December 9, 1861

Van Valkenburgh, David H., ?-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father

Written at Camp Barry near Washington D.C. References his father's earlier letter. Says he has not written often because he knows the letters he writes to his wife are read by everyone. He is glad to hear that his father might visit Washington. He wishes he could have seen some of the reviews, but says he will see some if he comes as 100,000 troops are to winter in the vicinity of Washington. Says he has "seen McClellan he is a noble looking man but seems young for the responsibilities that rest upon his shoulders, but they all think him competent to fill the place." Says the city has…

GLC00686.06

March 15, 1862

Van Valkenburgh, David H., ?-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary B. Van Valkenburgh

Written by David to his mother. Says he has not written lately because he knows the letters to his wife were "Common property with you all." Adds that he has marching orders and wanted to write "for when next and in what shape I shall turn up the fates alone Can decide." Says he has been assigned to a group of four batteries under General Silas Casey's division (IV corps). Mentions that he is good health and that a few days of marching will not do him any harm. Will leave everything except essentials with his brother Robert. Makes several references to General George McClellan and events in…

GLC00686.07

June 4, 1865

Van Valkenburgh, Edward Porter, fl. 1865-1908

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary B. Van Valkenburgh

Written by Captain Edward Van Valkenburgh of the 107th New York regiment to his mother. He has not heard from her directly in some time, but has heard through his brother Robert that she is in good health. Says he has not written in a long time, but knows she heard of his whereabouts through his letters to Rosa (perhaps Edward's wife). He reports that he seldom has the time to write to anyone. He hopes he will be out of the army in two weeks: "We have been at work very hard both night and day since the review, making out our final roll and discharges preparatory to being mustered out of the…

GLC00686.18

August 3, 1865

Van Valkenburgh, Robert B., 1821-1888

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary B. Van Valkenburgh

Signed "Robt" by Congressman Robert Van Valkenburgh. Writes to his mother to tell her he has just returned to Washington after a trip to Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, and then to Elmira, Albany, and New York. Says his health is better than it has been in two years. When he was in Bath, New York, he sold his house and lot to Julia and Mary [Ramsey] and the rest of his real estate to other parties. Hopes to know what he will do in a couple of weeks. Also included is a note to his mother from brother Frank, which is all about family or friends. A note in what appears to be a third hand is…

GLC00686.23

18 April 1865

Johnson, Joseph E., 1807-1891

Manuscript document

Title: [Draft of the surrender agreement between Union General William Tecumseh Sherman and Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston]

Copy made, certified, and signed by Colonel Alexander Robert Chisolm, Confederate General Pierre T. Beauregard's aide-de-camp. Details the terms of the surrender of the Army of Tennessee.

GLC00689

January 11, 1865

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Note allowing John Swisher to take the oath of 8 December 1863]

Lincoln autograph endorsement signed on a letter from Edward McPherson to President Lincoln requesting clemency for a man, dated 10 January 1865. Lincoln's endorsement reads, "Let this man, John Swisher take the oath of Dec. 8, 1863 & be discharged." McPherson was Clerk of the House of Representatives.

GLC00693.03

May 20, 1844

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Barbara O'Sullivan Addicks

He thanks her for the copy she sent of her "pocket manual treating the Science of the French Language" ("An elementary practical book for learning to speak the French language, expressly adapted to the capacity of children. Tr. from the German of Doctor J.H.P. Seidenstuecker") and indicates he sent a copy, per her request, to the National Intelligencer. He apologizes for not responding promptly and explains why he cannot give her manual the scrutiny it deserves, citing the volume of letters he receives.

GLC00693.05

January 14, 1811

Barnes, John, fl. 1793-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Smith

Barnes asks Smith to remit the proceeds from dividends on stock in the Pennsylvania Bank, in accordance with an order from Thomas Jefferson. Barnes was Jefferson's financial agent. Letter written from "GeorgeTown, Columa."

