Collection Search

[Authorization for William Lee to return to Virginia].

Pass authorized by the Council Chamber of the State of Massachusetts Bay and attested to by Deputy Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts John Avery releases Lee from Massachusetts on parole as of September 13, 1779. A note confirming Lee's...

GLC02064

to William M. Burnell

Explains his plans to travel to Washington, D.C., and recommends caution in regard to the Ynipani treaty. Indicates that "they will try to represent us as in sympathy with the British.

GLC02071

The British magazine and review, or, Universal miscellany. [Vol. II, no. 18 (Jan. 1783)]

In addition to its regular news and literary items, prints the preliminary treaties of peace (Treaty of Paris) between England and the United States and France, ending the American Revolution. Published by Harrison & Co.

GLC02061

A Plan of the city and environs of Philadelphia

Surveyed by N. Scull and G. Heap, engraved by William Faden. Includes military information relative to the American Revolution. Also has an inset image of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted.

GLC02118

[Navigational journal]

Contains numerous charts and geometric diagrams in water color. Includes meticulous information on the navigational aspects of geometry. Contains a Mercator's chart created by Little in Newburyport under the tutelage of Bartholomew Horace Burgess...

GLC02119

Proclamation of Peace [Printed by John Hayes]

Tall, narrow broadside dated from Baltimore, April 12. "1783" has been added in roughly contemporary ink. A docket on verso has been obscured by age and modern restoration (possibly including bleaching). Apparently, the only recorded copy of the...

GLC02122

Report the subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries...

Printed by Francis Childs and John Swain. Folio. A-G2 ($1 signed). Full title: "Report of The Secretary of State, on the Subject of the Cod and Whale Fisheries, Made Conformably to an Order of The House of Representatives...." The House issue of...

GLC02123

to John McIntosh Kell

Arthur Sinclair promises to send the papers of the deceased Captain Evan P. Jones to Kell. He mentions that he had been corresponding with Jones about the C.S.S. Alabama "when death called him away." He tells Kell that "you would be pleased, and no...

GLC00684.19

to John McIntosh Kell

Francis L. Galt writes to congratulate Kell on his daughter's marriage and to request help in finding his own son a job in business. He mentions "the Charleston Reunion last spring" and a circular he has received from one of the men who attended, who...

GLC00684.20

to Frank Van Valkenburgh

Illegible signature at end of letter. Pencil note at the bottom of the letter says it is Garrit [likely Gerrit] S. Van Valkenburgh, but it is too obscure to be certain. Pokes fun at his brother for such a bad letter to him. Says it is cold and that...

GLC00686.30

Papers of George May Powell [decimalized]

The George May Powell collection contains personal and family correspondence. Also included are business papers relating to his Thirteenth Amendment anti-slavery photograph, his inventions, and his publications; a diary, letters, and essays...

GLC00687

to Alfred H. Terry

William T. Sherman writes to Major General Terry about military and Indian matters on the Great Plains. He discusses the establishment of military posts in Montana, the distribution of military forces, the regulation of travel across the plains, and...

GLC00668

to Mary Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his sister while suspended from duty and awaiting Court Martial aboard the Albany. He describes surrounding islands of Santo Domingo and Navarro with stories of landscape and native islanders. He arrives at Aux Cayes...

GLC00684.02

to John McIntosh Kell

Mentions a letter from his sister, Louisa Tremlett, and invites Kell and Semmes to visit him for "a regular Southern party of Southern people." He encloses a letter from John Hay, now missing, which describes the response of "the British service, &...

GLC00684.12

to Bruce Barton

Comments on retirement: "A smoking President receives enough pipes to last a life time. Likewise fishing tackle. It is the only endowment he gets, except a troubled soul." Also mentions that "The country is going sour on the New Deal." Expresses his...

GLC00691

to Dr. Benjamin Rush

The letter discusses corruption and Adam's unhappiness as Vice President. He is very affectionate towards Rush. Also discusses beliefs on government and other reflections.

