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to Sister

Relays to his sister that, a possible mutual friend, Dan Shern has died. States, "little did I think when I saw him on the 14 of October that he would be in the grave before one month roled over his head. Well it is a road we will all have to travel...

GLC03523.08.84

to Mary M. Bogart

Addresses his letter to his wife, "companion and friend," and tells her that he hopes she is feeling well and taking good care of their children. Asks that she not speak anymore of him getting a discharge, as "that is a thing hard to get here..."...

GLC03523.11.16

to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife while on board the steamer Georgia. Explains that they will first go to Newport News, Virginia and then on to North Carolina. Comments on what he can see on the ocean and relates this to life. Writes about the horrors of war and...

GLC03523.13.080

to [John Page?] re: corresponding, question of soul, desire for secrecy

A very early letter, one of the earliest in private hands concerning questions of metaphysics. Young Jefferson says he will protect their secrecy by not signing (or addressing) the letter.

GLC04366

[Philosophical essays on various subjects; viz., space, substance, body, spirit. Inscribed by William Ellery].

Also signed by William Ellery and George Wanton Ellery. Title continues: "the operations of the soul in union with the body; the production and operations of plants and animals; with some remarks on Mr. Locke's Essay on the human understanding. To...

GLC04230

to George C. Latham re: encouraging Robert's friend to reapply to Harvard

Lincoln writes to his son's friend, who had been rejected by Harvard. He writes a letter of encouragement: "It is a certain truth, that you can enter, and graduate in, Harvard University; and having made the attempt, you must succeed in it. 'Must'...

GLC03876

[Speech given to an Elks Club]

A draft of a lengthy disquisition on the nature of history and memory, human fellowship and greatness, and the enduring quality of true goodness. Contains many autograph edits. Date approximated from his tenure in national public offices.

GLC04909

to Jeremy Bentham

Lafayette confirms that he has settled on his farm at La Grange and indicates that he is studying Bentham's philosophy. He discusses standing armies and the role of the militia in defending the United States. Also discusses "the impeachment of...

GLC04801

to Ed

The distilling plant had to run all winter and the high tides removed three piers. He regrets not leaving last year and thinks this winter may be his last. He chides Ed for not realizing that "now is the time to fit yourself for life's battle" and...

GLC05245.51

to Mary P. Payson

Jackson sends Miss Payson a sentiment: "Seek true wisdom[:] it is the pearl of 'great price' which cheers us thro' life, and ends in happy mortality." One black and white bust engraving of Jackson included.

GLC05508.005

to George L. Rihl

Rihl resided around Mexico City. Rickenbacker reflects on the state of the country during the Christmas season. He sees Americans' hatred of Germans and Japanese, cultivated during WWII, being transferred to fellow citizens in post-war America...

GLC05508.010.01

to George L. Rihl

Rickenbacker sees an "alien philosophy" of wanting "something for nothing" as infiltrating American society. He argues that the people are to blame, not the government or so-called rich. He sees bankruptcy as the result, unless everyone orients...

GLC05508.010.02

to Horace C. Tracy

Anderson was a scientist. In old age, Anderson writes a meandering letter, apparently in response to Tracy's asking for an autograph or opinion.

GLC05508.020

to Dr. Davenport

A short, odd, breezy letter, Barnum promises a humorous lecture, possibly to a religious group. He also remarks on the virtues of being "practically useful to our fellow man," indicating that he would trade some of his faith for a stack of good works...

GLC05508.030.01

[Fragment of speech by William Jennings Bryan]

A fragment of a speech by Bryan comparing Christ and Confucius marked B. 6: "Confucius dealt with forms and formulas; Christ dealt with substance and with unchanging truth." Typed by Bryan's wife with autograph notes and handwritten continuation on...

GLC05508.052.02

to Mattie

Burnet writes to a young girl who is feeling swings in emotion, and ascribes the problem to excessive indulgence in "fashionable amusements." He advises putting "a philosophical curb on our enjoyments and restrain[ing] them from exciting us too...

GLC05508.056

to Marshall E. Bean

Curti responds to a letter from Bean, who, facing his own death, asked Curti about his faith. Curti responds that Bean's life in teaching and religious faith ought to provide him with confidence in the value of his life. Regarding his own faith...

GLC05508.078.01

My Creed

A personal philosophy Guest tried to live by, much of it dealing with ethics and decorum: "... to be strict with myself, but patient and lenient with others; to give the advantage , but never to ask for it; to be kindly to all, but kindlier to the...

GLC05508.118

[The idea of immortality...]

Ingersoll writes a verse comparing immortality to the sea.

GLC05508.145

to Patrick K. Rogers re: University of Virginia opening delayed

Jefferson writes that the general opening of the University will be delayed to 1821. Dr. Cooper may open a school of philosophy, chemistry, mineralogy and law. Written in Monticello

GLC06709

To: Richard Rush.

Written to the son of his close friend Dr. Benjamin Rush in January 1814 and finished February 23. An early portion of the letter is in a Sternian style (stream of consciousness) concerning dreams while ill. Adams concludes, slightly tongue-in...

GLC02518

to James Dundas [fragment]

Indicates that he was sorry to hear about his brother's "disagreables" and offers a travelling metaphor for the difficulties of life. Regrets that they have not seen each other recently.

GLC02549.08

to James Dundas

Discusses mutual acquaintances, including Mr. Erskine and the Duke of Roxbury, who speak highly of James and are available for recommendations. Expounds on the importance of an active life and remarks that the only people whose lives are "bearable...

GLC02549.47

to his brother

Miller has heard that there will be "a great battle to Come off soon" and that his brother may be slated to fight in it. "We have no news here all is uneasy as to the results of the coming Contest..." He also expresses some doubts about the war:...

GLC02691.11.015

[Quote from Dickens's "Oliver Twist"]

Quotes, "We need be careful how we deal with those about us, for death carries with it to some small circle of survivors, thoughts of so much omitted, and so little done - of so many things forgotten, and so many more which might have been repaired...

GLC02737