Artillery for the Continental Army. Recently consulted the Count de Rochambeau, a French General, and through France's aid, the Continental Army may be able to gain naval...

GLC02437.09372

to Lucy Knox

Reports that he is on board the ship "America," and they encountered another ship, the "John," upon which he saw her son, Henry Jackson Knox. Declares that Knox appeared to be healthy and in good spirits. Also relates the successes each ship had in...

GLC02437.08065

[Document on the French Navy] [in French]

Document on the French fleet.

GLC02437.08442

[Listing of American and British vessels engaged in the Battle of Valcour]

A list of the "Fleet of the United States that were engaged…" followed by a list of "The Enemies Fleet engaged…." The lists include number and type of vessels, and their number and type of guns. The American list includes the names of the two...

GLC02437.09538

to Samuel B. Nylie Mitchell

Written by Commodore Reynolds of the Bureau of Equipment and Recruiting of the Navy Department to Mitchell. Encloses check (not included) for the annual assessment for 1870-1871. Asks for an acknowledgement. Written on letterhead of the Bureau of...

GLC03479.41

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to sponsor him as he is applying for a position as first lieutenant on board the frigate, the USS Constitution.

GLC02437.07062

The Interesting Life, Travels, Voyages, and Daring Engagements of the Celebrated Paul Jones

Paul Jones was Commodore in the American Navy during the late Revolutionary War. The book contains "numerous anecdotes of undaunted courage, in the production of his undertakings." The book was printed by N. Elliot, and published by William E...

GLC03107.05325

To: Isaiah L. Green.

Written after retirement to Congressman Isaiah L. Green concerning repeal of Embargo Act and arming of ships.

GLC03511

to James V. Forrestal

Franklin D. Roosevelt writes in reference to the Research Board for National Security, a group that provides for civilian participation in scientific research on problems of national defense. He informs that he is transmitting a program to Congress...

GLC00162.17

to John Wayles Eppes

Written as Vice-President to his son-in-law. Jefferson discusses the Logan incident, in which George Logan, a Philadelphia Quaker, attempted to negotiate differences between the United States and the French Directory on his own initiative (the Logan...

GLC00148

to Lewis L. Strauss

Condolence letter sent after the death of Strauss's father. Strauss had served as Hoover's administrative assistant when Hoover was the U.S. Food Administrator in 1917. Written on Hoover's personal stationery.

GLC00162.15

to Susan Decatur

Responding to Decatur's letter, Adams will find it "highly gratifying" if he is able to aid Decatur in advancing her claim currently before Congress. Decatur was attempting to secure a pension for service rendered by her husband, Commodore Stephen...

GLC00105

to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter and for the wine he sent. He apologizes for the delay in responding due to outfitting a revenue cutter to cruise against violators of the Non-Intercourse Act. He reports that he has...

GLC00108.01

to George G. Channing

In his letter, William Ellery agrees with his grandson that evils have resulted from commercial regulations brought on by the War of 1812. He does not think Congress will enact an embargo and believes the British have a right to blockade their enemy...

GLC00108.07

to George G. Channing

William Ellery writes to his grandson discussing his daily routine. He hopes Channing will have enough business so he can marry soon. He declines the offer to add to his stock of wine because he wants to reserve his money during the uncertain times...

GLC00108.08

to William Ellery

Writes that he learned from the Collector of Customs at Providence that the ship Warren embarked without a coasting license or a register indicating her destination. Asks if she arrived in Newport without a license and if Ellery charged her with...

GLC00109

to James Madison

The letter discusses the progress of peace negotiations, his nephew's missing enslaved person, Anthony Wayne and Indian Wars, American independence and restitution. Also mentions: General Carleton, General Washington, Paris, France, and Admiral...

GLC00099.094

to James Madison re: British troop movements, tobacco crop, Indians

The letter discusses British troop movements in the Carolinas, tobacco crops, and Indian wars. Also mentions: the French fleet, Charleston, the Dutch fleet, West Indies, and Colonel Crawford.

GLC00099.093

to James Madison

The letter discusses prisoner exchanges, hopes for peace, and annexation of Canada. Also mentions: General Carleton and Edmund Pendleton Jr's runaway slave. There is purple mold staining on the letter.

