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to Ann
1863
Tracy, Frank J., fl. 1863
Last night the firing at Port Hudson started up again and lasted three hours. He has not had much time to write and complains he has not seen any liqour in Baton Rouge.
GLC03047.02
[Call for applications to join a Corps of Field Engineers for the defense of Philadelphia]
1814/08
Committee of Defence (Philadelphia, Pa.)
Calls for 100 men to serve as artillerists. Indicates pay will be the same as artificers in the United States Army. The committee was authorized to raise the corps by the General Committee of Philadelphia.
GLC02978.03
[Announces that the Corps of Field Engineers will fortify the defenses of Philadelphia]
Indicates that a company of artillery will be devoted to building a defense of ports and obstructing the British army's approach during the War of 1812. The company would be outfitted with tools. They would come from the Corps of Field Engineers...
GLC02978.04
to Jonathan Williams
1814/09/15
Patterson, Robert M., 1787-1854
Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, reponds to Williams' request (see GLC02978.09). Indicates that Dr. Paschall refused to allow works to be built upon his land, but may consent if the works are not near his buildings...
GLC02978.10
to Robert M. Patterson
1814/09/04
Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815
Tells Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, that a man named Jonathan Jones, who knows the local terrain, can provide assistance to the topographical engineers. Also notes a man named Spencer Sargeant will be retained for...
GLC02978.08
[Request for Dr. Robert M. Patterson to continue building a fortification]
1814/09/03
Asks Patterson, the chief engineer of the Corps of Field Engineers, to "direct & continue the operations on the heights next of Schuylkill [River] without delay.
GLC02978.07
Lizzie Wilkins and Annie
8 June 1865
Hanscom, Alfred A., fl. 1833-1865
Written by Hanscom as a private in Company L, 1st Heavy Artillery Regiment New Hampshire. Writes to his friends informing that they are waiting to be discharged soon, hopefully by June 11 or 12. States that he heard many Massachusetts troops have...
GLC08407
to H. H. Bun
January 11, 1863
Austin, John E., fl. 1863
Major Austin, Commander of Austin's Battalion Sharp Shooters (Confederate), discusses the Battle of Stones River, or Murfreesboro, with Bun, an acting assistant adjutant general. Mentions fighting with Breckinridge's Division (led by General John...
GLC00027
[Commission of James W. Ripley as Captain in the Fourth Regiment of Artillery]
1 June 1826
Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Engraved document signed by Adams as president and countersigned by James Barbour as secretary of war. Includes a paper seal. A note on the side signed by "R. Jones" indicated that it was "Registered Vol: 2 page 59" in the attorney general's office...
GLC01492
to Jane Brisbin
July 20, 1861
Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892
Informs his wife, Jane, of his travels from Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., through Alexandria with a company of 120 men, supported by artillery men from Rhode Island Governor William Sprague's "celebrated Rhode Island Battery." States...
GLC01505.01
April 11, 1864
Discusses the Battle of Sabine Crossroads with Jane, his wife. Writes, "We have had a great battle. Three days fighting. The 1st day we whipped them. The 2nd day they whipped us and the third day we whipped them. The fighting was dreadful and we have...
GLC01505.05
to John Hunter
December 3, 1755
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
With autograph free frank. Franklin says that "By our late Act I am engag'd in the Disposition of the 60,000 pounds," money given to him by the Pennsylvania legislature to raise a militia for defense of the state's borders during the French and...
GLC01656
to T. Apoleon Cheney
January 19, 1870
Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870
Letter written by Dahlgren as commander of the Washington Navy Yard. References Cheney's notes from January 6 and 10. Has not responded because of the "many demands on my time." Says some of the books he has requested are procurable and will be...
GLC01545.09
Albumen Print of Battery A, 2nd U.S. Colored Light Artillery Reg
1864
Dramatic oval photograph showing seven black soldiers attending a cannon.
GLC03028
to Edward Manigault
4 April 1861
Glaze, William, 1815-1883
Lists guns and heavy shells sent to Charleston intended for the bombardment of Fort Sumter. Written on Proprietor stationery of the Palmetto Iron Works.
GLC03034
[Petition to George Wortham to provide a scout for the county]
1 September 1864
Foster, B. W., fl. 1864
Petition signed by thirty-seven citizens of Tyrrell County, requesting that James Ludford be allowed to remain in the county as a scout. He is needed because of the nearby presence of Union troops, and the fear that some citizens have begun to spy...
