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Pivot gun & Crew, U.S. Ship Pocahontas, Edisto Ricer, S.C. April, 1862

Thirty-three sailors on deck of ship standing around pivot gun. The tracks that allow the gun to move are visible on the deck

GLC05140.01.13

Mortar U.S. Schooner C.P. Williams, Port Royal, S.C

An officer leans against the mortar gun with the rest of the crew posed in back of the gun. Two infantry drummer boys stand to the left, behind the gun

GLC05140.01.14

Contrabands aboard U. S. Ship Vermont, Port Royal, S.C

Many contraband men in naval looking uniforms on deck of ship. Shoes are very prominent on those seated in the front row. Note the second man from the left in the first row. To either side of him are the bare feet of the man behind him. [Green 3¢...

GLC05140.01.15

Deck of U.S. ship Wabash, Port Royal Harbor, S.C. May, 1863

Officers and crew of the ship pose near the back of the ship. The ship's rigging occupies the foreground.

GLC05140.01.16

Forward Pivot Gun, 200 lb Rifle. U.S. ship Wabash

Naval officers and infantry officers facing each other on the deck in front of an artillery gun. Two other naval officers and three seamen pose around the gun. On the left. a infantryman feigns a charge with his bayonet.

GLC05140.01.17

Autographs for freedom.

Published by John P. Jewett and Company. In the preface, Griffiths writes, "The proceeds of the sale of 'Autographs for Freedom,' will be devoted to the dissemination of light and truth on the subject of slavery throughout the country." Griffiths...

GLC05167

[Photograph of John Brown's last written words]

Albumen print of the last written words of John Brown. "I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty, land: will never be purged away, but with Blood. I had as I now think: vainly flattered myself that without very much...

GLC04463.08.01

[Facsimile of John Brown's last written words]

Reproduction on paper of the original copy of John Brown's last written words.

GLC04463.08.02

to his father Tobias Gibson

Gibson describes a march ending at Chattanooga and estimates the sizes of John Buford's and Jonathan Hunt Morgan's respective cavalry units. He laments the failed campaign into Kentucky and vividly describes the Battle of Perryville (10/8/1862)...

GLC04501.019

[Bill of sale for Isaam]

A bill of sale for Isaam, an enslaved man purchased by Tobias Gibson from T. A. Hibler for $550.

GLC04501.042

to Randall Gibson

A house slave has become less of a favorite and was sent down to the fields. She discusses plans to dig a ditch to provide drainage near the house.

GLC04501.058

[Receipt for purchase of Frank, an enslaved man]

One receipt belonging to Alfred A. Rowlands for the amount of $1,250 to purchase an enslaved man, Frank from Rowlands. Docket indicates Frank was sold as property by Tobias Gibson on behalf of his daughter, Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys.

GLC04501.073

to his sister Sarah Gibson

The first letter is written by Hart Gibson. He informs his sister of his progress in school. He writes about the family and his displeasure with President elect Polk. He also reports that Miss Webster, Toby and Claude's old teacher, has been...

GLC04501.075

to Tobias Gibson

Hailstorms ruined some of the cotton crop. The cotton gin processes about 12 bales a day. Sickness on the plantation has taken the lives of five slaves, all under the age of four. Albert lost two slaves, one 17 years old and the other 20. A...

GLC04501.082

to Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys

Writes that he has just arrived and that both the cash crop and the provision crops are doing well. He wishes he could bring surplus hands from Sumners Forest to Live Oak to help with the sugar grinding. He feels guilty about leaving Loula and Hart...

GLC04501.087

[to Tobias Gibson]

He discusses a recent letter from home and the Currency Bill passed by the Confederate Congress which discounts notes at approximately 83 %. He also writes his views on slavery, "There is no such thing as satisfying a negro without slavery. They do...

GLC04501.094

[to Loula Gibson]

The recipient is inferred from the content of the letter. Gibson completed an "unpleasant affair" (settled a contract) with the hands who will work on the plantation. He bitterly complains of being under the rule of the Provost Marshall and Federal...

GLC04501.095

to Sarah [Gibson] Humphreys

He writes that "The blacks are getting worse every day & at the end of this year I think they will be intolerable on account of bad work and the condition of the crops. I told them they must work on Saturday evening last - but they would not do it...

GLC04501.097

To his wife

Farm work (neighbors helped put-in crops), more rumors of Richmond's capture, drills, call for 100,000 men: "I think that the best way to end the concern [of enough men] would be to enlist and arm the contrabands for all the darkeys I have talked...

GLC04558.025

To his wife

Still in hospital, Regiment at Norfolk. Mail, picking whortle berries, wishing he could help on the farm, different tent styles. "There are about three hundred Contrabands sent from this island the other day to Newburn to go to school."

