Collection Search

to James T. Austin

Possibly to James Trecothick Austin, a Massachusetts resident active in local politics. Thanks Austin for a copy [of a speech or an article]. Notes that the topic of the speech (possibly related to anti-slavery) will soon bring trouble on the...

GLC02504.27

to David D. Porter re: southerners moving to Texas

Sherman writes that the enemy "are all moving to Texas with their negroes. God grant all may go there and that our government will open the back door wide and promise to let them stay there in peace." 1 black and white seated engraving of Sherman...

GLC02501

[The Petition of Michael Theyser of the City of New York, Innkeeper]

Deposition accusing Joseph Northrop and several others of an assault on Theyser while attempting to unlawfully search his inn for a runaway (possibly an enslaved person).

GLC02503.12

to Jacob Thompson

Harris, Governor of Tennessee, writes to Thompson, United States Secretary of the Interior. Recommends George Western Thompson, of Wheeling, (present-day West Virginia), for the position of Judge of the Supreme Court of the United States. Notes...

GLC02469.07

[Decimalized .01-.03]

GLC02484

"House divided" speech fragment re: slavery, Dred Scott, Kansas

A single page beginning "Why Kansas is neither the whole, nor a tithe of the real question." Written before the debates with Stephen A. Douglas, apparently in response to that Senator's Dec. 9, 1857 speech in opposition to Buchanan's State of the...

GLC02533

New-York weekly tribune. [Vol. 17, no. 877 (July 3, 1858)]

Lincoln speech at Republican State Convention, printed in the New-York Herald Tribune, vol. XVII no. 877. Speech appears on page 3 under the section "Republican Principles", titled "Speech of Hon. Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, at the Republican State...

GLC02534

to D. W. Burroughs

Pierce, writing as a United States Senator from Vermont, responds to a letter from Reverend Burroughs. In reference to their conflicting views on slavery, promises to send Burroughs a copy of the United States Constitution, as he requested. Writes...

GLC02634

Fremont's proclamation

Issued from Headquarters of the Western Department. Fremont, department commander, declares martial law over the state of Missouri to counteract "the total insecurity of life, and the devastation of property by bands murderers and marauders, who...

GLC02654

General orders affecting the volunteer force. Adjutant General's office

The volume contains 3 years of the General Orders, for the years 1861, 1862, and 1863. Published by the Government Printing Office in Washington, D.C. An index for each year is included. Inscriptions for Lt. Col. Barton at Fort Richardson, Virginia...

GLC02676

to Samuel Hooper

Banks, commander of the Military District of Washington, Army of the Potomac, discusses the furlough of Private Sherrin of the 2nd Massachusetts (Banks appealed for Sherrin's furlough on behalf of Hooper, and the furlough was denied). Mentions many...

GLC02689

Joint resolution, ratifying the amendment to the consitution of the United States abolishing slavery

Document of the eleventh General Assembly of the State of Iowa ratifying the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States which abolished slavery. The 13th Amendment resolution is quoted at the center of the document. Signed in ink by Iowa...

GLC02631

[Massachusetts regimental orderly book]

Massachusetts regimental book regarding recruiting, movements, provisions, court martials, etc. The first 23.5 pages cover entries and accounts made by an unnamed leader of a regiment from Middleborough, Massachusetts, stationed mostly at Crown...

GLC02663

Agreement hiring a freeman

Signed '"J.M. Tate and B.F. Wells." Also signed by "George." Tate and Wells agree to to pay George, a freedman, $35.00 for his services. Possibly a clerical copy.

GLC02674.01

to Miller A. Wright

Augustus did not send Asa, an enslaved person, to Miller, as he did not want Miller to be "better off in attendants than the other soldiers." Rather, he sold him to Dr. Colb, along with Asa's wife and Martha. Augustus gives Miller a word of advice:...

GLC02691.11.011

to Zebulon B. Vance

Confederate Major General Hill writes to Governor Zebulon B. Vance of North Carolina, addressing the issue of deserters. Informs Vance that Colonel Wheeler, commissioned to arrest deserters, will travel to Wilkes County, North Carolina. Orders...

