Collection Search

to his wife

Letter written from "pits burg Landing tenn," most likely Pittsburg Landing, in Tennessee. Letter written just after the Battle of Shiloh.

GLC01013.10

to his wife

Top half of third page is missing.

GLC01013.11

to his wife

GLC01013.12

to his wife

GLC01013.13

to his wife

Letter written on patriotic stationary.

GLC01013.14

to his wife

GLC01013.15

to his wife

Lay cites the location as "State of Mississippi Camp near Lagrang," most likely referring to La Grange, Tennessee, where he was previously camped and which is near the Mississippi border.

GLC01013.16

to his wife

Letter written on patriotic stationary from "Camp Davids Mills Miss," most likely in Mississippi.

GLC01013.17

to his wife

Letter written on patriotic stationary from "Davids Mills Miss," most likely in Mississippi.

GLC01013.18

to his wife

Letter written from "Camp Davids Mills Miss," most likely in Mississippi.

GLC01013.19

to his wife

GLC01013.20

to his wife

Letter written from "Black River, Miss," possibly a reference to the Big Black River in Mississippi, which was in the vicinity of Vicksburg. Lay's unit was involved in the siege of Vicksburg; Confederate forces in Vicksburg surrendered on July 4...

GLC01013.21

to his wife

An elaborately cut paper memento addressed to his wife.

GLC01013.22

[Rail pass and train ticket]

Contains two items. The first is a permit for Sarah Lay to travel by "rail or river" at her expense, good for one day. Issued by Major J. W. Merrill, Provost Marshal, District of Cairo, and signed by [M. Cyril]. On verso is printed, "It is...

GLC01013.30

to Wm. W. McKean

A note granting Wm McKean a leave of absence

GLC04188.07

to W. McKean

Mentions the suspension of a Mr. Pierce

GLC04188.18

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes the surrender of Raleigh and the request for protection from looters. "The men here with few exceptions are anxious to come back into the Union; but as usual the majority of the ladies are rebellious, of course." He is optimistic of...

GLC04195.31

Banquet programme

Fragment of banquet program, probably for a celebration following the victory of the Civil War. Sherman presided. Poems, songs, and reports given for each army. Verso has illustration of Union flags with lists of victories. On May 24 a Grand...

GLC04195.33

to Valentine Baxter Horton

General Pope, commander of the Department of the Northwest, writes to father-in-law. Notes that his mother's health is better than it has been for the past two years. States, "I find the whole public mind in the West possessed with the belief that...

GLC04385.01

to George G. Meade

Pennsylvania governor Curtin responds to a letter from Major General Meade, commander of the 5th Corps, Army of the Potomac. Defends himself, saying that he did not intend to make General Cadwalader think that Meade had lost all confidence in General...

GLC04385.02

to his brother John McKinley Gibson

A camp rumor states that Sherman gave up his campaign against Atlanta and is fortifying along the Chatahoochee. "But this is mere conjecture." Gibson goes on to offer offensive diversions to draw Sherman from Atlanta, such as massing Confederate...

GLC04501.023

To his wife

Marching orders, ammunitions, reporting to Burnside for naval expedition.

GLC04558.005

To his wife

Sleeping on open ground, commending wife's economy, speculating that Jackson has been allowed to cross over into Maryland to cut him off.

GLC04558.042

To his wife

On the march from Washington. Mentions he saw battle at South Mountain.

GLC04558.043

To his wife

Responds to his father who believes the rebels will be beaten sooner or later, talking about discharges and belief that a Binghampton lawyer in Washington can get them for $5, bemoaning his bad luck, mentions his bad grace about not getting promoted.

GLC04558.069

To his wife

Trying to comfort his wife, who was depressed by the death of a relation (Lucy who had died a year earlier). Expects marching orders soon.

