1864

Herman, David, fl. 1864

Diary

Title: Diary of drummer boy in 138th Pennsylvania Regt.

Refers to Brandywine, Shenandoah, siege of Petersburg, and Winchester.

GLC07007

2 April 1828

Key, Francis Scott, 1779-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John H. B. Latrobe

Concerning an American Colonization Society legal settlement arising from the transportation of cargo and colonists. Francis Scott Key, a lawyer and member of the society, brainstorms ideas for diminishing their liability. Latrobe was also a lawyer. 1 black and white bust engraving of Key included. Written in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C.

GLC07100

18 May 1862

Stanton, Edwin M. (Edwin McMasters), 1814-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rev. Herman Dyer

Secretary of War Stanton writes to his friend Reverend Dyer about Union strategy in Peninsula Campaign, responding to criticism in the press. He expresses condemnation of General McClellan. Stanton insists that Lincoln agrees with him concerning the defense of Washington. He also expresses his thoughts about his position: "I knew that everything I cherish and hold dear would be sacrificed by accepting this office. But I thought I might help to save the country and for that I am willing to perish." Written on four folios.

GLC07102

2 February 1793

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles W. Dumas

Sends Dumas plans for the construction of Washington, D.C. "with a desire that they may be exhibited" in Europe. Accompanied by a 1792 Andrew Ellicott Map from "Columbian Magazine" (GLC 7104.02).

GLC07104.01

1792

Ellicott, Andrew, fl. 1792

Map

Title: [Map of Washington, D.C.].

Engraved folding map removed from the "Columbian Magazine." Included with a letter from Thomas Jefferson to Charles W. Dumas (GLC07104.01).

GLC07104.02

10 June 1801

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dinsmore

Discusses the renovation and construction of the dome at Monticello. "I wonder the Copper sheets had not got to hand, as it is very long since they left Philadelphia. the steps, or plinths for the dome must be got from Fluvanna...." States that it is very important that the dome be ready for the plasterers by the last of July so they may work while Jefferson is there. He instructs that the skylight of the dome is to be a single plate. Mentions that he will pay Dinsmore's brother the $400 he owns as soon as he figures out the address to send it to in Philadelphia, as he lost the one…

GLC07105

31 December 1863

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton re: discharge of jailed Confederate conscript

The soldier was a nephew of Lincoln's aquaintance, John Tipton, who has "Lost one brother, and another crippled for life, in our service"

GLC07107

7 July 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Printed document signed

Title: [Authorization to affix the seal to "my proclamation," for a day of national humiliation and prayer]

Partially printed document ordering the seal affixed to a presidential proclamation praying for an end to the Civil War. A pencil note on verso explains the circumstances of the document.

GLC07108

25 August 1777

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Francis Mercer

Written by Monroe as a major in William Alexander's (aka Lord Stirling) brigade of George Washington's army to Colonel Mercer, captain in the 3rd Virginia Regiment. Recipient is inferred from the third page of the letter where Monroe asks for information on his old regiment. Says he waited to write until something material occurred. Conveys news of General John Stark's victory over a detachment of German troops from General John Burgoyne's army at the Battle of Bennington. Stark led his New Hampshire militia against a German detachment that was seeking supplies for Burgoyne's bogged down army…

GLC07111

27 October 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: Letter by George Washington and prisoner list [Decimalized .01-.02]

A letter by George Washington regarding his campaign, and a list of prisoners from General Burgoyne's surrender.

GLC07115

11 September 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mifflin

Presidential circular letter in which Washington transmits to Mifflin "the duplicates of the two Acts - one to establish the Treasury Department - and one for registering and clearing Vessels, regulating the coasting trade, and for other purposes."

GLC07116

1812/03/04

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas B. Adams

Signed with his initial "A." Adams discusses family matters, his declining a seat on the Supreme Court. He expects war with Great Britain: "All the information that we receive from the United States... indicates a disposition and measures leading to War. As far as these may consist in preparations and in raising of a force sufficient to give weight to our claims... it gives me pleasure to see them. But I cannot reconcile myself to the idea of a War... which can only promote the purposes of France that is forced upon us by the stupid obstinancy of the British Cabinet." Adams also predicts…

GLC07118

1842/04/24

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Elliot re: inability to review Elliot's book

Returning Elliot's book "upon Politics and Law, Morals and Religion" and saying he is unable "to give my opinion upon its merits" because of "perpetual pressure of indispensable occupations and absorbing cares." He writes "I have read many of its pages and perceived much to commend and little if anything to reprove."

GLC07119

circa 1864

Object

Title: [Purple and blue "Union" paper folding paper lantern]

Lantern made from corrugated wove paper with cardboard top and base, hanging loop and internal metal candle holder. The paper is printed or painted with blue and purple (perhaps once burgundy or dark red), with the word "Union" printed twice as part of the design. Very fragile. Folded accordion style. Height if opened: approximately 23 cm.