GLC02701

to unknown [incomplete]

Welles, United States Secretary of the Navy, writes to an unknown recipient regarding the suffrage and governmental representation of freed enslaved people. States "But Slavery has been abolished ... not by the voluntary act of the States in which...

GLC02713

[Diary of James W. Pierce]

Autograph manuscript. Mentions General Ulysses Grant's campaigning along the North Anna River.

GLC02741

[Collection of Sereno A. Wright, B company, 24th regiment, Connecticut, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .49]

Collection of a soldier in the 24th Connecticut Volunteers who died in Louisiana. Includes 43 letters, 3 envelopes, 2 wedding announcements, 1 funeral annoucement and 1 calling card. 34 of the letters date from 1862-1863, and the balance are family...

GLC02751

The opinion of Justice Peter V. Daniel of the United States Supreme Court in the famous Dred Scott case.

Daniel's original manuscript of his opinion on the Dred Scott case, bound into a book. Daniels, a passionate slavery advocate, argues that slavery had more protection under the Constitution than any other form of property. He supports the majority...

GLC02546.01

Speech of the honorable Daniel Webster, on the Compromise Bill

Speech defending his previous speech on 7 March 1850, during which he had supported the proposed Compromise of 1850. Following his March speech Webster was attacked by many abolitionists as having deserted the North. Here he defends his actions...

GLC02586

Robert H. Stafford Collection [Decimalized .01- .98]

Stafford enlisted as a sergeant in the 12th Alabama infantry. Contains letters and newsclippings about the Peninsula Campaign, advance into Maryland, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, and Early's raid on Washington, D.C....

GLC02618

Treaty between Great Britain and Texas for suppression of slave trade

Streeter Texas 1416. Printed by T. R. Harrison.

GLC02562

An act of Parliament effecting a treaty between Great Britain and the Republic of Texas for the suppression of the slave trade.

Passed on 11 April 1843. Paginated 166-180 + unpaginated first page.

GLC02563

to John D. Moore

Describes preparations and provisions for the Santa Fe Expedition. In case of his death or long absence, wants Moore to "protect the negros from sale," and keep them for himself.

GLC02579

[Collection of William H. Bettes, L company, 6th regiment, Ohio, cavalry] [decimalized]

This collection consists of fourteen letters written by William Henry Bettes. Eleven of these letters are written to Lodema Bettes, his wife, one letter is written to Charley Bettes, his son, one letter is written to Carrie Bettes, his daughter, and...

GLC02596

to Andrew Jackson

Concerns the statements of Abbot Lawrence criticizing James Polk's treatment of enslaved people. General Pillow, formerly Polk's law partner, defends Polk. Attests that Polk inherited his enslaved people, treats them well, and has never...

GLC02605

to R. W. Southgate

Written by a soldier in the 12th Vermont Militia. Argues that soldiers generally oppose the emancipation of enslaved people. Mentions James Ewell Brown [Jeb] Stuart's Cavalry charge upon them but says it did not turn into anything as they were...

GLC02617

to Mrs. Mary S. Lear re: Tobias Lear's health and illnesses in family and slaves

Mary Lear was Tobias Lear's mother. Contains much news of the Mount Vernon estate. "[A]ll my family whites, and Blacks, have been very sick, many of them very ill. -- Thank god they have all recovered again and I was so fortunate as not loose [sic]...

GLC02794.044

[Delay of execution of John Arthur Bowen].

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth. Bowen, an enslaved person, had been convicted of an unspecified felony in the District of Columbia in November 1835, and sentenced to be hung on 26 February 1836. Because of "divers good and...

GLC02772

[Pardon of John Arthur Bowen for felony].

Countersigned by Secretary of State John Forsyth. Bowen, identified as a "Negro man Slave," had been convicted of felony and sentenced to hang. He had been given two respites by President Andrew Jackson, who here pardons him completely as a fit...

GLC02773

[Permission for John Lothrop Motley]

President Grant authorizes John Lothrop Motley "to exchange the ratifications of the [Addition] Convention to the Convention of April 7. 1862 between Great Britain & the U.S. for the suppression of the African Slave Trade." One engraving, "H.M. Gun...