GLC00704

to Henry Hovener

Brandt requests having the London Company send him supplies, and requests that his nephew (the son of Phillip Brandt) be sent to Virginia from Derbyshire. He mentions Admiral of the Jamestown District, John Pountis. Letter written in Elizabethan...

GLC00708

The Articles of Confederation; the Declaration of Rights; The Constitution of this Commonwealth, and the Articles of the Definitive Treaty Between Great-Britian and the United States of America.

First Virginia printing. Swem 7430. Stab stitched. Not fully opened

GLC00716

to unknown [in spanish]

Written by Galvez as the Governor of Louisiana who lead several expeditions against the British along the Gulf Coast in support of the American Revolution. Document lauding Gilberto Guillemard, his second in command and chief military engineer, who...

GLC00717

to William McBlair

Sailing orders from the Navy Department, placing McBlair in charge of the sloop of war "Dale," and commanding him to sail to the African coast to combat illegal slave trading. McBlair is ordered to join the "United States African Squadron" and to...

GLC00722.01

to William McBlair

Letter, with McBlair's autograph endorsement signed on the verso. The letter, written on board the U.S.S. "Marion" at Porto Praya, Cape Verde, states that Hawley is ill with dyspepsia, does not believe he can recover on board, and wishes that "a...

GLC00722.37

Diario de las operaciones de la expedicion contra la Plaza de Panzacola... (in Spanish)

A-F4. Unopened and unsewn. Re: expedition on Pensacola. Galvez led Spanish forces against the British at Pensacola (which had been given with Florida to Britain in 1763) which he captured for Spain. The Floridas were returned to Spain in the peace...

GLC00718

William McBlair collection [Decimalized .01-.72]

Collection of more than 70 documents regarding William McBlair, a United States Naval captain involved in American efforts to suppress the slave trade on the African coast in the 1850s. McBlair commanded the "Dale" in the U.S. Navy's African Squadron...

GLC00722

to William McBlair

The letter is ordering McBlair to return with his ship to his "cruising ground" and continue his "suppression of the slave trade." Says McBlair should first take on recruits and supplies, then proceed to the coast to suppress the trade. States he is...

GLC00722.02

General orders for the government of the U.S. Naval Forces on the West Coast of Africa

General orders regarding Navy protocols and conduct of officers. Clerical copy, tied with red ribbon. Conover's name appears to be clerically signed. Written on board the U.S.S. "Cumberland. " Forwarded to William McBlair by Conover.

GLC00722.03

Extracts from the "Private Instructions" of the Navy Department to the Commander in chief of the U.S. Naval Forces on the West Coast of Africa

Includes extracts from GLC00722.01, noting that the U.S. flag "loses its true character, when it is worn by those who have no right to wear it...such a pretension would subject the flag to degradation and dishonor." Also includes a description of how...

GLC00722.04

to William McBlair

Livingston is ordering McBlair to sail to Porto Praya and await further orders. Also orders him to deliver enclosed orders to Commander Thompson. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "St. Louis" in Funchal Bay, Madeira. John W. Livingston was then a...

GLC00722.11

to William McBlair

Refusing McBlair's request to store naval materials in a United States owned warehouse, because the warehouse is too full already. William H. Morse was the U.S. consul in Cape Verde.

GLC00722.12

to Charles Wise

Discussing the capture by a British ship of a vessel flying the American flag. Commodore Wise was the captain of the HMS "Vesuvius," which had recently captured the "Bremer." McBlair states that because the "Bremer was flying the United States flag...

GLC00722.14

to William McBlair

Cunningham lists how many rations sailors are willing to give up, and how long the current rations will last at that rate. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," on the "Kongo River." John S. Cunningham was a purser in the United States Navy; he...

GLC00722.15

to William McBlair

Reports on his expedition to the H.M.S. "Myrmidon" and subsequent journey up the Congo river. Walker, a lieutenant on the U.S.S. "Dale," had been sent by McBlair in an armed boat to join the British vessel (which took them in tow) in its cruise for...