GLC04558.100

To George Tillotson

Enclosed with GLC04558.122.01. Written by George Tillotson's sister Mary and her husband Edwin. Mary writes of her hard work and says Nelly [Nelson] was taken prisoner. Edwin's letter (beginning on p.2) complains of poor health (consumption) and...

GLC04558.122.02

To his wife

Various news; says he approves of a monument for daughter Lucy (deceased). With postscript "No News."

GLC04558.125

[Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall] [Incomplete]

Leather bound manuscript signed. First entry is not logged down until 18 February 1864. On 25 March, he reports that General Ulysses Grant is visiting. Reports on the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania. Reports of heavy fighting from May...

GLC04564.05

[Speech delivered to the Great Central Fair of Buffalo]

Former President Fillmore notes historic inventions and developments, such as the rail road, steam engine, and telegraph, that have shaped Buffalo since the city's 1832 Centennial Celebration. Refers to the farewell addresses of Presidents George...

GLC04884.02

to Andrew Johnson

Discusses Union victory by De Courcy's brigade on 6 August 1862. "It is rumored that Kentucky is to be invaded." Written to Johnson as Military Governor of Tennessee.

GLC05045.01

[Carte de visite of George Washington Morgan]

Carte de visite of George Washington Morgan. Mounted on paper 23 x 20 cm.

GLC05045.02

General Nathaniel P. Banks

Bust portait.

GLC05135.002

Silas Casey

Bust portrait.

GLC05135.006

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, seated full length view]

White mount with black border. "Meserve 72 Feb. 23. 1861. F[illegible], V 55" penciled on verso. Seated full length view. [O-51.]

GLC05136.02

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, seated full length view]

White mount. "Honest Abe" penciled on verso. Seated full length view similar to image #2. [O-53].

GLC05136.03

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, bust view]

Black mount. "15 cts." Penciled on verso. Bust view. [O-55].

GLC05136.04

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, bust view]

White mount with blue border. "1200" penciled on verso. Bust view. Same image as #4. [O-55].

GLC05136.05

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, seated full length view]

White mount. Seated, full length view of a contemplative Lincoln. Same image as # 7. [O-60].

GLC05136.06

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, seated full length view]

White mount with orange border. Seated, full length view of a contemplative Lincoln. Same image as #6. [O-60].

GLC05136.07

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, seated full length view]

White mount with gold border. Seated, full length view. [O-73].

GLC05136.08

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, standing three quarter view]

White mount with gold border. Standing, three-quarter view. [O-86].

GLC05136.09

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, standing three quarter view]

White mount with gold border. Standing, three-quarter view. Lighter, retouched version of image #9, with white background. [O-86].

GLC05136.10

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, bust view]

White mount. Oval photo of engraving showing bust view. Lincoln's image on the five dollar bill is derived from this portrait. Related to image #13. [O-92 variant].

GLC05136.12

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, half length seated view]

White mount. Half length seated view. Lincoln's image on the five dollar bill is derived from this portrait. Related to image #12. [O-92 variant].

GLC05136.13

[Abraham Lincoln, carte de visite, vignette bust view]

White mount. Vignette bust view photographed on the balcony at the White House. [O-112].

GLC05136.15

[Mary Todd Lincoln, carte de visite, three-quarter length standing view]

White mount with orange border. Three-quarter length standing view of Mary Todd Lincoln in her inaugural gown. Same image as #17, though slightly darker.

GLC05136.16

[Mary Todd Lincoln, carte de visite, three-quarter length standing view]

White mount. Three-quarter length standing view of Mary Todd Lincoln in her inaugural gown. Same image as # 16, though slightly lighter.

GLC05136.17

[Mary Lincoln, carte de visite, seated, half-length]

White mount with purple border. Seated, half length view of Mary Lincoln facing proper right.

GLC05136.18

[Abraham Lincoln, stereo card, seated full length view]

Black mount. Inscription on verso: "Stereo made from two matching carte photos, the originals are from Sid Strober's collection. Copy made by Fred Lightfoot, 1952." Seated, full length view of Lincoln with hat on the table beside him. [O-52].