GLC02781

to James Jameson re: the Dismal Swamp Land Co. and profits from slave labor

Responding to Jameson's call for $80 (on behalf of his deceased uncle), Washington writes that he had hoped to see profits from the company since the elder Jameson had the money in his own hands. He notes in passing that the profits would have been...

GLC02793.003

to [William Benton] re: sending supplies and slaves "the business of the slaves"

Written as President. Recipient inferred from content.

GLC02793.014

to an unidentified recipient re: business affairs & profitability of his estate

Written as President

GLC02793.015

to Gen. Curtis Guild

Signed as President. Roosevelt writes that his "Southern policy" is to "take the best man white or black."

GLC02793.054

The Liberator. [Vol. 31 no. 14. (April 5, 1861)]

One issue of "The Liberator" dated April 5 1861. This issue includes articles titled, "A Wife's Account of her Husband's Murder" (A Northern man living in the South killed for supposedly aiding a slave) "Southern Ruffianism Toward Northern Citizens,"...

GLC09791.34

National Anti-Slavery Standard. [Vol. 19, no.15 (August 28, 1858)]

One issue of the "National Anti-Slavery Standard" dated August 28, 1858. This issue features a poem "Peace in God" by Harriet Beecher Stowe. The newspaper also features a section of articles that are pro-slavery. There is also an article concerning a...

GLC09791.30

Harper's Weekly [(February 21, 1863)]

One page of the February 21, 1863 issue of Harper's Weekly. This page features the engraving "The Effects of the Proclamation - Freed Negroes Coming Into Our Lines at Newbern, North Carolina." The reverse side of this page features articles...

GLC09791.12

A Negro Funeral

One engraving entitled "A Negro Funeral" dated September 13, 1862. The engraving features 11 African American men walking beside a horse-drawn funeral coach driven by another man. The engraving has been colored in.

GLC09791.02

Negro Race

One engraving entitled "Negro Race" published by Wm S. Orr & Co dated 1851. Engraving features four Africans, two as portraits and two as profiles. In the center of the portraits there is a skull in profile. Each image is labeled with a number...

GLC09791.03

New York Weekly Museum [Vol. 20 No. 20 (June 25, 1808)]

One page from the New York Weekly Museum dated June 25, 1808. Features an article entitled "The Fate Of Fitz Charles" concerning a man named Henry Fitz Charles who was accused of killing his estranged father in self defense.There are also articles...

GLC09791.01

Harper's Weekly [Vol. 10 No. 486 (April 21, 1866)]

One issue of Harper's Weekly Newspaper dated April 21, 1866. Newspaper features many advertisements and articles of current events. Of particular note on the cover is an image and article concerning the Abraham Lincoln School for Freedmen in New...

GLC09791.14

National Anti-Slavery Standard [Vol. 25 No. 14 (August 13, 1864)]

One issue of the "National Anti-Slavery Standard" dated August 13, 1864. Features extracts of a sermon by Reverend Charles G. Ames entitled "Dead Flies In Precious Ointment: A Discourse on Morals in America." Also features an article titled "What...

GLC09791.31

The James Basker and Angela Vallot Family Archive [Decimalized .01-.35]

A collection of material related to abolition in the United States as well as in England. Contains engravings, and newspapers.

GLC09791

A New Negro For A New Century

One book entitled A New Negro For A New Century by Booker T. Washington published 1900.

GLC10065

Heritage Series 1: Negro Women in the Judiciary

A pamphlet published by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority entitled Heritage Series 1: Negro Women in the Judiciary, dated 1968. Includes biographies of ten black women in the judiciary, along with an image of the woman. It also includes a note about...

GLC10161.01

Heritage Series [Decimalized .01-.05]

A collection of five pamphlets published by the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority dated from 1968-1972. Each pamphlet is part of the Heritage Series and details the roles and achievements of African American Women in professional fields. Over the course of...

