4 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that even though he was sick he still tried to fight in the battle, but had to turn around and go back. Mentions the large number of sick and wounded coming into the hospital. He tried to leave the hospital yesterday morning but could not and had to stay. Describes in graphic detail the bloated bodies of the dead.

GLC03523.13.043

7 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written to his wife from camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry, 7 miles from Richmond, Virginia. Sends her 15 dollars. Writes that Dr. Hitchcock has been taking care of the sick men. He returned to his regiment this morning and is feeling better but still not well. Sends his love to her and the baby.

GLC03523.13.044

16 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written on the battlefield of Fair Oaks, Virginia to his wife. Reported for duty for the first time in two weeks. They have had recent orders to repulse the enemy from their picket and he expects an attack. Writes that they formed lines of battle but no enemy appeared except for six which another picket took as prisoners. Is unsure of when they will take Richmond but hopes it will be soon so he can go home. Is glad to hear that their families are doing well. Sends her some money but notes that he had to spend 20 dollars to pay a debt. Writes that one of his friends died from the wounds he…

GLC03523.13.045

28 June 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Fair Oaks, Virginia to his wife. Mentions that there are fights with the enemy everyday and he suspects it will be that way for some time. Notes that many of the battles are very hard and one even lasted for six hours.

GLC03523.13.047

5 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near the James River to his wife. Writes concerning one of his friends, Mr. L. Walker who has recently died in battle. He explains that Mr. Walker was killed in front of him; the musket ball striking him in the face. He has suffered for the last week because of this and because of everything he and the troops have sacrificed. Comments that after one of the battles, one of the fallen Union soldiers was named Wilkinson. Hopes that no one falsely reports him dead. Their regiment is being reinforced and they expect to make a forward movement soon.

GLC03523.13.049

17 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia to his wife. Understands why the nation is filled with anxiety over the battle [Seven Days Battle] and the retreat. Is clearly upset about the retreat writing, "that over 30,000 brave men have been sacrificed in a useless and illplanned attempt to take the rebel capitol." Calls the retreat "shameful." Comments on how the officers and enlisted men try to rid themselves of the blame. Describes how the battle was lost and the retreat that followed. He writes that thousands of men staggered along the road for miles bleeding from their wounds. He cannot…

GLC03523.13.050

22 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson and his mother

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. In the first part of his letter he writes to his wife that he is feeling better since he last wrote. There are mixed feelings about the last battle [Seven Days Battle]; some say it was a victory while others say it was a defeat. They have been furnished with tents and it appears that General McClellan does not intend to move again soon. Writes that he has lost all confidence in the generals leading his wing of the army. Told his friend how hard he had fought at Malvern Hill. To his mother he writes that he is sorry for causing her so much anxiety. He…

GLC03523.13.051

25 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia to his wife. Is happy that his sister, Wink, could visit his mother and notes that it will make both of them happy. States that they are getting a new regiment ready and comments that the work is dull and lonesome. He will try to send money as soon as he can. Says that he has not been out of the camp for a while and thinks the army will stay in this position during the summer and winter. Complains that they have inspections and reviews twice a day and that the men are sick of it. He has received his first tent since he left Michigan which gives him…

GLC03523.13.052

31 July 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. Is sad to hear that she has not received some of his letters. Reports that he was out on picket yesterday and comments that many of the men in his company are sick. Is afraid that he will not see her again for some time as it is nearly impossible to get furloughs.

GLC03523.13.053

2 August 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Writes to his wife that they have retreated from Harrison's Landing, Virginia and that the army has moved to reinforce General Pope. He states that he told his commanding officer that he needed some rest, so he was sent to Mansion House Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia along with 20 others. He reassures her that he is not sick but he is very tired. One of the men in the company died and all were sad to hear it. Asks her to take good care of herself and feels bad that he is away while she is sick. He will also send some of his 40 dollars.

GLC03523.13.054

11 August 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written near Harrison's Landing, Virginia. Writes that he is very sad for missing a family meeting but that he hopes to make the next one. He states that it is very hot and they can barely go out in the sun but for a moment. It is so hot that during their pickets, the men feel like falling down. Notes the improving health of his regiment and the army in general. Hopes that there is a draft soon because there is need of more troops. Protests against his friend's thoughts of joining the army. Writes that nine-tenths of the army claim they will desert or have commissions. Wants to come home…

GLC03523.13.055

4 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital. Sends his wife some money and plans to send more soon. He is hoping to save up enough money to buy 240 acres of land in Michigan. Writes that he is feeling very bad and is very weak. He will try to get home soon and if he does not get any better while at home he will stay there. He tells his wife that the army has been "whiped" for everyday for the past two weeks. He reports that General Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson is on the Potomac and he expects to hear that General Jackson will soon cross into Maryland. He believes that if this happens Maryland will…

GLC03523.13.056

12 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital. Tells his wife that she should concern herself with her own health before worrying over his. Is very tired from the work that he has done since returning to his regiment. He notes that he is feeling a little bit better, however, he is still not well enough to return to the field. Explains more about the other Wilkinson who was killed only a little ways from him. Writes that his regiment was grateful that he was still alive as they all thought he had been killed. Prays to God every day that he will not be killed. Is glad to hear her mother is doing so well.…

GLC03523.13.057

20 September 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at Mansion House Hospital to his wife. Is sorry that he is causing her and the family so much anxiety over his current health status. Writes that he is recovering and will soon return to his regiment. He is happy to hear that Mr. Armstrong is getting married and hopes that he will like his new home. Notes that the regiment is well and that Sergeant Montague visited him today. He writes that he is happy to hear everyone at home is doing so well. Will try to write to his family and his sister Wink soon; he has not been able to do so because he has been so sick.

