Collection Search

Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States

Printed letter signed by Secretary of State James Monroe. Orders that public and private armed vessels are not to stop American merchant ships coming from British ports with British goods because of the "alledged" repeal of the British Orders in...

GLC04675.03

to James Monroe

Letter from Yates as Governor of New York to Monroe as President. The letter seems to be in a secretarial hand and signed by Yates. Docketed by Monroe on verso. Forwarded to Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, who also docketed the letter. Neither...

GLC04682

to Mr. Law

Endorses the plans of Benjamin Latrobe for a canal on the eastern and western branches of the Potomac. Describes the proposed canal. Compares it's potential to bolster commerce to the Duke of Bridgewater's canal in Manchester (which Fulton had...

GLC04687

to James William Denver

Writing as President of the United States, Buchanan congratulates Denver, Governor of the Kansas Territory, on his excellent standing with the Territory's citizens. States that the issue of admitting Kansas to the Union will be addressed the...

GLC04695

to Earl of Stanhope

Fulton Writes to Stanhope to tell him about how well received his own ideas about canals have been in France, and to convince Stanhope that the British need to adopt his plans as well. Claims that his "small system of canals" will make fortunes for...

GLC04661.01

to Earl of Stanhope

Explains to Stanhope the various reasons that his canal system will be so profitable. Argues that it will speed transportation and increase commerce. Says that it will earn an extra 84 million sterling per year for France if they replace their roads...

GLC04661.02

to Earl of Stanhope

Writes that all wars are a waste of money and labor. Improving a country's infrastructure is the best use of these funds and energy, through projects such as his canals. He estimates just how much the canals would save England. Fulton comments:...

GLC04661.03

[State of Missouri v. Henry Reed].

Signed by the grand jurors on docket. Grand jury warrant for "keeping a store open on Sunday" and for "not observing the Sabbath." Parker was a Member of Congress from Missouri from 1871 to 1875. Signed as Circuit Attorney.

GLC04670

to John Dickinson

A response in draft form to Dickinson's previous letter, concerning her hopes that America confine its "lust for ornaments to the limits of their own ingenuity."

GLC01790.02

to Mercy Otis Warren

Compares French and American revolutions, describes American government, America's future, and her expectation that wealth from commerce will inevitably hurt democracy and rob the people.

GLC01800.05

to William Gibbons

Written by Carroll in retirement to Gibbons as Carroll's property agent. Carroll was formerly a Continental Congressman, Maryland State Senator, U.S. Senator, and signer of the Declaration of Independence. References the sale of 1455 barrels of flour...

GLC01811

Report of the Secretary of State, on... commerce... in foreign countries

Published by order of the House of Representatives. Printed by Childs & Swain, with contemporary notes, notably on p. 7 and 13.

GLC01970

to John Brown

Madison writes to Brown, then a Kentucky lawyer and later a senator, to promise further communication of his thoughts on making Kentucky a state. Also comments cryptically, because he has no cypher established with Brown, about his sentiments...

GLC01742.01

Extract from minutes of Congress: concord with Russia on neutral shipping

Resolutions towards a commercial and diplomatic accord between the two nations.

GLC01781

to Catharine Macaulay

Adams predicts a breach between America and Britain and writes that "Nothing, but equal Liberty and kind Treatment can Secure the Attachment of the Colonies to Britain." He argues that London's "Experiments" in public revenue will open trade to the...

GLC01787

Appointment of Thomas W. Ward collector of Customs at Corpus Christi

GLC02145.58

to Thomas Kearny re: telling Kearny to personally collect customs

Signed as Secretary of Treasury.

GLC02145.62

to Thomas Ward re: unsettled conditions in Galveston at beginning of Civil War

Written as a business associate, to say that he cannot pay duties and remove goods to a place of safety.