GLC00099.095

to Lewis L. Strauss

Eisenhower replies to a letter from Strauss written on the same page. Strauss informs that despite headlines about the atomic powered submarines, there was no security breach. States that the news came from a report made to Congress by Strauss'...

GLC00162.21

to Samuel Johnson

Penn writes of his wish that France and Spain would join in fighting Britain and mentions French and Spanish warships. He concludes that "we have too many officers who are not fit even to act as common soldiers in that they have not one spark of...

GLC00184.38

to David Lenox

One letter addressed to David Lenox from James Madison (serving as Secretary of State at the time) dated July 21, 1801. Pertains to two seamen detained in British ships of war. The seamen are identified as Nathaniel Heard and David, a Black man...

GLC01124

to Timothy Bigelow

Letter written aboard the U.S.S. Constitution (Old Ironsides), Boston Harbor. Bainbridge expresses pleasure in hearing of a vote of appreciation for the Constitution's victory over the British frigate H.M.S. Java. "To merit and receive the...

GLC01125

[General Order no. 8 regarding African Squadron vessels' procedure for obtaining supplies]

One letter written by Commodore Matthew Perry dated October 29, 1843. Contains orders that fresh provisions and medicaid aid must be approved by the commanding officers before given to members of the African Squadron. Signed on behalf of the...

GLC01126

to Samuel and Robert Purviance

Morris, chairman of a Congressional secret committee, acknowledges receipt of correspondence from the Purviance brothers, merchants in Baltimore, Maryland. Transmits inventories (not included) of two prize vessels, discusses a recent purchase of...

GLC01135

to unknown

Letter probably sent to John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State by President Monroe. Letter believed to be a precursor to the Monroe Doctrine. Said he had to withdraw the nomination of John B. Prevost, Aaron Burr's nephew, as Charge d'Affaires to...

GLC01137

to Jean Crevecoeur

Jones, noted for his leadership in both the American and Russian navies, encloses a separate letter (not included) for Crevecoeur, French consul in New York. Relates that he recently returned to New York from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the...

GLC01145

to Abraham Robinson

Wayne writes just as the British are approaching Fort Ticonderoga for an attack. "I have just time to inform you that the Enemy are approaching - the shattered remains of our fleet arrived last night." Eleven of the sixteen ships were lost, as well...

GLC01154

[Appointment & bond of Tristram Jordan]

Co-signed by Rishworth Jordan, Thomas Cutts, and Tristram Jordan. Witnessed by Sullivan and Elisha Allen. States that Tristram Jordan, Cutts, and Rishworth Jordan are bound to Henry Gardner Esq. (treasurer of the state of Massachusetts) for the...

GLC01412.45

[Agreement and appointment of William Sever]

Cosigned by William Sever, John Avery, and Timothy Foster. Witnessed by Alexander Gray and Seth Loring. Agreement in which Sever, Avery, and Foster are bound to Henry Gardner (Treasurer of Massachusetts) in the amount of ten thousand pounds, unless...

GLC01412.51

to unknown

Groves reports the capture of the British schooner Revenge. The schooner, formerly commanded by Hugh Gorden, is expected to arrive at Beverly Port.

GLC01412.57

Declaration of War against the United States and Britain [in Japanese]

Imperial rescript of the Declaration of War declared on the United States and Great Britain on the Japanese date 16th year of Showa, 12th month. " ... we, the emperor, have now declared war upon the United States of America and Great Britain. The...

GLC01415

to William Pinkney

Discusses congressional proceedings, foreign affairs, the Chesapeake affair, British and French aggression, and the Embargo Act of 1807. A portion of the letter has been written in code and is translated in another hand. Letter signed as Secretary of...

GLC01191

[Naval commission of Benjamin Isherwood (c/s Graham)]

Countersigned by William A. Graham, Secretary of Navy. Includes white seal at bottom center of document. Isherwood was appointed chief engineer of the Navy,

GLC01247

to Thomas Law

Robert Fulton, writing to economist Thomas Law, discusses steamboats, Benjamin Latrobe, and a "western Canal," and attacks John Armstrong for his criticism of Joel Barlow, Fulton, the Smiths, the Clintons, and Fulwar Skipwith. With integral address...