GLC05136.33

"Hon. Abraham Lincoln, President of United States"

Yellow mount with printed inscription "American & Foreign Portrait Gallery." Anthony's Prominent Portraits, #2968. Half length, seated view of Lincoln, with pink tinted face, hands, and chair. [O-84 variant]

GLC05136.34

[Abraham Lincoln, stereocard, seated half length view]

Yellow mount with printed inscription "American & Foreign Portrait Gallery." Half length, seated view of Lincoln without pink tinting. Similar to image #34.

GLC05136.35

"Private Box at Ford's Theatre, the place where President Lincoln was assassinated"

Yellow mount with printed inscription "Photographic History, The War for the Union." Anthony's War Views, #3403.

GLC05136.36

"Hon. Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States"

Yellow mount with printed inscription: "American & Foreign Portrait Gallery." Inscription in ink on verso: "Meserve no. 92, probably by Brady." Seated bust portrait of Lincoln with spiky haircut. Modern photograph of E. & H. T. Anthony stereocard...

GLC05136.49

[Abraham Lincoln, stereocard, seated bust portrait]

Gray mount. Numbered "H59" and "28016 Abraham Lincoln" on recto. Seated bust portrait of Lincoln with spiky haircut. Modern photograph of E. & H. T. Anthony stereocard. [O-103 C and D].

GLC05136.50

[Abraham Lincoln, stereocard, seated half length]

Black pressure-sensitive adhesive mount. Half length seated portrait of Lincoln. Modern transparent image of stereocard on plastic.

GLC05136.51

[carte de visite photograph album of Lincoln and family]

Carte de visite photograph album of Lincoln and family containing eleven photographs (#i-xi) and one engraving (#xii).

i. "Death bed of Lincoln." Photo of engraving showing Andrew Johnson, Charles Sumner, and other political figures gathered...

GLC05136.52

to William Jackson

In the letter, he recounts his visit to a photographer in St. Anthony who has yet to send him his photos after two months; this has sorely "vexed" him. He talks about the trip the regiment is about to make to Devils Lake in the northern Dakota...

GLC00203.05

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson thinks and hopes that the troops will be sent to the South in place of the Minnesota 1st. He implores Bill to get everyone he knows to vote for Lincoln, as he is "stubborn" and the only candidate who can end the war. He waxes poetic on...

GLC00203.10

Photograph of Fort Snelling and the Valley of the Minnesota.

One photograph of Fort Snelling and the Valley of the Minnesota. A small black & white image, printed by Whitney's Gallery, St. Paul, Minnesota. Originally with a letter (see GLC00203.10) by Edwin Jackson, a Private in Company D. of the 6th Minnesota...

GLC00203.10.01

to William Jackson

The regiment is in Cairo, IL, on its way to Helena, AK, where Edwin Jackson is happy to be going. He describes a parade they were in, where the regiment's "Silver Band" played and ladies blew them kisses and waved their handkerchiefs. He talks about...

GLC00203.12

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes that the troops are in Arkansas, and he often has to stand guard duty; however, he would much rather be in the South and "run the chance of being shot and killed out and out" than be in Dakota "and be killed by degrees." He tells...

GLC00203.13

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes this letter from a camp hospital, and informs Bill that he has the ague (fever) and had the shakes terribly the night before. His fever is broken, though, and he is not in danger, just weakened by the fever, and wants to return...

GLC00203.14

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson writes that he is over his fever and is well again. He also recently voted, along with the rest of his regiment. He proudly notes that only 10 or 12 of them voted for "the Traitor Little Mac," so his regiment is a "true Union Regtiment...

GLC00203.15

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson discusses that the regiment has been moved to St. Louis, a much more hospitable place than the "Grave Yard" of Helena, AK, where two men died from sickness. He thinks the regiment will stay the rest of its enlistment there, and mentions...