GLC02145.18

Certificate of deposit for James Cook

Signed as portmaster at Galveston, apparently part of Ward's business at that city. Written at Galveston

GLC02145.50

to Ford, Heath & Company

Anthony discusses the payment of interest on bonds and business ventures with Ford, Heath, & Company, a British firm. Explaining the economic situation in Arkansas, Anthony states "Liberal loans were made upon long times payable in installments with...

GLC02210.01

to Robert Wharton

Requests that Wharton, the Mayor of Philadelphia, prevent the exportation of specie to the East Indies, which has a negative effect on the prices "of Property, of Labour and of Work, and of Produce." Also discusses DeWitt Clinton's suitability as a...

GLC02221

Journal of an intended voyage on bord the ship Newport packet: with Gods [illegible] from London to Rhoad Island in New England.

Title continues: "Able Mitchener Commander. Kept by William Pell, 1750." Log book. The ship made land at Block Island on 29 November 1750. On the verso of the first leaf of the log is the draft of a letter from Pell to James Gray of London in which...

GLC02139

to Joseph Wilson

Returns an application for permission to dispatch a vessel in ballast (not present). Explains rules for customs regarding tonnage on vessels. Wilson was Customs Collector for Marblehead, Massachusetts.

GLC02049

to The Port Collector of Gloucester, Massachusetts

Circular letter from the Treasury Department giving guidelines for conforming to the Embargo Act of 1807. A sample form for port collectors appears on the verso. Gallatin was then secretary of the treasury.

GLC02050.01

[Circular letter to port collectors]

Printed circular letter signed by Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury. Points out common errors in customs collection.

GLC02052

President's message

An Extra of the Hartford Times, reporting from telegraph the text of Jackson's first State of the Union. The address discusses what will be many of the major issues during his Presidency. Discusses removal of Native Americans, questions the...

GLC02009

to Andrew Jamieson

Writes to Jamieson, the Collector at Alexandria, Virginia in reference to the transport of merchandise such as cotton and tobacco to the states in rebellion. Instructs that Jamieson will have to prepare a statement each month showing the number of...

GLC02091

to R. F. Graves

Written as a Senator from Virginia before passage of the tariff of 1832 which caused South Carolina to "nullify" the law and led to the nullification crisis. The letter is dated "Washington 13. 1832." (The Tariff was passed 14 July 1832.) Tyler...

GLC02099

to Edward D. Gazzam re: American interests better served by Texas independence

Written as Senator from Pennsylvania, regarding the bill for admission of Texas to the Union and South Carolina's opposition to another Tariff bill. Buchanan argues that an independent Texas would be better for America unless Great Britain were to...

GLC02104

to Nicholas Cooke

Also signed by James Clarke. Apologizes for their delay in providing Governor of Rhode Island Cooke with accurate records of recent imports and exports that they are compiling. Thinks a more extended accounting would be more useful, and if Cooke...

GLC02105

[Instrument of protest]

Signed by Bradford as notary public. James Bowers, Master of the Brigantine Flora from New York, had been seized and all his goods confiscated by a Royal Navy Schooner of War, the George and Ophelia. The protest notes that "perfect Peace and Amity...

GLC02108

[Navigational journal]

Contains numerous charts and geometric diagrams in water color. Includes meticulous information on the navigational aspects of geometry. Contains a Mercator's chart created by Little in Newburyport under the tutelage of Bartholomew Horace Burgess...

GLC02119

Report the subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries...

Printed by Francis Childs and John Swain. Folio. A-G2 ($1 signed). Full title: "Report of The Secretary of State, on the Subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries, Made Conformably to an Order of The House of Representatives...." The House issue of...

GLC02123

to Hannibal Hamlin

Responding to Hamlin's "letter requesting me to furnish the Committee over which you preside, any and all evidence" for an investigation into misconduct in arms sales. Discusses his speeches in the Senate on the issue. Stands by his accusations and...

GLC08680

Samuel Massey's version book

Page 1, which is dated 5 March 1753, notes that he has shipped sixteen barrels of bread to Barbados on board the Rebecca, a ship under the command of James Lowther. The shipment is consigned to Jonathan and John Mifflan. Exact title reads "Saml...