GLC10161

Souvenir Program Eighteenth Biennial Session National Association of Colored Women

One pamphlet entitled Souvenir Program Eighteenth Biennial Session National Association of Colored Women dated July 21, 1933.

GLC10159

to James Madison re: legal opinion on Madison family wills and estate

Mentions passing down slaves.

GLC00099.017

to Tench Coxe

Written by Madison during his retirement after the presidency to Coxe, a former Continental Congressman and Assistant Secretary of the Treasury, known for his political and economic writings. Coxe had previously switched parties from Federalist to...

GLC00085

[Appointment of John Geary as governor of the territory of Kansas]

Partially printed document signed by Franklin Pierce as President of the United States. Countersigned by William L. Marcy as Secretary of State. Accompanied by paper seal.

GLC00071

to Priscilla

William Pearce mentions marching south and seeing enslaved people. He describes seeing the Corinth battlefield.

GLC00066.097

to Sister

Writes to his sister, likely Selina, about registering Black people in town as free, enslaved, or as employed by White people.

GLC00066.032

to James Madison

The letter discusses the state of the British, the war in Virginia, and British plundering "their plunder is immence particularly in slaves." Also mentions: French fleet, Spanish fleet, Dutch fleet, Sir Henry Clinton, General Phillips, James River...

GLC00099.068

to James Madison

The letter discusses war in the South, Loyalists, loss of an enslaved person belonging to his nephew. Also mentions: Evacuation of Charleston, SC, General Carleton, and prisoner exchanges.

GLC00099.092

[Resolutions of the Southern Rights Vigilance Club]

Signed by Ferrill with over 25 others. Concerns their opposition to Abraham Lincoln and abolitionism. Resolves to "resist and prevent" Lincoln's inauguration (if elected), to offer their services to any seceding state, to resist anyone who would...

GLC00837

Daily wanderer. [Vol. 1, no. 24 (November 10, 1864)]

Published as Railroad Edition. Printed on smaller size paper. Partial reprint of an article from the New Orleans correspondent of the "New York Times," says "Although the cotton crop is naarly [sic] a total failure, the laborers are being employed...

GLC00842

The Opelousas courier. [Vol. 11, no. 16 (March 21, 1863)]

With French text. Prints a proclamation by Governor Moore calling for a General Assembly in Shreveport, the temporary capital of Louisiana. Articles describe female soldiers and war industries. Includes several ads, among which is one offering full...

GLC00843

to Joseph Gales, Jr.

Written by Pinckney, a signer of the U.S. Constitution, as a Congressman from South Carolina to Gales, an editor of the National Intelligencer newspaper. Letter marked "Confidential." Sending along a copy of his speech against the prohibition of...

GLC00852

to Hiram Wilson

Dresser writes to Reverend Wilson who is expecting two enslaved people seeking emancipation in Canada through the underground railroad. He writes, "I rejoice in the privilege of handing over to you two more Daughters of affliction who can tell you...

GLC00867

to John Quincy Adams

Letter written by Monroe as President to an unnamed recipient. The recipient is likely John Quincy Adams, however; this is inferred based on the content and on information in John Quincy Adams diary, discussing his meeting with Monroe on this topic...

GLC00969

to John Dennison Baldwin

Dana discusses his recollection of an anti-slavery convention and his support for President Abraham Lincoln. Dana was currently U.S. district attorney for Massachusetts, appointed by Lincoln.

GLC00978

to Samuel Joseph May

Greenleaf invites May to the quarterly meeting of the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society in Lynn, Massachusetts. He indicates that "Stanton, Garrison, Loring, Sewall, everybody wishes thee to be with us on the occasion." Mentions a Missouri statement...

GLC00979

to Robert Tyler

John Tyler writes a letter to his son in which he touches on the issue of slavery and the election of 1860. He discusses "Healy's portrait of me" as admirable and being "often mortified at the misrepresentations of me which are occasionally seen in...

GLC00948

[Two letters to Thomas T. Craven] [Decimalized .01 and .02]

GLC00815

to Thomas T. Craven

Perry, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces on the western coast of Africa, writes from the U.S.S. Macedonia (off the coast of Monrovia) to Lieutenant Commodore Craven of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. He directs Craven to survey anchorage at Fish Town, near Cape...