GLC03067
[Photograph of the effect of a shell explosion near Fredericksburg, Va.]
circa 1862
Russell, Andrew J., 1829-1902
One undated photograph was taken by Andrew J. Russell. The image shows General Herman Haupt leaning against a stump and surveying the damage to artillery caissons caused by a shell. The caissons lie in wreckage next to the dead mules who had hauled...
GLC03093
[Manuscript Civil War map of Dover, Tennessee, showing battlefield and artillery]
January 1863
Shows Confederate line of batteries, roads, rivers, and ravines. Also shows the town layout with gun placements and building locations. Approximately forty buildings appear, including the headquarters of the 83rd Illinois Regiments, Colonel A.C...
GLC04042.01
to Mrs. J. R. Goldsborough
15 December 1861-30 December 1861
Goldsborough, John Rodgers, 1808-1877
Commander Goldsborough writes to his wife from the U.S. Steamer Florida, on blockading duty near Charleston, South Carolina. Notes the arrival of the stone fleet, comprised by ships filled with stone, sand, and other heavy materials sent to blockade...
GLC04216
Commission of George Morgan, First Lt. of artillery in army of republic of Texas
1837/06/07
Houston, Sam, 1793-1863
Printed on vellum.
GLC04256
to Jacob Buntly
April 1863
Buntly, G.W., fl. 1862-1864
Discusses personal affairs, his good health, and his wish for clothes. Notes the Union will "will meet a sad fait for we have a bout 115 or 120 Guns on the Bank of the River" in addition to the Confederate fleet. Also mentions he has heard that...
GLC04190.06
[Cartes de visite of men of the 10th New York Heavy Artillery] [Decimalized .01- .26]
circa 1864
Mostly photographs by R. W. Addis, Washington. Includes images of Col. Alexander Piper, Lieut. Col. Arden, Maj. C.C. Abell, Maj. James Campbell, and others.
GLC05528
to Henry Jackson
1 June 1777
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Discusses their correspondence and friendship, affirming that he feels "the same sublime disinterested friendship for you that has existed in both our bosoms for so long." Also discusses the possible appointment of the French general Charles Tronson...
GLC05543
to Charles Mettler
February 17, 1863
Moore, Peter, fl. 1863
Moore, a Union soldier, informs his friend that he has been on the Steamer Sam Young Packet since 11 February, and that it is two miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi, on the Louisiana shore. Relates that he and others sent a decoy boat toward...
GLC06269
[William Farquhar Barry]
1861 October
Carte de visite of the Union Chief of Artillery, 1/2 length portrait. Inscribed to Ms. Belle Riley." Barry served as Chief of Artillery from 1st Bull Run through the Peninsula Campaign.
GLC05918.01
to Henry Knox
May 1777
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Writes a very detailed letter to her husband in Morristown, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Discusses the arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French military engineer "who stiles himself Commander in Chief of the...
GLC05895
Ordnance instructions for the Confederate States Navy
Confederate States of America. Navy
Title continues: "relating to the preparation of vessels of the war for battle, to the duties of officers and others when at quarters, to ordnance and ordnance stores, and to gunnery." Published by order of the Navy Department in London by Saunders...
GLC06159.02
Journal and drawings of bombproofs, with collateral
circa 1863
Seuss, John L., fl. 1863
Collection incudes 6 documents: 4 drawings, notes (2 documents), and a journal. Drawings include bomb proof fortifications and cannon emplacements for South Carolina, by Capt of the 50th NY Vols [engineers]. Also contains notes and instructions for...
GLC06166
to Josiah Bartlett and John Langdon
4 September 1775
Sullivan, John, 1740-1795
General Sullivan writes to Bartlett and Langdon, Continental Congressmen from New Hampshire. Discusses a lack of gunpowder, stating "the State of our powder is Shocking we dare not use our Cannon Lest we Should Loose the advantage of our Small Arm...
GLC06337
to William Petty, Earl of Shelburne
October 11, 1762
Lee, Charles, 1731-1782
Written by Colonel Lee as an officer under General John Burgoyne in Portugal to the William Petty, Earl of Shelburne (Lee writes "Shelbourne" on address), as aide-de-camp to King George III. Says he is honored Shelburne could possibly take in an...
GLC06302
to Schuyler Hamilton
January 22, 1863
Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885
Grant, Commander of the Army and Department of the Tennessee, discusses the organization of guns in preparation for the siege of Vicksburg. Also instructs Hamilton regarding gathering troops at Memphis, Tennessee and Corinth, Mississippi.