GLC00203.16

to William Jackson

Edwin Jackson wishes Bill a happy New Year and talks about how happy and hopeful he is. He remarks that, after his last seven months are up, he will be proud to have been in the army and will be able to look at the cowardly Copperheads with contempt...

GLC00203.17

to William Jackson

Writing from home, he rejoices about having been part of crushing the rebellion in the South. He talks about how happy his father was to see him home again. He mentions that he was in the last battle in Blakely, Alabama, with his trusty Springfield...

GLC00203.18

to Colonel Julius Walker Adams

Discusses convening of the military commission to reevaluate Porter's actions during Second Manassas. Notes that Asa Gardiner, the lawyer opposing Porter in the trial "has notified 'McDowell & Pope that he will take care of their honor.' before the...

GLC00214.02.01

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses a delay in the meeting of the board. Mentions the arguments of John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels during hearings. Writes "I know nothing of the Board. My relations with it have been entirely of a formal character & I...

GLC00214.02.02

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses whether President Rutherford B. Hayes will support his case, which had been before a military board, concerning his conduct during the Battle of Second Manassas. Discusses his desire to keep the case separate from politics, and remarks that...

GLC00214.02.04

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses President Rutherford B. Hayes actions concerning his case. Remarks "I had not heard of any efforts to prevent the President acting on my matter... nor do I believe that any such efforts would have any influence even if made." Wonders...

GLC00214.02.05

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Sends money for a subscription to Adams's paper "The Engineering News." Mentions Major Gardiner has been asked to officially submit the report on his case. Writes, "You asked Pope to deliver the address to Cadets -- [Jon] & Sherman?" Written on...

GLC00214.02.06

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Mentions the Slater letters, noting that Slater is an excellent Republican who served in the 13th New York Volunteers, and was badly wounded in the Battle of Second Manassas. Discusses "a terrible blow to the country" at length, referring to the July...

GLC00214.02.08

to Charles Guy Warden

General Porter, New York City Police Commissioner, instructs Warden to wish his father, author Robert Bruce Warden, luck in a literary undertaking. Indicates that R. Warden's project involves Salmon P. Chase, who had served as Secretary of the...

GLC00214.02.11

to Captain Julius Walker Adams

In this letter, Porter discusses his case. Notes that Adams's friend, Thomas Church Haskell Smith, testified against him. Relates that Major Gardiner requested documents from the War Department regarding Generals George McClellan, William Buel...

GLC00214.02.14

to John J. Key

The letter is accompanied by a copy of General Orders No. 144 from September 27, 1862, signed by the Assistant Adjutant General, dismissing Key from the service for uttering disloyal sentiments. The note describes meeting on September 27 with Key and...

GLC00228.01

[Muster out roll for William Nerland, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by R. H. [Walker?], Second Lieutenant, 52nd Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. Most of the 35th United States Colored Troops enlisted men were freedmen and emancipated people from Virginia and the Carolinas.

GLC00267.228.01

[Muster out roll for Clarke H. Remick, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Beecher as Colonel of the 35th Regiment. James C. Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe and Henry Ward Beecher, commanded the 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops.

GLC00267.228.02

[Muster out roll for Gardner A. Kimball, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.03

[Muster out roll for Charles A. Clark, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.04

[Muster out roll for George H. Greene, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.05

[Muster out roll for Henry Krebs, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.06

[Muster out roll for Robert Creighton, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.07

[Muster out roll for Holland H. Batcheller, 35th Regiment, United States Colored Troops]

Signed by Robinson as Captain of the 54th Regiment, New York Volunteers.

GLC00267.228.08

[Form certifying James E. Kelly's payment as a witness]

One document dated December 11, 1874 from James S., certifying that James E. Kelly was paid three dollars for serving as a witness during a court martial appointment.