GLC08639

Whalemen's shipping list and merchant's transcript. [Vol. 30, no. 41 (December 24, 1872)]

Vol. 30 no. 41.

GLC08662

to Joseph Clay

Discusses of the Embargo of 1807 and argues that, given the character of the American people, it should not be made permanent. Notes hearing about a "raw-head & bloody bones" speech Clay gave. Clay was a congressman from Pennsylvania, "British...

GLC08673

The Boston gazette and country journal. [No. 667 (October 18, 1773)]

Contains a newspaper editorial probably written by Samuel Adams concerning Parliament's new tea tax and the plan to send tea ships of the East India Company to America. Signed by the pseudonym "Praedicus." Adams often used pseudonyms for the...

GLC08675

An Appeal to the Federal Soldiers

Written by "A New Englander, Now A Confederate Soldier." Dated from first line: "Two years of our sanguinary conflict..." Says he is going to lay aside "weapons of strife" and reason together on the lessons the war can teach. Says it was ill-will...

GLC08676

Connecticut herald. [Vol. 28, no. 41 (August 30, 1831)]

Includes excerpts of letters regarding Nat Turner's Rebellion, claiming that more than 58 whites have been killed, and that the uprising consists of between 150 and 300 participants armed with "fowling-pieces, clubs, &c." A list of white victims is...

GLC08681

[Tea receipts] [Decimalized .01- .03]

Collection of three receipts for tea sold during the Revolutionary War.

GLC08696

Federal & Civil War newspapers, including RI ratification [decimalized]

GLC08720

Gazette of the United States. [Vol. II, no. 17 (June 9, 1790)]

Reports on Rhode Island's ratification of the Constitution, a debate on tonnage in the House of Representatives, and news from Europe. Also prints an extract from a speech to Congress by Massachusetts Governor John Hancock on the national debt, acts...

GLC08720.01

An act for... erecting a corporation to carry on a trade to the South-Seas

Establishing the South Seas company. Overspeculation in the company's stock led to the "bubble" and the crash, when it came, saw the first modern depression. With exchange stamp of Harvard's Baker Library

GLC08613

[Circular letter regarding fees payable to United States revenue officers]

A circular letter from the treasury department, signed by Tench Coxe, regarding fees payable to United States revenue officers handling foreign "distilled spirits, wine, and tea."

GLC08569

[A proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln concerning the effects of insurrection on maritime commerce]

Secretarially signed for William Seward, Secretary of State; signed in type by Lincoln. Pertains to the ports of South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. Lincoln states that insurrection in these states has...

GLC00674

An act to regulate trade and intercourse with the Indian tribes

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. With an unusual free frank for the printer, Childs and Swain of New York.

GLC00696

to Richard Price

Recipient from contents. Adams thanks Price for his book "Observations on the importance of the American Revolution." Has received 1st and 2nd editions. He states that to him the chief liberty is that of conscience.

GLC00782.01

to William Lee

Written to William Lee, who was serving as American consul at Bordeaux, France. Mentions that he arrived in Paris on June 20, 1805 after a 25 day trip and that he will soon proceed to London. He mentions the unsuccessful mission to Spain. In the...

GLC00655.02

to Daniel Hugunin, Jr.

Marked "private and inofficial" at the top of the page. Referring to trade between the United States and Great Britain, Secretary of State Clay informs Hugunin, a Representative from New York, that "sound policy requires that there should be the...

GLC00754

to Benjamin Rush

Adams had returned from France, and comments upon the importance of having an American in Paris "who knows somewhat of the affairs of America, as well as Europe...." Letter also mentions the fight for independence and French negotiations.

GLC00748

to Governor Francis W. Pickens

Written to South Carolina's governor, Pickens in response to Pickens concerns about the city of Charleston. Lee writes in part, "The loss of Charleston would cut us off almost entirely from communication with the rest of the world and close the only...