GLC06349
to John Langdon
7 July 1778
General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington...
GLC06521
[Commission of Henry Hunt as Lieutenant Colonel of the 3rd Artillery Regiment]
1 July 1864
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
Countersigned by Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War, and Edward Davis Townsend, Assistant Adjutant General. Official seal has been ripped and is partially missing. Partially printed on vellum. Contains an image of an eagle, a knight's...
GLC06415.01
to Joseph Woodbridge
5 August 1781
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Negotiates for credit to purchase a cannon for the Continental Army. With a presentation note on page three dated 17 April 1844 from Sheldon Woodbridge to H. A. Sheldon (signed by Woodbridge).
GLC06427
3 September 1781
Indicates that he has referred Woodbridge's letter about finalizing a cannon purchase to Robert Morris because he (Washington) has to march southward (for the Yorktown campaign). See also GLC06427 on the cannon purchase.
GLC06428
Ordnance report of the siege train commanded by Colonel R.O. Tyler 1st Conn Arty
May 1862 circa
Doull, Alexander, 1836-?
Reports on the performance of Tyler's artillerymen during the siege of Yorktown. States that "The guns placed in position before York Town exceeded by 50 percent any guns that had ever before been placed in Siege batteries" ever in world history...
GLC06386
1st Wisconsin posing with artillery on 4th street, Chattanooga, TN
[1863]
Unmounted photograph, accompanied by a latter laid sheet of paper with note "Union Forces - Chattanooga"
GLC06389
to William Sherman
February 25, 1880
Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889
Hunt's analysis of artillery at Gettysburg, written as part of his long, ongoing feud with Winfield Scott Hancock. The first part of the manuscript explains and defends the organization artillery and the post of Commander in Chief of the Artillery...
GLC06415.02
[Benson's battery of horse artillery near Fair Oaks]
1862 ca.
Brady, Mathew B., 1823-1896
No. 433 in series.
GLC06441
Return of the state of Capt. Doughty's Company 2nd Regt. of Artillery
24 September 1782
Guion, Isaac, fl. 1776-1823
Return of Captain Doughty's company broken down by rank and status (fit, sick, etc.).
GLC02437.01625
3 March 1784
Doughty, John, 1754-1826
Major Doughty encloses the last return (possibly GLC02437.10578) of the corps of artillery (Doughty took command of the artillery at West Point after the suspension of Sebastian Bauman which resulted from a disagreement with William Hull, commandant...
GLC02437.02970
30 June 1784
Major Doughty encloses returns of the ordnance stores and troops under his command. Plans to wait for clothing to arrive before sending a party of soldiers to Springfield, Massachusetts. Writes, "I have the Happiness to inform you that the greatest...
GLC02437.03022
to John Doughty
16 August 1784
Discusses Doughty's treatment of a specific store of powder. Notes that Doughty should care for the arsenal under his watch to the best of his ability until further instructions are received from Congress. Reports that Frederick Haldimand...
GLC02437.03041
12 March 1785
Major Doughty, commander at West Point, transmits returns of troops and stores (returns not included). Doughty is extremely upset because he hopes to remain in the military as an artillerist, but recently heard that Congress plans to discharge the...
GLC02437.03108
March 21, 1787
Informs Knox he is extremely busy at the moment and will not be able to return to New York City as expected. Discusses concerns about the men not being paid and feels that if the corps are disbanded for lack of pay, they may never be able to raise...
GLC02437.03497
March 27, 1787
Informs Doughty that he will help with procuring subsistence for the troops. Does not believe recruiting service will begin in New York as its quota numbers are deficient. The contracts of Morris and Wadsworth are ending as Congress is not happy...
GLC02437.03502
8 March 1791
Declines Knox's request to serve as Lieutenant Colonel Commander. Says after much deliberation, he has decided to leave the service. He wanted to when he served with General Josiah Harmar but the difficult situation with the Indians "forbid my...
GLC02437.04875
[Pay abstract for Captain Jotham Drury's company in Henry Knox's regiment of artillery]
February-April 1776
Drury, Jotham, 1741-1831
Appears to be signed by Drury.
GLC02437.09513
17 June 1782
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Writes, "Colo. [John] Greaton the commanding officer of the 3 Massachusetts Brigade has marched with his Regiment to relieve the Ports at Dobbs Ferry, Stony, and Verplanks point, since which I have received information that the Brigade is without a...
GLC02437.01455
12 November 1786
Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see...
GLC02437.03335
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