GLC01067

to Richard Law

Relays news that the Compte d' Estaing had set sail with a fleet for Delaware or Chesapeake Bay and that a British fleet has set out to intercept them. Today they were informed that d'Estaing arrived near Maryland three days earlier and set off for...

GLC01069

to Richard Dobbs Spaight, Jr.

Secretary of War Knox writes from the War Department to North Carolina's Governor Spaight regarding American regulations restricting the arming of U.S. vessels and those of belligerent nations. Discusses special cases in which American vessels could...

GLC01074

to Mary Wood

He writes to his sister about his activities in Canada at Fort George and elsewhere in the northern campaign during the War of 1812. Also discusses the heroism of their brother, Eleazor D. Wood, at Fort Meigs, as recounted by General William Henry...

GLC01043.02

[Diary aboard the U.S.S. Nantucket]

Allen was an officer on the USS "Nantucket" during and before the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The diary appears to have been written within days of the actions. Includes manuscript pencil and ink "Sketch of Charleston Harbor and fortifications," and...

GLC01006

[5 Documents pertaining to the surrender of CSS Atlanta to Union ironclads] [decimalized .01-.05]

Documenting the surrender and prisoner transfers of a Confederate ironclad steamer. Webb was commander of the CSS "Atlanta," which surrendered to Union ironclads. Documents include lists of officers and crew. The CSS "Atlanta" was an ironclad ram...

GLC01007

List of blockade runners with ALS and photograph [decimalized .01-.02]

GLC01008

Vessels captured within the limits of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron

Ledger book lists 42 ships captured from South Carolina to Florida with inclusive dates of October 3, 1863 to May 5, 1865. Six columns listed as: Prize (name of the vessel), Class, Whom captured, Where captured, Where sent, and Remarks. Occasionally...

GLC01008.01

Letter to his mother and photograph of Byron P. Drowne [Decimalized .01- .02]

Letter from 16-year-old Drowne to his mother, written on the USS "Catalpa" off Charleston. Accompanying photograph.

GLC01008.02

[Ordnance used by ships during siege of Vicksburg]

Ordnance book listing supplies used by Union ships Pensacola, Sportsman, Fearnot and Storehouse. Documents ordnance issued and ordnance used. Dated March 31- August 1863.

GLC01009

[General Orders acknowledging soldiers' bravery in the capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines, Alabama]

General Granger relates his appreciation to officers and soldiers. Writes "In the midst of danger you have been brave; under the severest exposure and fatigue you have been patient... continue to cherish all those virtues of discipline and courage...

GLC01010

Legal documents relating to captured American privateers [Decimalized .01-.10]

Collection of legal documents dated 1776 to 1779. Consists of 10 documents relating to captured American vessels which contained enslaved people and cargo,

GLC01411

to Jonathan Metcalf

Letter written by John Metcalf, a captured Continental soldier on the prison ship Jersey in New York Harbor, to his father in Dedham, Massachusetts. Says he enjoys "tollerable good health" and was assisted by a Dr. Bacon of Salem, Massachusetts...

GLC01412.01

to John Page

Lee, a Continental Congressman, informs Page that he is pleased to hear supplies will be coming in. He comments on news that some enemy ships "fell down to Sandy Hook" and appear to be leaving for Rhode Island. Letter comes with attached integral...

GLC01412.06

[Articles of agreement]

Cosigned by Christopher Kilby and Eliezer Moody as witnesses. Agreement between James Burges of Boston and Enoch Badcock of Milton, Massachusetts to build a briganteen. Not signed by Badcock.

GLC01412.09

[Clerical document]

Documents the impressment of the Captain Edward Southwick's Sloop Warren by Captain James Wallace of the Rose, a man of war. Includes a list of unreturned materials, exceeding 50 pounds in value.

GLC01412.20

to Jonathan Medcalf

Letter discusses appointment of William Draper of Roxbury as captain of a company being raised for Canada. Also inquires about the amount and type of camp baggage available for the company. Letter written when the American forces were in retreat from...

GLC01412.22