GLC00751

to Mr. LeRoy and Mr. Bayard

Discusses a shipping business venture. Comments on French naval activities in the West Indies, including their recapturing of Guadeloupe from the British. Mentions a possible response from Sir John Jervis. Speculates that the French might not only...

GLC02450.08

to unknown

Requests that Mr. Capley be paid the market price for 4,100 shingles.

GLC02450.13

to Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Asks the Governor of Virginia for a copy of the appointment of a Mr. Pench as agent in France and the instructions given to him. Also seeks directions from the governor's board on how to act on a tobacco contract held by Mr. Pench.

GLC02450.17

[Denial of a permit to ship flour to Yarmouth, Massachusetts]

Also signed by the Select Men of Yarmouth, Massachusetts: Elkanah Crowell, John Eldridge, and Benjamin Matthews. Responds to the Select Men's request dated 10 August 1808 that Governor Sullivan issue a permit to David Killey for the schooner...

GLC02450.19

The Suffolk resolves: Proceedings of the ...

Printed by John Holt. The first printing in New York of the Suffolk Resolves. Evans 13701

GLC02438

Minutes and Agreements of the Indiana Company

A "true copy of the minutes" made by George Morgan re: various minutes and agreements pertaining to the Indiana company, which speculated in land along the Ohio river. In an 1768 treaty Indians had ceded a large tract of land to the "unfortunate...

GLC02441

Speech in the House of... re: promotion of commerce

Printed at Greenleaf's press. Evans 27258.

GLC02445

[Receipt]

Written on a company's partially printed letterhead. Receipt of payment for china that Knox ordered.

GLC02437.09875

to Elbridge Gerry

The Governor of Massachusetts asks Gerry to attend a meeting for the selection of state representatives for the Annapolis Convention, where matters of interstate commerce in regard to the restrictions in the Articles of Confederation would be...

GLC02450.03

to Lucy Knox

Apologizes for not writing sooner, but declares that he knew his sister had written to her about their voyage, and he did not have anything to add. Mentions his and his wife, Eliza's, pleasure to be back at home. Discusses the oncoming spring...

GLC02437.07924

to Joshua Mauger

Bill of exchange for £ 150 for James D'Auvergne.

GLC03902.199

to the United Cigar Co.

Retired Rear Admiral Schouler asks that the United Cigar Co. send him two half-pound boxes of fresh John Cotton's Smoking Tobacco, No. 1, mild quality, by registered mail. Sends a $3.30 check to cover the costs (not included).

GLC03479.70

Columbian centinel. [Vol. XIX no. 974 (April 17, 1793)]

Reprints three congressional acts passed at the second session held 5 November 1792. The acts concern the collection of duties on goods and merchandise, the payment of a loan made of the Bank of the United States, and extending the time for...

GLC08774

Message from the President... respecting new principles [neutrality]

Disbound. Printed by Duane & Son. Report on neutral rights, reprinting the decree of Gen. Louis Ferraud.

GLC08858

Gazette of the United States. [No. 4 (April 22-April 25, 1789)]

Relates the details of George Washington's arrival in New York City preceding his first inaugural address, delivered 30 April 1789. Includes a printed version of debates in the House of Representatives regarding the article of tonnage. Contains...

GLC08723

Columbia centinel. [No. 4179 (April 28 1824)]

Discusses the tariff, the disestablishment of religion in Massachusetts, and divorce.

GLC08725.03

New-England palladium. [Vol. 35, no. 31 (April 17, 1810)]

Co-published with Thomas Minns (1773-1836). Front page contains advertisements, an update on the militia law passed by the Massachusetts legislature, and foreign news on France and Holland. A column of news from other newspapers on page 2. Notice of...

GLC08725.05

Paterson Daily Guardian [Vol. VI, no. 934 (November 22, 1859)]

Anticipating increased sectionalism in politics, partly related to Harpers Ferry. "The late elections having demonstrated that the Opposition of the North are abundantly able to elect a President, we may as well prepare for a stormy session of...