GLC09965.01.02

The New York Herald [No. 9295 (February 22, 1862)]

One issue of The New York Herald newspaper dated February 22, 1862. Contains news on Civil War battles and current events. Of particular interest is a map of Fort Donelson and the areas surrounding. There are also mentions of the anniversary of...

GLC09770

New York Daily Tribune [ Vol. 21, no. 6,504 (February 7, 1862)]

One issue of New York Daily Tribune newspaper dated February 7, 1862. Contains news on Civil War battles and current events. Of particular note is an article on the fourth page stating, "The President in respiting the slaver Gordon for two weeks...

GLC09771

[Items related to Jefferson Davis's capture][Decimalized .01-.04]

Collection of four items dated 1865 related to Jefferson Davis's capture. Davis is depicted wearing his wife's dress at the moment of the arrest. Frequent characters in the depictions are Union soldiers, Capitol Hill, and his wife, Varina Davis...

GLC09780

Jeff's Last Dodge

One carte de visite labelled, "Jeff's Last Dodge," dated circa 1865. Image displays Jefferson Davis in a dress, fleeing from his tent in order to evade capture by Union soldiers. Other illustrated character call out to him as "old lady."

GLC09780.01

Jeff. Davis' Last Invasion of the North

One carte de visite labelled, "Jeff. Davis' Last Invasion of the North," dated circa 1865. Depicts a scene where Union soldiers have captured Jefferson Davis in a dress. A soldier holds a sign that reads, "6 Miles to Washington." Illustrated in the...

GLC09780.02

[Line engraving of Jefferson Davis in a dress with Union soldiers]

One untitled carte de visite printed by Francis Hacker dated 1865. Depicts Jefferson Davis in a dress and hood carrying a water pail, next to, presumably, his wife in a white tent. Union soldiers inspect their attire.

GLC09780.03

Jeff Davis, as Captured

One carte de visite entitled, "Jeff Davis, as Captured," dated circa 1865. Illustration consists of a superimposed image of a dress with a portrait of Jefferson Davis where he holds a dagger. Below this, a caption reads, "Your men had better not...

GLC09780.04

to Mary Marbery

One letter addressed to Mary Marbery from her brother, William Marbery dated Summit House Hospital, November 11. He relays financial woes to her as well as expressing happiness that Abraham Lincoln has been elected as president to the United States...

GLC09826

[Papers belonging to James S. Brisbin, 1862-1865][Decimalized .01-.05]

Collection of papers belonging to James S. Brisbin dated 1862-1865. Consists of letters and commission papers
pertaining to Brisbin's service as the colonel of the 6th Regiment of Colored Troops for the Union Army.

GLC09831

[Diary of Ronald A. Kennedy of the Vermont Infantry, November 9, 1862-August 13, 1863]

One diary dated November 9,1862-August 13,1863, is signed, written largely in pencil. Includes key battle material in the entry for 13 December, which most likely refers to the Battle of Fredericksburg. Also describes the Battle of Chancellorsville...

GLC03954.01

[Diary of Ronald A. Kennedy of the Vermont Infantry, September 17, 1863-December 30, 1863]

One diary dated September 17, 1863-December 30, 1863 belonging to Ronald A. Kennedy. Does not contain much battle content, but features lists and accounting information.

GLC03954.02

[Diary of Ronald A. Kennedy of the Vermont Infantry, 1865]

One diary dated 1865 belonging to Ronald A. Kenendy is unsigned, and mostly written in pencil. Does not contain much battle content, but features lists and accounting information.

GLC03954.03

[Muster roll of Company H, Nineteenth Regiment United States Colored Troops]

Muster roll of Captain Dan Mason, Company H, Nineteenth Regiment United States Colored Troops, commanded by Colonel Joseph Perkins, while stationed at Chapin's Farm, Virginia. Pre-printed form completed in manuscript, with signatures on verso by Capt...

GLC09583

to Dear Parents

Written at Camp Elkwater.

GLC07687.001

to Little Brother Charlie

GLC07687.002