GLC03523.13.058

4 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp near Upton Hill to his wife. Writes that he has received her letter along with their baby's portrait. Wishes that he could be with his wife and baby. Explains that he is willing to stay until the war is over but also that he wants to be with his family. He hopes he can come home during the winter. States that President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation has raised the men's spirits. He is optimistic that the speech will give the people of the North some hope. He is now more confident in the army but some of the men say that if they do not do better the Confederacy…

GLC03523.13.059

8 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry to his wife. Writes that they are at their old camp ground and it looks like they will be staying there for the winter. Tells her that his health has improved and he is in good spirits. Does not think they have accomplished much but they did work and fight hard. Notes that the ranks have been so thinned that it takes four regiments to make one full-strength regiment. Writes that the dead and wounded of the regiment are spread out from Michigan to Richmond. Notes that many are either dead or discharged and many of the men are unsure of how they will…

GLC03523.13.060

14 October 1862

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the Michigan 2nd Infantry near Edwards Ferry, Maryland to his wife. Writes that they marched 40 miles in two days. Notes the fine homes, beautiful scenery, and gives a general description of the area, which is, surprisingly, untouched by the war. States that Maryland is "wise" for staying with the Union despite the enemy making raids into the state. Also note that some Confederate troops have made raids into Pennsylvania. He is unsure of what he thinks of her reading his letters to other women. Hopes that his friend will be discharged from the army. Is greatly upset that he…

GLC03523.13.061

circa January 1856

Woodson, Obadiah, fl. 1856

Document signed

Title: [Slave Patrol Contract]

Appoints a captain to oversee a company of men for "Patrol duty at least two nights in each week; and on the Sabbath day to disperse all collections of negroes or boys violating the Ordinances of the Town. On all slaves found off their owner's premises, without written permission... you will inflict not more than fifteen lashes; no slave to be whipped except in presence of the Captain. You will arrest and carry before the Intendant of Police, all free colored men found associating with slaves in the night, or on the Sabbath day, in any kitchen, out-house, or place other than his own…

GLC09122

circa 27 October 1863

Frazier, Charlotte, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Petition of a free black to become a slave of Jefferson S. Nash]

Petition to the District Court of Texas. "Charlotte Frazier...respectfully states and shows that she is a free person of African descent - that she is... mother of Six children under the age of Fourteen ... to wit ... Mack ... Betsey ...Luke ... Jerry... Westley... Emma...also free persons of African descent... Petitioner prays that a decree may be made... Whereby petitioner and her said children may become the property as slaves of the said... Jefferson S. Nash, as fully as if she and her said children had been born his slaves... " Signed by Frazier and witnesses. For related documents see…

GLC09123

1834

Garrison & Knapp

Pamphlet

Title: Report of the arguments of counsel, in the case of Prudence Crandall, Plff. in error, Vs. State of Connecticut, before the Supreme Court of Errors, at their session at Brooklyn, July Term, 1834.

Prudence Crandall, having allowed black children into her school, was tried by the State of Connecticut for violating a law against the education of colored children who were not inhabitants of the State, which required consent of the town of jurisdiction. The judge, holding that blacks were not citizens and were devoid of constitutional rights, ruled in favor the State. Here, before the Supreme Court, her counsel argues that "A distinction founded in color, in fundamental rights, is novel, inconvenient and impracticable."

GLC09124

1861

Anderson, Fulton, 1820-1874

Pamphlet

Title: Addresses delivered before the Virginia State Convention by Hon. Fulton Anderson...Hon. Henry L. Benning, ... and Hon. John S. Preston...February 1861.

Wyatt M. Elliott. Representatives of Mississippi, Georgia, and South Carolina work to persaude Virginia to join a slave-holding Confederacy.

GLC09125

1858

Benton, Thomas Hart, 1782-1858

Book

Title: Historical and Legal Examination of that part of the decision of the Supreme Court ....

" of the United States in the Dred Scott case, which declares the unconstitutionality of the Missouri Compromise Act, and the self extension of the Constitution to territories, carrying slavery along with it..." New York, D. Appleton and Company. Second edition. The most important contemporary commentary on the Dred Scott case.

GLC09126

1846

Pamphlet

Title: The Liberty Almanac for 1847.

Cover woodcut illustration sows idyllic "Emancipation" scene near the U.S. Capital building. With 5 more illustrations throughout. New York: William Harned.

GLC09127

1797

Miller, Samuel, fl. 1797-1806

Pamphlet

Title: A Discourse, Delivered April 12, 1797, at the request of and before the New-York Society ...

"... for promoting the manumission of slaves, and protecting such of them as have been or may be liberated. By...one of the Ministers of the United Presbyterian Churches in the City of New-York, and members of said society." New York: T. and J. Swords.

GLC09128

February 23, 1833

Glen, Tyre, fl. 1833

Autograph letter signed

Title: Slave dealer letter

" I have purchased...a very large and tolerable likely fellow of Hollingsworth at $450, Ralph of Elder Patterson at $425, he keeps him untill his crop is finished unless he becomes unruly. Thar is at this time at least double the number of negroes for sale that has ever been offered since we have been buying, tho at such high prices that I dislike to buy girls particularly..." Speaking of a new competitor in the slave trade: "He is the damdest man I ever met with in any market, he has a constitution like a hors, rides day and knight sunday not exepted, is as destitute of Honor as ... a dog…

GLC09129