GLC08725.06

Connecticut courant. [Vol. XXXV no. 1852 (July 21, 1800)]

Prints an announcement from the secretary of the treasury on national borrowing, an editorial against President Thomas Jefferson, a Rhode Island law to prevent "Peddling of Feathers, Indigo, and Tin Ware," international news on wars in Italy and...

GLC08726.02

Columbian centinel. [No. 2373 (December 20, 1806)]

Contains international news pertaining to the Napoleonic Wars, a report from the House of Representatives on non-importation laws, and various announcements and advertisements.

GLC08726.04

Columbian centinel. [No. 2399 (March 21, 1807)]

Contains "An Address to Mothers," a promotional list of federalist party nominations, a report on a treaty being negotiated with Britain concerning the non-intercourse laws, and other foreign news concerning relations with France. Also contains...

GLC08726.05

Columbian centinel. [No. 2447 (September 12, 1807)]

Contains a report from the Napoleonic Wars in Poland, a report on the acquittal of Aaron Burr in his trial for treason, and an account of the economic hard times. Also contains other news pertaining to commerce and shipping as well as many...

GLC08726.06

Pennsylvania packet or the general advertiser. [March 21, 1780]

Contains dispatches of General George Washington and Congress. Includes reports on various ships, and war news from Georgia. Contains a report from the House of Commons pertaining to a bill for the encouragement of Irish trade. Includes a report...

GLC08748.05

American herald of liberty. [Vol. 8, no. 37 (March 18, 1794)]

Discusses continued tensions, especially regarding commerce, between Great Britain and the United States following the 1783 Peace Treaty. Letters to the editor cover issues such as the United States' relations with the Creek Nation, illegal actions...

GLC08740

The Pennsylvania evening post. [Vol. 1, no. 14 (December 14, 1775)]

Includes several letters from mid-October 1775 by Brook Watson in Montreal. As a British officer who owned land in Nova Scotia, Watson pretended to support the American cause in 1774. Intercepted letters to General Thomas Gage proved he was a spy...

GLC08748.06

Boston evening post. [No. 2029 (August 15, 1774)]

Printed by John and Thomas Fleet. Signed by Mr. [John?] Porter. Contains a report on the opposition of English politicians William Dowdeswell and John Dunning to the passage of the Port Bill of 1774. Dunning states "It now appears to me, that the...

GLC08749

Connecticut mirror. [Vol. II, no. 37 (March 18, 1811)]

Prints acts relating to international commerce between the United States, Britain and France. Also prints President James Madison's proclamation effectively ending the embargo, in accordance with Macon's Bill, which had been passed in 1810....

GLC08769

To the inhabitants of the State of New York

Delivered at Fishkill, New York, to the state's constitutional convention shortly after the American defeats at Long Island, Manhattan and White Plains, and a few days before Washington surprised the Hessians at Trenton. As such, Jay addressed his...

GLC00006

to Samuel D. Ingham

Writes that Martin Gordon, a customs agent, was accused by traders of being too rigid in adherence to his duties. Jackson tells Ingham to admonish Gordon, advise him to be more lenient, but also hear his side of the story. Writes, "...whilst we...

GLC00021

[Mediterranean ship passport for the schooner Fairy]

Signed as president and countersigned by Secretary of State Monroe. Partially printed document permits the passage of the merchant schooner Fairy of New York, commanded by Philip J. Quereau. Notes that the schooner weighed 116 tons, was mounted...

GLC00002

[Decision in the cases of Munnikhuysen and Sadler, owners of the schooner Martha].

Signed by Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. Munnikhuysen and Sadler were convicted of violating "...'An Act concerning Spirits distilled within the United States' and 'An Act for enrolling & licensing Ships or Vessels employed in the...

GLC00043.25

[Passport for the brigantine "Alert" of Newburyport, commanded by Samuel Herrick]

Countersigned by Secretary of State Madison and Collector for the port of Newburyport Ralph Cross. The ship weighed 148 tons, had no mounted guns, and was navigated by an eight man crew. Printed on vellum and numbered 19. Signed as President.

