1857

Howard, Benjamin C., 1791-1872

Book

Title: Report of the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the opinions of the judges thereof, in the case of Dred Scott versus John F. A. Sandford. December term, 1856.

One copy of the Supreme Court decision of the Dred Scott case dated 1857. Item is a first edition printed by Cornelius Wendell.

GLC01259

September 30, 1780

Clinton, George, 1739-1812

Letter signed

Title: Appointment of Ensign Stephen Griffin

Partially printed document signed by Clinton and his secretary Robert Benson. On verso is a note signed by David Humphreys, aide-de-camp of George Washington. The Council of Appointment approved the appointment of Stephen Griffin as ensign in the 4th Continental Regiment. He is to take over command of a company. The note on verso, dated from New Windsor, New York on 2 April 1781, says that General George Washington has given permission for Griffin to resign his commission. It appears that this document was signed by Clinton so Griffin could have official proof of his service after resigning,…

GLC01450.623.01

December 16, 1777

Tyler, John Sr., 1747-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel

Comments on the undisciplined behavior of his correspondent's regiment in camp. He cannot discern "what plan the Genl. [George Washington] has" but believes "this maneuver is the most likely to produce neglect of duty." Would like himself and the other officers present to join the regiment; he believes that he could bring discipline to the regiment and promote health among those recently inoculated, possible for small pox. Reports that on 12 December 1777, the army was marching along the Schuylkill River in Pennsylvania. That evening they were completely "surprised to find the Enemy on…

GLC01450.628

June 1, 1813

Wadsworth, Decius, 1768-1821

Printed letter

Title: Circular concerning ordnance and ordnance stores

Issued by the Ordnance Department. Outlines how ordnance should be classed and prints a copy of the fifth section of ordnance regulations passed by the War Department on 20 April 1813, which pertained to making ordnance reports. Wadsworth was the commissary general of ordnance.

GLC01450.718.03

September 15, 1814

Treadwell, John White, 1785-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Oakes

Orders Captain Oakes of the first regiment of Massachusetts militia to appear with his company fully armed and with knapsacks and blankets at Washington Square at 8:00 AM on the following Monday. They will meet "for inspection which will be as particular as this crisis demands. The United States was then engaged in The War of 1812. Appears to be a draft of GLC01450.720.10.

GLC01450.720.11

February 26, 1815

Smead, Benjamin, 1775-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moody Bedel

Writes to Bedel about the jubilation surrounding the news of peace in the War of 1812, the celebration of George Washington's birthday, and the dissolution of the consolidated 11th and 22nd regiments. Heaps praise on several officers. Indicates that "the interests of the regiment require your influence and presence." Describes the regiments collective dream of a glory-filled homecoming. A note on p.2 indicates that they are in need of instruments and medicine for forty sick men.

GLC01450.721.08

December 28, 1870

Howard, Oliver Otis, 1830-1909

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore Roosevelt, Sr.

Thanks him for an invitation to the celebration for the emancipation of Rome by Italian forces. In 1870 during the Franco-Prussian War, Napoleon III withdrew his troops from Rome. Italian troops moved into the city, and Rome voted for union with Italy in October 1870. Howard was commissioner of the Freedmen's Bureau from 1865 until 1872. Signed as Brigadier General and Commissioner of Freedmen.

GLC01464

July 15, 1879

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. M.A. Bosbyshell

Douglass cannot help Mrs. Bosbyshell obtain the postage stamps she asked for. Advises her to apply to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the President of Liberia, or the Post Master General of Bolivia.

GLC01467

August 1, 1801

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Printed letter signed

Title: to Consuls and Commercial Agents of the United States

Circular letter instructing the recipients to issue only the enclosed sample Sea-letter (not included) to vessels so that ships owned by American citizens could be identified (and property protected) and fraud from forged seals and sea-letters could be prevented. Also discusses issuing certificates of health to avoid unnecessary quarantines and the consuls' duties relating to the relief of seamen. Signed as Secretary of State.

GLC01470

April 7, 1853

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lizzie Ellicott

Jocular letter where he talks of mutual acquaintances, taking a trip east in June, and other trivial matters. Promises her that when he becomes President, Mr. Pike will receive a diplomatic appointment "and you shall enjoy old world sights for me."

GLC01473

December 4, 1786

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Refers to Washington's resignation as head of the Order of the Cincinnati. Describes a settlement he left after receiving a request to take command of the Massachusetts state militia, which was needed to suppress Shays' Rebellion. In response to a question from Washington, Lincoln discusses Shays' Rebellion in detail: the anger it is arousing, its causes, his expectation of bloodshed, the role of debt, and the rebellions current advantages. Writes that "In Short the want of industry economy & common honesty Seem to be the causes of the present commotions." Includes a post script note…

GLC01478

November 7, 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Washington writes "Are your people getting mad?"