GLC04558.031

to his wife

Holding themselves in readiness, rumors on Burnside, McClellan. "We have just got news that the president has issued a proclamation freeing all the slaves on the first of January. It may be for the best but stil my hopes (if I had any) of a speedy...

GLC04558.044

To his wife

Feeling better, wishing he could help his wife with farm-work, speculating about McClellan's intentions. "...I dont feel as patriotic as I did, Maybe, because I have lost confidence in most of the head officers, for I dont believe they want the war...

GLC04558.050

To his wife

Interrupted by orders and drills. Reports rebels fortifying heights beyond Fredericksburg, believes they are equal or superior in numbers, re-building the same depot as done last year, comment about blacks riding the railroad while soldier walk...

GLC04558.056

To his wife

Continued January 3 ["Dec."]. Written in pencil. Increasing strictness of the colonel for infractions, mentions that soldier mutilating himself (cutting off thumb) was court-martialed and sentenced to hard labor and half-pay for rest of service...

GLC04558.060

To his wife

Skirmishing, Federal expedition to dislodge snipers, being reinforced, expecting an attack. "We have taken some negro rebel prisoners. One was caught in a tree fireing at our scurmishers, there was a white reb also with him but they killed the...

GLC04558.083

To his wife

Now camping at a fort, mentions guns in forts, describes looking over battlefield where he fought. Comments on home news and jokes that "I might I suppose 'send up a few contraband' to work for you only Uncle Samuel wont let em go so far North."...

GLC04558.093

To his wife

"This is an awful lonesome and lazy life to live..." Sultry days and chilly nights; drilling. On receiving a letter from his abolitionist brother-in-law: "...I received a letter from Edwin..... He accuses me of lacking sympathy with the plan and...

GLC04558.094

To his wife

A lazy day in which he day-dreams of being home; mentions combating a forest fire; relates farm news from Edwin who was injured and has hired "a couple of negroes;" instructions on sheep; responding to home news.

GLC04558.095

To his wife

Continued on June 6. Camping in the shade and making "artificial shade" with pine and cedar branches; according to letter from relative Matilda, "Nelson was a prisoner in the hands of the rebels;" other news. "As for Marys letter I dont think...

GLC04558.096

To his wife

Describes march from White House in great detail: foraging, washing clothes, giving away blanket to contraband, and more marching.

GLC04558.105

To his wife

Received pile of mail, including a letter from Edwin and Mary [abolitionist relations] which "didn't set very well on my stomach." Health of other soldiers; comments that Charleston probably will not fall right away. News reports of Rosecrans and...

GLC04558.117

To his wife

Describes picket duty on the north side of the island and how his thoughts roam. Expectations of assault on Fort Sumter. Promises to send Edwin's letter (mentioned in #117 and accompanies this item). He writes "Not that I have any objections to...

GLC04558.122.01

To his wife

Written in pencil with portions of pages 1-4 traced in a darker pencil. The explosion and charge on fort along the rebel line by Burnside's 9th Corps was at first rumored to be a great success although GWT noticed Grant "appeared a little troubled."...

GLC04558.151

To his wife

Continued on Sept. 6. Promoted to first sergeant, regiment moves to Fort Powhattan. Expresses his views on blacks. "I think you must have been delightfully entertained by the "darkies" to form so favorable an opinion of them. I declare you are...

GLC04558.159

To his wife

Continued Sept. 10th. Cross written. Describes arrival at the Fort and Garrison duty. Fort is manned by "the 89th New York [GWT's regiment], one company of darkey cavalry, one company of heavy artillery, and a signal station." Relieved to hear...

GLC04558.160

To his wife

Relieved at Chapins Farm by a company of black soldiers; fought fierce battle near the old Fair Oaks battlefield. Written from Atkins Landing, in Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

GLC04558.169

to John Andrew Shulze

Printed resolution from the Indiana State Legislature opposing an amendment to the United States Constitution proposed by the Georgia Legislature that would restrict the movement of free blacks and manumitted slaves. First page signed by Hendricks...

GLC04565

to Samuel Williams

Writes to Williams in Ohio that he arrived in Natchez 6 May after a voyage of three weeks and five days. Mentions that he contracted dysentery on the trip but is okay. Reports that there is no produce for sale at the market and that there are 100...

GLC04601.05

to Nathaniel Wordin

Describes the area where he lives in Mississippi as a clearing in the middle of an immense forest with a few houses and about 1600 inhabitants, half of them slaves. Reports that they have a Methodist and a Presbyterian church and a temperance...

GLC04601.13

to Isaac Mayo

Written by Captain Elliott as commander of the West India Squadron to Lieutenant Mayo as commander of the schooner "Grampus" stationed off the coast of Cuba. This is a clerical copy, with clerical signature of Elliott, of general instructions to Mayo...