GLC00058

Pardon of Fred G. Steele (c/s Robert Kennedy [AG])

Convicted of interstate transport of firearms; pardon to commute the 5-year sentence at once to 6 months; no reason for pardon.

GLC00045.44

to Consuls and Commercial Agents of the United States

Circular letter instructing the recipients to issue only the enclosed sample Sea-letter (not included) to vessels so that ships owned by American citizens could be identified (and property protected) and fraud from forged seals and sea-letters could...

GLC01470

[Authority to affix the seal to letter of marque to R. B. Forbes]

Authorization signed by President Lincoln for the Secretary of State to affix the Seal of the United States to a letter of marque granted to the propeller "Pembroke," owned by R.B. Forbes. Document was previously framed and discoloration has occured...

GLC01484

Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States.

Signed as Secretary of State. In response to the repeal of British Orders in Council, instructs naval and privateering ships to assist, rather than obstruct, any American owned ships bringing British goods to the United States. Issued shortly after...

GLC01494

to David Lenox

Forwards papers to Lenox concerning British impressment of American seamen because they possibly allude to one such impressed citizen, John Stafford.

GLC01511

to John Sullivan

Letter signed by Gerry as a Maryland Congressman. Also signed by William Smith of Maryland and Josiah Parker of Virginia. Requests that Sullivan, as the Governor of New Hampshire, transmit the proper statements to the House of Representatives...

GLC01496

to unknown

This document refers to the Monroe-Pinkney treaty of 1806 (per Monroe Papers). The discusses sending the text of the treaty.

GLC01575

Inaugural address [leaf from 1st draft of discarded first inaugural = pp.57-58]

Concerning trade and population growth, with allusion to the postal service, newspapers and manufactures. This was a first draft which Washington later discarded. The manuscript was disassembled by Jared Sparks (whose unsigned autograph note...

GLC01589

to Alexander Woodruff Buel

Letter regarding passage of U.S. ships on the St. Lawrence river. In response to a letter from Buel, Clayton writes, "[I]t is believed the Canadian Government has recently announced its determination not to grant this privilege [of American ships...

GLC01596.02

Examination of Doctor Benjamin Franklin, before an August Assembly, relating to the Repeal of the Stamp-Act, &c.

Records Franklin's testimony before the House of Commons concerning American grievances about the Stamp Act, internal levies, the debts from the French and Indian War, costs and origins of that war, American manufactures, and American sentiments...

GLC01719

Additional instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States.

Signed by Monroe as Secretary of State, directed to privateers. In response to the repeal of British Orders in Council, instructs naval and privateering ships to assist American-owned vessels bringing British goods to the United States. Issued...

GLC01665

[Circular letter to port collectors about payment of duties]

Printed circular letter about payment of duties when less than $50, and custom duties on brass, tea, etc. Signed by Secretary of the Treasury Hamilton.

GLC01639

to Jefferson Davis

McClellan, Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers, describes the Island of Hispaniola (present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic) geographically and politically to Davis, Secretary of War. Relays information about Hispaniola obtained from the...

GLC01669

Official French copy of Benjamin Franklin-Richard Howe letters [in French]

First letter dated 20 June 1776, written aboard the Eagle off of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is from Admiral Richard Howe to Benjamin Franklin. Encloses official dispatches (not present) outlining his mission of peace with the colonies. Mentions in his...

GLC01670

to Jonathan Belcher

Winthrop congratulates Judge Belcher on recovering "from a dangerous illness." He notes having read that many French Acadians have been removed from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the West Indies, and observes that because of their religion, they "could...

GLC01541.01

Sales of sundry goods for the account of Robert Livingston, Jr.

P.1 records sales of bees was, bran, butter, hides, wheat, and skins on 31 December 1769. P.2 records sale of pigg iron for the account of Robert Livingston, and also an account of outstanding debts.

GLC03107.03222