GLC00696.02

1 October 1861

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Printed document

Title: [Leaflet encouraging women to contribute their patriotic efforts to the Civil War as members of the United States Sanitary Commission]

Includes a statement issued by Frederick Law Olmstead, Secretary of the Commission, encouraging patriotic donations. Contains a letter from Lincoln stating that "The Sanitary Commission is doing a work of great humanity." Includes a statement issued by directors of the Commission (including Commission President Henry W. Bellows) to the women of America describing the organization as "a volunteer and unpaid bureau of the War Department of the government." Bellows encourages the formation of more benevolent societies in the United States created to collect items for military donation.…

GLC00700

January 3, 1865

Kell, John McIntosh, 1823-1900

Document signed

Title: [Navy Department invoice of stores]

Receipt for "a Tin basin & pitcher" signed by York and Kell.

GLC00684.14

March 24, 1865

Lee, Sydney Smith, 1802-1869

Letter signed

Title: to John McIntosh Kell

Lee grants Kell leave until the first of May, "when you will report in writing to this Office the condition of your health." Letter forwarded by Surgeon James Harrison. Letter written on stationery of the C.S. Navy's Office of Orders and Detail.

GLC00684.15

February 4, 1869

Semmes, Raphael, 1809-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John McIntosh Kell

Raphael Semmes writes that, while in Baltimore, he has inscribed a copy of his book and ordered the publishers to send it to Kell's "little son, my namesake." He fondly inquires after Kell's family. Raphael Semmes, commander of the famous raider CSS Alabama was promoted to admiral in the Confederate Navy in 1865, and briefly served as a brigadier general in the army following the fall of Richmond.

GLC00684.16

July 27, 1886

Grady, Henry W., fl. 1870-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John McIntosh Kell

Henry W. Grady writes on behalf of self and partner Evan P. Howell, both of the Atlanta Constitution, to endorse Kell for Georgia Secretary of Agriculture and to suggest "that you apply to Gen Gordon for the position of Adjutant General," which Grady describes as "a place of dignity & such work as would come to your inclination." Letter written on stationery of The Constitution. Part of signature is missing.

GLC00684.17

June 4, 1892

Kell, John McIntosh, 1823-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Carrie Kell

John McIntosh Kell writes to his daughter, Carrie, in reply to a letter from her. He talks about his gardens at length and mentions a drought that makes "travelling on the Rail Road unbearable." He reports the birth of a grandchild named Walton Carroll. Letter written on printed stationery of the Georgia Adjutant General's office. Signed with initials, "Your affectionate Father J.M.K."

GLC00684.18

January 9, 1894

Sinclair, Arthur, fl. 1880-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 doubt gratified to learn how much he admired you."

GLC00684.19

October 20, 1899

Galt, Francis L., 1831-1915

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 intends to compile a history of Confederate naval narratives. He writes that "living here on the frontier of the National Capital we have been regaled with the excitement of the Dewey celebrations lately" and comments on the "decay of republican institutions." He mentions the Transvaal War and his memories of "our stay among the Boers...and our…

GLC00684.20

October 7, 1900

Gordon, John Brown, 1832-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Julia Blanche Kell

John Brown Gordon sends his sympathies to Julia Blanche Kell on the announcement of Kell's death. John Brown Gordon, a former Confederate lieutenant general, served post-war as a U.S. senator (1873-80, 1891-97) and governor of Georgia (1886-90).