GLC04604.14

Circumstances leading to and attending the seize of the Phoenix

Written by Lieutenant Commander Mayo as commander of the U.S.S. Grampus. Relates the chase made by the "Grampus" to capture the slave trade ship"Phoenix" off the coast of Saint Domingo. J.C. Hall, captain of the merchant ship "Kremlin," which sailed...

GLC04604.17

to John Branch

Written by Lieutenant Commander Mayo as commander of the U.S.S. Grampus, which was off the coast of Saint Domingo, to Branch as Secretary of the Navy. Better copy of GLC04606.17. Marked "No. 2" in docket.

GLC04604.18

to J.C. Hall

Written by Lieutenant Commander Mayo as commander of the U.S.S. Grampus to Hall as captain of the merchant ship "Kremlin," based out of Boston, Massachusetts. Hall was threatened by the slave trade ship "Phoenix" and witnessed Mayo's seizure of the...

GLC04604.19

to Isaac Mayo

Written by Captain Elliott as commander of the West India Squadron to Lieutenant Commander Mayo as commander of the U.S.S. Grampus. Orders Mayo to remain with the Grampus until Lt. Wilson comes out with the prize. Mayo is to escort Wilson to the...

GLC04604.20

[Military accounts for pay and subsistence]

Payment for Lieutenant John H. Worchester. Pay dates range from December 14, 1861, and December 31, 1861. Total amount paid was $63.06. Includes payment per month as well as number of days served, number of rations per day, total number of rations...

GLC03974.02

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Describes life straight after signing up, including the journey to New York, being given initial supplies, such as a blanket and rations, and disappointment in camp that they would not be striking out for the Potomac at once.

GLC03974.03

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Gives details of life in camp, including information about disease and food. Mentions that he met some enemy prisoners.

GLC03974.04

John H. Worcester to Augustas

Discusses life in camp, pay and promotions, and his growing dislike of a fellow soldier.

GLC03974.05

John H. Worcester to Martha Worcester

Mentions his recovery from dysentery. Written at Fort Jefferson.

GLC03974.06

John H. Worcester to Martha Worcester

Encloses some money for his sister.

GLC03974.07

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Mentions the fine weather and proposed future movements.

GLC03974.08

[Note on rations and expenses on board a ship]

GLC03974.09

[John H. Worcester describing the situation in Florida]

The letter talks about patriotism, how much the Confederates know about why they are fighting, and tense discussions over the potential execution of a general.

GLC03974.10

Charles H. Worcester to his father

Discusses life in a new camp and a recent expedition to Charleston. Also talks about their family.

GLC03974.11

[Lieutenant Worcester's account]

Lists items such as butter, money, matches and clothing.

GLC03974.12

John H. Worcester to Martha Worcester

Gives details of their latest move, complains about mosquitos and mentions that Charles, their brother, is ill. Written at Fort Clinch.

GLC03974.13

John H. Worcester to his father

Mentions money and the fact that he and his brother Charles might get to come home soon. Written at Fort Clinch.

GLC03974.14

Nathan M. Ames to John H. Worcester

Discusses prisoners of war.

GLC03974.15

John H. Worcester to Carolina Worcester

Talks about newly enlisted men and leaves of absence.

GLC03974.16

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

GLC03974.17

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Sends his love home and gives an update on the health of their brother Charles.

GLC03974.18

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Mentions rations, military duties and his brother's health.

GLC03974.19

John H. Worcester to Abby Worcester

Appears to be a continuation of his previous letter, GLC03974.19. Writes about his hopes for the future.

GLC03974.20

[Letter from E. Riddell to Mr Worcester informing him of the death of his son]

Describes how John. H. Worcester was injured in battle, captured, but then died of his wounds.

GLC03974.21

[Letter to Mr Worcester giving further details of his son's death]

GLC03974.22

[Note to John N. Worcester and family explaining plans for a tribute to his recently deceased son]

GLC03974.23

[Certificate of transported goods, sent to John N. Worcester]

GLC03974.24

Nathan M. Ames to John N. Worcester

Writes that he has heard of the death of Worcester's son, John, and sends his commiserations.

GLC03974.25

H. Boyston to John N. Worcester

Gives details about his son John's body and also mentions the current state of his other son Charles, then in hospital.

GLC03974.27

Obituary for John H. Worcester

Notice of the death of Worcester in battle together with a poem.

GLC03974.28

Ann S. Abear to Mr and Mrs Worcester

Letter from John H. Worcester's former landlady to his parents, sending her sympathies on the news of his death. Includes rousing support for the cause of the Union and liberty.

GLC03974.29

William Moore to Lieutenant Henderson

Request that the recipient defend him in an upcoming trial. The charges against him include neglect of duty and falling asleep on watch.