GLC00722.16

to William McBlair

Reports that on his expedition up the Congo River one of the launch boats was lost. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at the mouth of the Congo River.

GLC00722.19

to William McBlair

Reporting the events that led to the British capture of the slave trading ship "Clara B. Williams," which had been falsely flying the American flag. The crew is being sent to Sierra Leone to be tried. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," on the...

GLC00722.21

Copy of certificates of Lieuts. Walker & Cummings, regarding the casks left by the "W.G. Lewis"

Copy of Walker's statement certifying that he saw about ten large casks which Captain Fredell said belonged to him "but that he did not want them." Fredell was the captain of the barque "William G. Lewis," a suspected slave ship captured by the U.S...

GLC00722.22

[Copy of a statement regarding capture of a slave ship]

Copy of a statement regarding a captured suspected slave ship. Certifying that "Mr. Curtis, the 1st mate of the barque 'Wm G. Lewis," stated that no one on board the ship had contact with the mainland. With the names of Theodore L. Walker, Hunter...

GLC00722.23

to William McBlair

Unable to furnish information regarding captured slave trading vessels. Letter written on board the H.M.S. "Hecate," off the Congo River. George F. Burgess was a Commander in the British Navy and captain of the "Hecate."

GLC00722.24

[Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship] [in Dutch]

Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship, with prices in dollars listed as well. Items listed range from January through 2 September 1858.

GLC00722.27

to William McBlair

Regarding the arrest of Charles Campbell, a sailor from the "Dale." Campbell, who had deserted McBlair's ship, had been taken prisoner by Goodridge and his men when he was found hiding on a whaling ship. Written from the United States Consulate on...

GLC00722.28

[Affadavit regarding his imprisonment]

Details events of his imprisonment on the African coast, along with Patrick Kelly and Manoel Ackmore, all sailors in the United States Navy. Affidavit relates the arrest of these three sailors after a scuffle with Portuguese soldiers and discusses...

GLC00722.29

to William McBlair

Requesting a survey of the ship's sails. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." King was the Sail Master on the "Dale."

GLC00722.32

to William McBlair

King reports that the ship's sails have been inspected, and that they are "unfit for further use." Instead he recommends "that they be used for parcelling." Signed by King, Davidson, and Cummings, and signed and approved by McBlair. Letter written on...

GLC00722.33

Copy of letter to William McBlair

Copy of a "survey upon all the important iron-work of this ship." Reports that much of the ship's ironwork is "much worn and appear unsafe." With the names of Davidson, Cummings, and Dixon (all three are clerical signatures). Letter written on board...

GLC00722.34

to William McBlair

Copy of a letter to McBlair, stating that some of the bolts, chains, and ironwork on board the "Dale" are "defective and unsafe." Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at Porto Praya, Cape Verde.

GLC00722.35

to William McBlair

Requesting permission to return to Liberia, John Adams states that he needs to return to personally report a death, or be liable for punishment under the laws of Liberia, of which he is a citizen. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Adams is...

GLC00722.36

to William McBlair

Relates a conversation with British Naval Commander Wise regarding capture of a slave trading ship. Winder, an American sailor had been stationed on the British ship "Vesuvius," under the command of Wise. Wise told Winder that he had boarded a ship...

GLC00722.39

Report of target practice on board the U.S.S. Dale

Reporting the outcomes of three target practice sessions, for cannons, muskets and rifles, on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Docketed in clerical hand, with note: "Sent to Chief of Bureau"

GLC00722.41

to William McBlair

John S. Cunningham reports on the capture of the American schooner "Angeline" by a British ship. Relates a conversation he had with William Kerr, a sailor on the "Angeline," regarding its capture. States that forces from the British steamer "Conflict...

GLC00722.43

to William McBlair

Reporting, at McBlair's request, that $1,568 is "on board to the credit of the government" and $1,450 is due to the "Kroomen" (native crewmen from Liberia) of the ship. Also notes that he requested $6,000 from the flag ship, but received $4,000...