GLC00684.21

1845-1909

Van Valkenburgh Family

Header Record

Title: [Letters and photographs of the Van Valkenburgh family of New York] [decimalized .01-.37]

Correspondence from the Van Valkenburgh family, who lived mostly in upstate New York. Of the five brothers in the family, three joined the Union cause and another joined the Confederates. One member of the family, Frank, became a lawyer in Wisconsin (see GLC06253 for additional materials). Robert was a Union officer and Congressman from New York. The bulk of the collection dates from 1865. Some of the collection's key materials revolve around Gerrit, the brother who lived in Arkansas as an attorney and joined the Confederate cause as a member of Fagan's Arkansas Cavalry (Gerrit lived near…

GLC00686

circa 1845-1847

Van Valkenburgh, Franklin Butler, 1835-1924

Typed letter

Title: Typed excerpts of compositions by Franklin Van Valkenburgh when he was 12

Not an original document; no date for typed excerpt. Contains 2 excerpts from compositions, one written when Frank was 10 in 1845, the other when he was 12 on September 28, 1847. First composition is about wishing. The second composition is titled "the History of a Black Board." Some handwritten notes in pen on second page. Image of purple and yellow flower on the back of the stationary. Includes an envelope with the words "News Paper Scraps &C &c." The return address is for the Van Valkenburgh family in Milwaukee.

GLC00686.01

November 12, 1848

Van Valkenburgh, Loty, fl. 1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

Written to Frank when he was 13 years old by his sister Loty who seems to be somewhere in the western part of the South. Frank is referred to as "Master" in the address. Frank is separated from his family (GLC00686.19 says he is at "the Academy") and Loty is writing him to alleviate his loneliness. Loty seems to have been married recently and writes of understanding about homesickness: she says "I have learned that contentment is the only true happiness." Goes into further reminisces about her old home. Mentions that the church is 6 miles away and that services are only every other week. Says…

GLC00686.02

January 31, 1849

Van Valkenburgh, Mary, fl. 1849

Autograph letter

Title: to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

Incomplete letter from Mary to her 14-year-old brother Frank. References a "little letter" that Frank wrote to her. Writes about her life at school. Says most days are alike and comfortable. Asks him how "the Academy" is going. Asks for an update on family members and reports what she knows to him. Asks him to give her a detailed account of his school, teachers, and studies. Reminisces about how she nursed him through an illness. Philosophizes about their futures and gives him advice.

GLC00686.03

1 June 1854

Van Valkenburgh, Franklin Butler, 1835-1924

Document

Title: [Printed party invitation]

Franklin Van Valkenburgh's name is written in pencil at the bottom. An invitation for "A Cotillion Party." The party will begin in the assembly room of J.M. Brewster in Townsend (unknown state). The party is on 3 July 1854 at 4 p.m. Lists 8 committee members and 2 room managers. Small image of an eagle at the top. Written from "Townsend," with no state given.

GLC00686.04

March 14, 1861

Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S., 1835-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mollie Van Valkenburgh

Written by Gerrit to his sister Mollie. Attempts to justify his decision, as a transplanted Northerner, to side with the South. Mixes support for his adopted home with love for the family he left in the North. He references her letter of from February 12 and says he will answer it now even though she takes six months to respond to him. Says he is at Warren, Arkansas attending court and collecting money. He reports that people in Warren are getting over the political excitement which has been the absorbing topic of conversation. He claims they are ending the talk and preparing for war. He says…

GLC00686.05

October 28, 1862

Van Valkenburgh, Gerrit S., 1835-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Two handwritten copies of the same letter in the file. Says it has been a long time since he wrote, but not because he has not thought of his family in the North. He claims that "although we now belong to sections of our country which are engaged in an unnatural and unholy warfare Yet I cannot say that I love your or my friends less than I did when we were Members of the same great family." He wonders when they will be reunited. He says the last letter he received from his family was from July 1861. He says he shed blood for the South and that he is "now in the army fighting for liberty - for…

GLC00686.08

October 26, 1863

Van Valkenburgh, Jacob, 1795-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

Written by Frank's father, J. Van Valkenburgh, to Frank. He says he sent 6 barrels of apples by train to Milwaukee for him and other family members. He declares that he picked 16 barrels by hand from his orchard. He also sent several barrels of better apples. He mentions that they got a new stove and that it heats the whole house. Says his sister Mary has given birth to a daughter. Note in pencil at the top of recto says "From my Grandfather to My Father."

GLC00686.09