GLC00815.01

to Thomas T. Craven

Canot writes to Lieutenant Commodore Craven about the building and rigging of ship to be named 'Le Pauvre Diable.' He asks to borrow a book on shipbuilding if possible, and asks for advice on how to rig his ship in "the American stile."

GLC00815.02

[Wheresoever any person bound to service...]

Draft. States that "the legislatures of the several states shall make provision for the recovering of such persons." No mention is made by name of slaves, apprentices or servants. Pencil note on back concerning a meeting at "Clifton at the Blue...

GLC00819.17

Free persons, those bound to servitude for a term of years...

Two fragments written on front and back of a quarter sheet of paper. The front has part of the 3/5's clause. On verso begins "Prov'd that no Monopoly be granted"

GLC00819.22

Fifteenth Amendment resolution [Decimalized GLC00788.01-GLC00788.02]

GLC00788

[Fifteenth Amendment resolution]

Reconstruction amendment passed to combat southern opposition to federal policies toward freed slaves. Printed certificate sealed and signed, attached to printed resolution with a purple ribbon and red State Department seal. With printed circular...

GLC00788.01

To the governor of the state of Nebraska

A printed a letter to the governors of Nebraska transmitting the Fifteenth Amendment.

GLC00788.02

[George H. Butler's Diary for 1865]

Autograph manuscript signed of George H. Butler, who served in G Company, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps. Signed and dated 28 January 1865 on free front endpaper. Discusses the march through the Carolinas and the...

GLC00794

The Negro forget-me-not songster, the only work published, containing all the Negro songs, that have ever appeared.

Signed on free front endpaper by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "H. W. Longfellow." Original cloth spine laid onto modern leather. Title on spine: "Nigga forget-me-not songster." Published by Turner & Fisher. Songs written in "dialect," and some are...

GLC00796

to George Churchman and Jacob Lindley

Letter written by Adams in the last months of his presidency to the Quaker abolitionists Churchman and Lindley. Adams wrote in response to a letter and pamphlet that the two abolitionists had sent him. The pamphlet was by Quaker abolitionist Warner...

GLC00921

[Collection of Elias W. Beach] [decimalized]

Contains documents related to Beach, who served in Company F of the 50th regiment, New York engineers. Includes 16 autograph letters or autograph notes signed, 8 autographs from military notables, a land contract, a typed genealogical document...

GLC00919.25

to Mary Ann Brown

Brown wonders if a free state candidate from Kansas has been "allowed...a seat in Congress," since "that would set Kansas matters right at once." He reports that he has "again written Mr. [William Henry] Hurlbut of Connecticut about the battle."...

GLC00928

Letters by John Brown and John Brown Jr. [Decimalized .01-.02]

A letter by John Brown regarding pro-slavery laws and judges in Kansas, and letter by John Brown Jr. regarding publication of John Brown's personal letters.

GLC00929

to J. J. Crosby

Philip Henry Sheridan orders Colonel Crosby to inspect the steamer "Virgin" to see if it had been used as a slaver. Letter written on printed stationery of "Headquarters Military Division of the Gulf, New Orleans, La." "Mobile" has been crossed-out...

GLC00930.02

to Harriet Weed

Greeley writes to the daughter of Thurlow Weed, a fellows journalist and founder of the Albany Evening Journal, about a meeting. He regrets that he could not visit sooner and arranges to have the meeting when he comes to Albany, New York. He mentions...

GLC00930.03

General Order no. 17, re: Texas question and possibility of more service

Docketed. Directed to the African Squadron; received on Oct. 19.

GLC00896

The Opelousas courier. [Vol. 11, no. 23 (April 24, 1863)]

Union occupation newspaper published by Opelousa. Telegrams describe changing conditions of who is winning the battle in Jackson. Poem dedicated to the Union Army and Navy. Fugitive slave ad. Gray floral and tile pattern on wallpaper verso.

GLC00899

Chronicle-extra.