GLC00722.47

to Henry Knox

Sends a circular letter with a general disposition for the army (not included), "which is to be varied according to circumstances and the particular movements of the enemy," should the British attack West Point. Henry Clinton's forces had seized...

GLC00780

to Carrie F. Phillips

Written as United States senator from Ohio to Phillips, his longtime mistress, about his recent trip to Columbus and Marion, Ohio, to visit a sick brother. Writes that he approves the neutrality policy towards Germany but fears that war will still...

GLC00782.08

to Czar Nicholas II

Telegram thanking Czar Nicholas for condolences he had offered for the sinking of the USS Maine. Typed on Department of State telegram letterhead. Stamped "2d Assistant Secretary, Feb 18 1898."

GLC00782.16

to the Convention of Maryland

Enclosing a letter from James Searle regarding possible attack by British fleet. On November 13, 1776 Searle spotted about one hundred British ships off the point of Sandy Hook at Long Branch, New Jersey. He immediately wrote to Thomas Wharton Jr...

GLC00779

to Richard Price

Recipient from contents. Adams thanks Price for his book "Observations on the importance of the American Revolution." Has received 1st and 2nd editions. He states that to him the chief liberty is that of conscience.

GLC00782.01

[Testimonial in defense of Silas Deane]

Franklin, as Ambassador to France, asserts that the accusations of fraud against Deane are false. British newspapers had accused Deane of making fraudulent purchases of munitions in France.

GLC00782.02

to Joseph Galloway

Describes the debate in Parliament over whether or not to repeal the Stamp Act of 1765. Comments at length on the speech given by William Pitt in favor of the American position. Marked "Copy" on page 3. Some notes in the form of a list pertaining to...

GLC00782.03

to William Lee

Written to William Lee, who was serving as American consul at Bordeaux, France. Mentions that he arrived in Paris on June 20, 1805 after a 25 day trip and that he will soon proceed to London. He mentions the unsuccessful mission to Spain. In the...

GLC00655.02

to Benjamin Rush

John Adams writes concerning his and George Washington's administrations by referring to those "melancholly books" such as "Tully's Memoirs" and "Cicero's Life" from which he compares the first and second triumvirates to Hamilton's "Schemes, to get...

GLC00747

to V. McBlair

Letter to his wife discussing life at sea and his visit to Liberia. Upon arrival in Liberia, McBlair's ship "Dale" gives the young nation a twenty-one gun salute. In Monrovia, the Liberian capital, McBlair meets with President Benson and former...

GLC00722.59

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, he discusses British pressure regarding American suppression of the slave trade, as well as his daily operations at sea, family affairs, and religion. He hopes to return to the United States by the first of December and believes...

GLC00722.60

to V. McBlair

To his wife discussing naval life and family matters. He discusses his movements and activities at sea. He notes that some Liberians misspell their names, including a young boy he has taken on board the ship to help for a time. He states that he is...

GLC00722.62

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing family and life at sea. He has received small gifts of gold jewelry for his family from a local governor and a native chief. He hopes he will return home in May, and says the weather has cooled recently. Letter written on...

GLC00722.63

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing attendance at state dinners and a Liberian church service. He enjoys the state dinners, and does his best to create good will with other nations. He enjoys the church service, though much of it feels very foreign to him. He...

GLC00722.64

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing his dislike of the British, the death of a United States Consul in Sierra Leone by "homicide," and the island of Goree, a former center of the African slave trade. He states he is "Anti-Anglais," calling the British "National...

GLC00722.65

English account of the capture of the H. M. Brig Alacrity

A handwritten excerpt from William James' "Naval History of Great Britain, Volume V," giving an account of the capture of the British brig "Alacrity" by the French brig "Abeille," which occurred on 26 May 1811 near Corsica. James describes the...

GLC00722.66

to William McBlair

Discussing events at Saint Helena since McBlair left. A friendly letter, sent via Captain Goodridge of the U.S.S. "Hazard." Name of the signer is illegible.

GLC00722.69

to William McBlair

Sends letters and information, and thanks McBlair for a dog given as a gift. Letter written from Saint George's Castle, also known as Elmina Castle, a former prison and center of the African slave trade. Name of signer is illegible.