GLC07096

19 September 1708

Bemis, James, 1690-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ephraim Bemis

Writes to his parents to relay that he is in good health. Implores them to arrange for his release from his duty as a soldier, fearing that if he does not return home soon he will lose his trade. Also notes an Indian attack on Casco Fort. Written from Casco Fort during Queen Anne's War.

GLC07097

21 March 1802

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Burdett

Written by Clay as a lawyer in Lexington, Kentucky, before he began his political career to Burdett as an attorney in Cincinnati, Ohio. References a previous letter by Burdett respecting Jim, a runaway slave whose status was in question. Says an answer was not necessary because he had already forwarded "a Copy of those papers on which Jim's right to his freedom is founded. He derives his title from an Indian ancestor who was in the early part of the last Century reduced to Slavery in Virginia, contrary to the laws of that State." The only difficulty of his claim arises from the uncertainty of…

GLC07098

21 November 1840

Baldwin, Roger Sherman, 1793-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore Sedgwick

Discusses a two hundred page report (possibly of the Amistad case). Mentions Lewis Tappan, an abolitionist who supported the Amistad Africans' freedom. Discusses the authenticity of treaties admitted as evidence in the Amistad case at District Court. Refers to the Amistad Africans, whose recent importation to Cuba, reflected the violation of international and Spanish law. States that John Quincy Adams, who assisted with the Africans' defense, "Thinks the govt, when they see the record, may abandon their appeal without a hearing; as he is very confident they cannot hope to be successful.…

GLC07099

14 November 1793

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Adams as vice president to Lincoln after his unsuccessful mission to make peace with the Northwest Indians. Says he read with interest Lincoln's report on why peace was not achieved. Says the report fits with the facts he learned while in Europe and that he has not "the least difficulty in believing that you have develloped the true Causes of the Continuance of the Indian War." Praises America's policy of neutrality toward the European powers and says "while they are exhausted I hope we are safe." Says he is jealous of the English-Spanish alliance and would like to be able to work with France…

GLC07101

6 May 1781

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Sumter

Writes to General Sumter about Lord Cornwallis's movements, concluding that he is "rather inclined to think that he will leave everything here and move northward." Discusses the arrival of some supplies. Comments "I fully agree with you that vigorous measures are necessary to strike terror into our Enemies and give spirits to our own people." Written at "Camp 25 Miles Creek."

GLC07103

30 September 1821

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Letter signed

Title: to James Breckinridge

Discusses the plans for construction and related finances at the University of Virginia. Proctor of the University Arthur Brockenbrough was involved in assessing the costs so that they could plan for the construction of a library.

GLC07106

1788/02/13

Livingston, Robert, 1708-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Duane

Comments on a visit by Major North, who he describes as "a Genteel young man." Notes an unconfirmed report that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution and hopes it will compel other states to do the same. Criticizes Robert R. Livingston for his role in attempting to evict mills from Livingston's (known as the third Lord of the Manor) property. Calls him "mill mad." Duane was serving as mayor of New York and was married to Livingston's daughter Mary (mentioned in this letter as Polle).

GLC07109

20 August 1815

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Rush

Written by Madison as President to Rush as Attorney General. Asks advice on various problems the government needs to handle. Wants to know if it is proper to give naval protection against the "Carthaginian Corsairs" -- probably the Barbary powers. Madison thinks it is proper, but wants to make sure. Louisiana Governor William Charles Cole Claiborne wants to know if it is proper to use naval and military forces against Spanish provinces. Asks Rush for precedents and suggests talking to Secretary of State Monroe about his letter to the Spanish diplomat Louis de Onís. Also asks for suggestions…

GLC07110

27 August 1860

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Tyler

Tyler, former President of the United States, elaborates on the 1860 Presidential election to his son Robert. States that he discussed the election with Colonel William T. Withers of Mississippi. Expresses approval at the fusion of Stephen Douglas' and John Bells' supporters in New York, and declares "that in my view the defeat of Lincoln was the great matter at issue, and that all others were subordinate." Encloses a letter (not included) from General Foote, a Douglas supporter. Expresses his support of Presidential candidate John Cabell Breckinridge and Breckinridge's running mate Joseph…

GLC07112

1785

Header Record

Title: [Two items related to the Revolutionary War debts owed to Virginia by the federal government] [Decimalized]

GLC07114

1795/02/19

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne re: complaints about Mr. Skipwith

As Minister to the Netherlands he complains about a letter from Mr. Skipwith, "who must know perfectly well that I cannot command a farthing of public money for the application of which I am not expressly authorized." Adams also questions the authenticity of the Skipworth's letter. Adams fears that complying with the vague request for money will "lead to circumstances unpleasant to me, and dangerous to those we are disposed to serve."

GLC07117