News-sheet printing the Emancipation Proclamation with news from New Orleans, New York and Louisville. Heading states, "Slavery Forever ABOLISHED in the United States of America!!"

GLC00902

An act to Compleat the New Jersey Regiment to Six Hundred and Sixty Six effective volunteers, Officers included.

Document aims to raise additional men for the French & Indian War, with inducements including pardons. Details provisions for recruiting minors, slaves, and Indians. Additionally, allows Quakers to affirm, rather than swear, an oath. Signed by Hardy...

GLC00903

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Charles Green, slave of Ann Seddon, Stafford County, Virginia].

GLC00153

to Simon Perkins

In the letter, John Brown discusses his wool business. "Burlington" continues to make excuses for not paying, while at the same time pleading for wool to be sent to him. Burlington Mills Manufacturing Company in Vermont was one of Brown's clients in...

GLC00106

to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery reprimands his grandson for the delay in sending his last letter. Channing asked for aid regarding a bank in which Ellery owned stock. Ellery replies that he will help his grandson and uses a shipping metaphor to preach...

GLC00108.04

to James Madison

The letter discusses the progress of peace negotiations, his nephew's missing enslaved person, Anthony Wayne and Indian Wars, American independence and restitution. Also mentions: General Carleton, General Washington, Paris, France, and Admiral...

GLC00099.094

to James Madison

The letter discusses prisoner exchanges, hopes for peace, and annexation of Canada. Also mentions: General Carleton and Edmund Pendleton Jr's runaway slave. There is purple mold staining on the letter.

GLC00099.095

to James Madison re: breakdown in peace negotiations

The letter expresses concern over the breakdown in peace negotiations, description of how his nephew's enslaved person escaped with the French Army as an officer's servant.

GLC00099.096

to James Madison re: withdrawal of British troops, Loyalist situation

The letter discusses withdrawal of British troops, the Loyalist situation, recovery of runaway slave, military rumors, Canada, New York, New Jersey, and the treatment of American Loyalists.

GLC00099.097

to James Madison

The letter discusses debts of Virginia, removal of enslaved individuals by the British, discussion of the possible removal of the seat of government to Georgetown, remarks of Jefferson on topic, and Craddock Taylor.

GLC00099.116

Pardon of Lucy Wheeler, "a negress," convicted of two counts of aggravated assault.

Wheeler, convicted of two counts of aggravated assault: sentenced in one case to 1 year imprisonment, and to pay a $0.50 fine and court costs; sentenced in the other to 6 months imprisonment [to be served following the first term], and to pay another...

GLC00173.05

to Emily J. Semmes

Gives instructions to his wife to secure their property from the Union occupation of General Benjamin Butler during the Civil War. Directs her to go immediately across the Mississippi river to their plantation. Doubts that the Federals have visited...

GLC00175

[Respite of execution for slaver Nathaniel Gordon]

Countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward. Convicted of engaging in the slave trade, respite granted to allow Gordon to prepare for execution. He was the only slave trader in U.S. history to be executed for that crime and was executed...

GLC00182

to David Lenox

One letter addressed to David Lenox from James Madison (serving as Secretary of State at the time) dated July 21, 1801. Pertains to two seamen detained in British ships of war. The seamen are identified as Nathaniel Heard and David, a Black man...

GLC01124

to Emily Collins

Douglass offers his home as a place to stay during her attendance at the eleventh annual meeting of the American Woman Suffrage Association, to be held in District of Columbia in early January 1880. Emily Parmely Collins worked for women's rights in...

GLC01197

[Diary of Joseph Leslie 18th regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, Company D]

Several pages in the diary have names and regiments of different officers from New York, Ohio, Michigan, etc., who were prisoners with him. Includes several pages of Libby Prison expenses/accounting of what he paid for crackers, paper, tobacco...

GLC01185

to Robert Hallowell Gardiner

One circular letter addressed to Robert H. Gardiner from Daniel Webster dated June 17, 1850. Pertains to the debate whether slavery will be instilled in New Mexico and Texas, retorts statements published about his remarks on slavery from a speech...

GLC01231