GLC00722.70

[Authorization to affix United States seal to a treaty]

President Lincoln authorizes Secretary of State William H. Seward to affix the United States Seal to a treaty between the United States and Britain. States the Treaty, signed 1 July 1863, settles the claims of the Hudson's Bay and Puget's Sound...

GLC00750

to Daniel Hugunin, Jr.

Marked "private and inofficial" at the top of the page. Referring to trade between the United States and Great Britain, Secretary of State Clay informs Hugunin, a Representative from New York, that "sound policy requires that there should be the...

GLC00754

to John Rodgers

The Secretary of the Navy informs Commodore Rodgers that war has been declared against Great Britain, officially starting the War of 1812. Indicates that Rodgers is entitled to use his four vessels for attack and defense. Asks him to await further...

GLC00758

to Benjamin Rush

Adams had returned from France, and comments upon the importance of having an American in Paris "who knows somewhat of the affairs of America, as well as Europe...." Letter also mentions the fight for independence and French negotiations.

GLC00748

to Governor Francis W. Pickens

Written to South Carolina's governor, Pickens in response to Pickens concerns about the city of Charleston. Lee writes in part, "The loss of Charleston would cut us off almost entirely from communication with the rest of the world and close the only...

GLC00751

Peace Congress, Versailles 1919, Session of 28 June 1919: Agenda. Signature of the Treaty of Peace between the Allied and Associated Powers and Germany

Printed souvenir program signed by Wilson, Lansing, Balfour and others, including Paderewski (Polish premier and pianist) and the new leaders of the new nations of Czechoslovakia, Romania and Yugoslavia.

GLC00752

to Miss S. H. Fiske

E. G. Fiske writes to his sister concerning Indian problems. Discusses Texas and the capture of Santa Anna.

GLC00765

to William Johnson

Richard Peters writes to the British commissioner about Northern Indian Affairs in upper New York. He discusses Indian tribes and Connecticut's attempt to get a new grant from the King. He concludes: "I most heartily congratulate You in the Surrender...

GLC00766

Act for granting and applying certain Stamp Duties...in America...

The Stamp Act. Paginated 499-520 + unpaginated title page.

GLC00769

to John Anthony Quitman

Written from camp near Camargo. Thomas transmits orders prohibiting the discharge of firearms near camp and restricting non-commissioned officers, musicians, and privates from leaving camp, among other details. One bust engraving of Thomas included...

GLC02456.30

to Joseph Trumbull

Written by General Arnold as commander of one of the two columns marching on Canada (General Philip Schuyler's forces in New York being the other) to Trumbull as Commissary General of Purchases to George Washington's army at Cambridge. In August 1775...

GLC02451

to Mr. LeRoy and Mr. Bayard

Discusses a shipping business venture. Comments on French naval activities in the West Indies, including their recapturing of Guadeloupe from the British. Mentions a possible response from Sir John Jervis. Speculates that the French might not only...

GLC02450.08

to Nathanael Greene

The Governor of North Carolina relays military intelligence and discusses military preparations. Mentions that Lord Cornwallis reached Halifax. Expresses his fear that the Marquis de Lafayette "is in some danger as the Enemy force when joined will...

GLC02450.14

to Thomas Nelson, Jr.

Asks the Governor of Virginia for a copy of the appointment of a Mr. Pench as agent in France and the instructions given to him. Also seeks directions from the governor's board on how to act on a tobacco contract held by Mr. Pench.

GLC02450.17

[Appointment of William H. Wharton as minister to the U.S.]

Signed by Sam Houston. Countersigned by Austin as Secretary of State, with Samuel A. Roberts presentation on back to Mrs. Hugh White, regarding provenance. Red wax seal on bottom left corner.

GLC02452.01

to George D. Ramsay

As a private citizen, McClellan writes to Chief of Ordnance General George D. Ramsay to introduce Mr. Adolph Schniewind, who "has it in his power to arrange for imparting our government the secret of the great superiority manifested by the Prussian...