GLC03974.30

[Provision return for Captain Nathan M. Ames]

GLC03974.31

[Meeting to discuss how to commemorate the life of John H. Worcester conducted by his fellow soldiers]

GLC03974.32

A. K. Potter to John N. Worcester

Sends apologies for not being able to attend the funeral of Worcester's son John due to ill health.

GLC03974.33

[Virginia Song]

Song about hatred for the Union, pride in the decision to fight, and a refusal to be reconstructed.

GLC03974.34

[Photograph of Charles H. Worcester]

GLC03974.36

[Photograph of a union soldier]

Probably a picture of either John or Charles H. Worcester.

GLC03974.37

[Photograph of John H. Worcester]

GLC03974.38

Mr Day, Minister at Hollis, New Hampshire

GLC03974.39

Map of St. Augustine Harbor and Port

Map of St. Augustine Harbor and Port. San Sebastian River, North River, Matanzas River are pictured. Labels written in blue pen. Lighthouse Anastasia is labeled and drawn. Writing on verso specifies title of map.

GLC03974.40

[Typed reminiscence of the death of John H. Worcester by his brother Charles]

Account of how Charles remembers his brother's death and the aftermatch of the incident.

GLC03974.41

[Check promising payment of $124]

Payne promises to pay the sum to Waddell, Russell, & Co. (William Bradford Waddell, William Hepburn Russell, and Alexander Majors).

GLC04128.02

to Flag Officer

Discusses a "contraband negro" who brought news of confederate troop movements

GLC04188.05

to Mary Moore, and Richard Moore

He suggests she be sure to do her hair properly; "attention to the toilette is an essential part of a lady's duty." He was pleasantly surprised to learn of Robert's new position. He is delighted to have been asked to be a groomsman at a wedding...

GLC04191.16

to Mary Moore, and Richard Moore

He mourns the passing of the year. He describes Christmas festivities, including time off for enslaved people and their joy in the holiday and in gift giving. To Richard he chides him for going to singing parties with desperate women and the hazard...

GLC04191.18

to Mary Moore

He wishes Robert would come take his position in October. He plans on coming home after finishing this session. The slaves have been busy in preparation for an upcoming barbeque.

GLC04191.21

to Mary Moore

He describes the pleasant climate. Alabama ladies are more attractive than those from Indiana. He looks forward to Christmas. He comments on Uncle [Fletcher?]'s slave problems, mostly a lack of discipline. He worries about the local cotton market...

GLC04191.28

to Mary Moore

He had too much eggnog and has been sick. He describes his girlfriends, referring to one in particular he would like to marry and comments on other potential couples. He believes that the old house should be sold and that their mother should be given...

GLC04191.30

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes working with 30,000 prisoners to process their paroles. He praises General Meade particularly for the defeat of Lee, stating "I consider Meade one of the best soldiers in the Army of the Potomac." Also observes that despite "That...

GLC04195.15

to Mary Moore Kelly

Many men are sick due to the poor climate, and he has sent many of the ill to northern hospitals. Local women have come into camp to ask for food. A Black man tells him about the marriage of their brother Robert, who had been there in Vicksburg two...

GLC04195.19

to Mary Moore Kelly

He describes their march through South Carolina, wading through swamps, repairing roads, and taking Columbia. Although they were welcomed by the townspeople, drunk Union soldiers set buildings on fire, and the wind carried flames throughout town...

GLC04195.30

to John Moore

He expresses joy at reestablishing communication and sadness at the news of the deaths of their mother and their sister's children. He describes the local conditions with dissatisfied freed slaves, no money, and no men to farm. Local agents are...

GLC04195.58

The New York conspiracy... with an introduction by Thomas J. Davis [reprint]

Paperback reprint by Beacon Press of Horsmanden's "A Journal of the Proceedings in the Detection of the Conspiracy formed by some White People in conjunction with Negro and other Slaves, for burning the City of New-York...."

GLC04205.02

to Stockton Bates

They're resting. Praises cavalry men. They camp near the famous Sulpher Springs summer resort. "I would say there is a decided objection to Negro soldiers throughout the army, even among the Yankees who are generally abolitionists."

GLC03523.23.21

to Stockton Bates

Has spent the last three days on picket, near a widow with 21 contraband slaves who refuse to leave her. "They are a careless, happy set singing and dancing from sunrise to sunset; their enslaved condition affecting them but little." Men are...

GLC03523.23.30

to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or...

GLC03523.23.36

to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with...

GLC03523.23.40

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from camp outside St. Louis. Describes in great detail his trip down the Mississippi River aboard a government steamer "City of Alton." Mentions being applauded by Union people as they went down the river. Comments...

GLC03523.31.07

to Mary (Wright) Kellogg

Blanchard writes to Mary Wright from Camp Tremont outside St. Louis. Mentions cooking for the soldiers when he has nothing else to do even though there are five cooks for each company. Says they just received their uniforms and bayonets. Explains in...

GLC03523.31.08