GLC01479

April 21, 1866

Meigs, Montgomery C. (Montgomery Cunningham), 1816-1892

Typed letter

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Meigs, United States Quartermaster General, recounts that General Brisbin and a small squad of recruits made "great efforts to rally the retreating and disorganized soldiers on the road near Centerville on the night of the first battle of Bull Run." Declares that he "was so much pleased with [Brisbin's] conduct that [he] mentioned it to the Secretary of War, who promoted him." States that he has not been familiar with Brisbin's service since that time, but is confident that Brisbin will be…

GLC01504.02.12

December 28, 1861

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Montgomery Meigs

Lincoln is having Captain Asher R. Eddy relieved of duty as a Quarter Master in Springfield, Illinois because "a 'snarl' has somehow gotten up between him & [the State Government], which must be broken up." He asks Quartermaster General Meigs to replace Eddy and reassign him to an equally important post. Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick and London: Rutgers University Press, 1974), Vol. X 1832 - 1865, p. 117 - 118

GLC01514

March 23, 1867

Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Sherman

Argues that Dr. C. Woodworth, a nominee for postmaster of Trumbull County, Ohio, is nominated solely because he is an acquaintance of President Johnson: "It is only another evidence that the President is unwilling to listen to the wishes of the people." This contradicts the expressed wishes of the electorate in Trumbull County, who signed a petition to appoint Henry H. Townsend, a soldier. Declares, "I have received many letters and telegrams molesting against the appointment of Woodworth, and therefore respectfully recommend that his nomination be rejected by the Senate." Written on House…

GLC01517

June 9, 1811

Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Williams

Writes about his trial for conspiracy against the United States. States that the vindictive temper and conduct of Judge Thomas Rodney have induced him to withdraw from public view. Remarks that he will continue to submit to civil authority as long as he is assured he will be treated with the same rights as other citizens. Wants to be informed of the arrest charges and bail. Requests assurance that he will not be sent out of the territory or subjected to any military authority. Note on address leaf signed by Caesar A. Rodney and dated 9 June 1811 reads, "a base calumny by a traitor to his…

GLC01524

November 14, 1802

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to the Institut National de France

Jefferson sends his thanks for becoming the first American member of the Institute. The letter is addressed to "Citizens, President and Secretaries."

GLC01533

January 7, 1877

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Letter

Title: to William Pitt Kellogg

President Grant informs Kellogg, Governor of Louisiana, that no troops will be supplied for the 8 January 1877 inauguration of the Louisiana Government. States that he cannot send troops, because to do so would express recognition of one of two rival governments claiming legitimacy. Reports that soldiers will be sent only to suppress violence while facts are investigated regarding the differing claims. States that following the establishment of a legal government, "troops may be used to uphold the rightful government in the state if called upon in accordance with the spirit and meaning of…

GLC01545.04

January 19, 1870

Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to T. Apoleon Cheney

Written by Dahlgren as commander of the Washington Navy Yard. References Cheney's notes of 6 and 10 January. Has not responded because of the "many demands on my time." Says some of the books he has requested are procurable and will be forwarded, although a copy of his own book, "Shells and Shell-Guns," is not available. Says the war kept him from literary pursuits and that he only has one copy of the book left "and cannot buy another at any price." Regrets that he cannot send a copy because "it is my principal work and exposes the principles on which I concerted the present Armament of the…

GLC01545.09

December 6, 1882

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Buel Franklin

Discusses the use of his Washington D.C. office by the National Home for Disabled Veteran Soldiers. Tells Franklin that he is changing occupations (he had been elected Governor of Massachusetts) and explains that he will need to redirect the rent money for the use of his Washington D.C. office, which was being used by the Home while Butler was president of its Board of Managers. Explains the financial arrangement he had and how he would like it rearranged so the Home could continue to use the office and the person managing it, Mr. Whitney, could receive a salary.

GLC01545.10

June 13, 1861

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Simon Cameron

Writes to Secretary of War Cameron to allow Colonel William H. Emory's resignation to be withdrawn and to have him reinstated to Colonel 1st Cavalry. Emory was stationed in Indian territory. Lincoln bases his decision on Commanding General Irwin McDowell's affirmation of Emory's loyalty. Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. IV 1860 - 1861, p. 78.

GLC01568

July 20, 1862

Hay, John, 1838-1905

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Jay

Written while serving as Assistant Secretary to President Abraham Lincoln to a family friend. Writes of General George McClellan and his failed Peninsula campaign, "...What a wretched conclusion of all our little General's boasting addresses and orders have we seen on the bloody banks of the Chickahominy! Sad as is the result to himself and the country..." Mentions General David Hunter's attempt to emancipate enslaved people, "How gloriously General Hunter has justified my statement that the future would prove his soundness in hatred of Slavery..." Hints of the coming of Lincoln's…

GLC01569

November 6, 1862

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin F. Butler

Seeking details about free black labor in Union-occupied Louisiana Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953). Vol. V 1861 - 1862, p. 487 - 488.

GLC01570

June 19, 1863

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Letter signed

Title: to E. Malhiot

Signed as President, insisting that Louisiana will not be allowed to have an election until the new state constitution abolishes slavery. Demonstrates the hardening of Lincoln's attitude towards slavery. Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. VI 1862 - 1863, p. 287 - 289.

GLC01571

June 15, 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ulysses S. Grant

Very brief telegram: "I begin to see it. You will succeed. God bless you all." A very famous letter.

GLC01572