GLC02455.08

The Suffolk resolves: Proceedings of the ...

Printed by John Holt. The first printing in New York of the Suffolk Resolves. Evans 13701

GLC02438

In Provincial Congress [calling for election of revolutionary government]

Possibly printed by John Holt. Evans 14934.

GLC02442

Proceedings of the Virginia Assembly... re: division of power, constitution

Also concerning constitutional rights and the Alien and Sedition Acts. Evans 38460

GLC02446

to Elias Boudinot

Adams introduces Joshua Grigby, Jr. to President of Congress Boudinot. Adams describes Grigby as the wealthy son of a Suffolk gentleman, who "wishes to settle and be happy in America." Adams notes that Grigby will be able to tell Boudinot about...

GLC02449

[Exchange papers for American prisoner of war Joseph W. Clark]

Countersigned by Jn. Haines and W. Boothby, who along with Bowen were "Commissioners of His Majesty's Transport Service," and Thomas Gribble as agent for prisoners of war on parole at Ashburton, England. Certifies that Clark, a master of an...

GLC02247.02

to Estelle Spero

Letter written while Diamond is on guard duty. Discusses differences between the treatment of black and white soldiers. Diamond mentions that he is being trained as a communications and staff man, and what this role will entail. He also outlines...

GLC09120.040

to Estelle Spero

Responds to a series of comments that Estelle had raised in a previous letter. Speaks about a "friend" of Sidney's who has attempted to date Estelle. Also discusses another friend who did not enlist and managed to acquire $2000 somehow. Instructs...

GLC09120.042

Map of the World Showing the Points at Which the War is In Progress

Map shows the miles between ports found in locations such as Japan, San Francisco, Cuba, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Cape Verde, Liverpool, New York, Washington D.C., Hong Kong, and the Phillipines. Lists the names of all the ships in the fleet at the...

GLC02691.12.08

Stephen Austin "The Father of Texas"

Magazine clipping image of Stephen Austin standing in a forest with a dog, holding a rifle. The image is printed from a portrait held by the Texas Historical Society. A two page clipping is included which gives a brief biography of Austin. Clipping...

GLC02452.02

American and Spanish Fleets

A listing of all all the boats in the Spanish and American fleets.

GLC02691.12.05

Kindhearted Mayor Collier and To Stop Filibustering

Mayor Collier releases all prisoners with city offenses. In "to Stop Filibustering", the Spanish government wants to ask the US to repress revolutionary societies in America that are giving assistance to General Gomez. Backside includes article...

GLC02691.12.10

Scene of the Pending Great Naval Battle Between the United States and Spain

Map of area covered in the expected battle between Spain and the United States. The Spanish fleet is between the island of St. Thomas and St. Domingo. The American fleet is on its way to Puerto Rico, to fight the fleet from Cape Verde. Date from...

GLC02691.12.12

to Joshua Mauger

Bill of exchange for £ 150 for James D'Auvergne.

GLC03902.199

to Henry Knox

Writes that he has yet to set sail due to poor weather. Comments that he has never been an ambitious man, but that the President [Washington] and his Minister of State (referring to Thomas Jefferson) have convinced him to take on a position with the...

GLC02437.05382

[Runaway slave]

A runaway slave in his own right, Pennington, while avoiding arrest in Liverpool, England, comments on the situation here in American and a fugitive slave case: "...My constant trouble of mind is the evils now pressing on my nation and people. What...

GLC09088

Monument to Gen. James Wolfe [Quebec?]

GLC03030.32

to John Biddle

Indicates that the British attacked Washington, D.C., without any horses and may try to seize them wherever they land. Instructs Biddle to remove all horses from possible landing points for the British. The British had recently captured and...

GLC02978.02

to the committee on the Shaw monument

Atkinson, treasurer of the Robert Gould Shaw monument committee, informs other members of the committee that he intends to depart for London, England, and St. Petersburg, Russia. States that he hopes to finish matters concerning the monument before...

GLC02928.04