January 4, 1776

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Jay

Hamilton writes that he meant to send this letter by the last post but missed it. Informs that a proclamation has been issued to dissolve the old assembly to elect a new one. Reports that the Tories are saying they will dominate the election but he believes the Whigs will prevail. Indicates that he would like Jay to come but that his presence is not absolutely necessary. Addressed to Jay in Philadelphia, free franked in New York.

GLC00007

January 26, 1856

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Sankey Latty

Chase writes to "Latty" concerning republican politics and elections, the Know-Nothings, and immigration.

GLC00011

October 12, 1780

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francois Marquis de Barbe-Marbois

To Marbois, the secretary of the French Ambassador, who later served as Intendent of Santo Domingo and minister of finance under Napoleon, under whom he sold Louisiana to the U.S. Hamilton concludes his letter by agreeing with Marbois about America's "feebleness and temporary expedients" in military affairs; and notes that he views "our affairs in a gloomy light." Hamilton ends by mentioning rumors of a peace congress by the neutral powers at the Hague. (This may refer to the attempt by Catherine of Russia to mediate the dispute.) Place of writing supplied from Hamilton Papers.

GLC00012

August 24, 1785

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Price

Written by Jay as Secretary of Foreign Affairs under the Confederation government to Price, a dissenting minister and moralistic pamphleteer in Britain who supported American independence. Apologizes to Price for being tardy in responding and thanks him for sending pamphlets (Price wrote several pro-American pamphlets in Britain, the most famous of which was "Observations on Civil Liberty and the Justice and Policy of the War with America," which was published in 1776). Echoing the weaknesses of the Confederation and foreshadowing the creation of the Constitution in 1787, Jay says "I am not…

GLC00013

June 28, 1875

Bryant, William Cullen, 1794-1878

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: The death of Lincoln

The poem is copied and signed by William C. Bryant.

GLC00014

January 1907

Howe, Julia Ward, 1819-1910

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Battle Hymn of the Republic]

The first and fourth verses.

GLC00017

September 22, 1819

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathaniel F. Moore.

Jefferson responds to Moore's pamphlet on ascertaining the pronunciation of ancient Greek and describes his own efforts in trying to answer the same question. He describes his efforts while in Paris, and even earlier, to find the most accurate pronunciation from modern Greek, but decided to follow the system of the early humanist Erasmus. Jefferson concludes "I am glad... to see the question stirred here; because it may excite among our young countrymen a spirit of enquiry and criticism, and lead them to more attention to this most beautiful of all languages." Moore taught classical languages…

GLC00020

February 12, 1811

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph letter

Title: to Timothy Pickering

Responds to former Senator Pickering's request for information regarding monetary aid the United States received from Spain in 1780. Mentions a letter he received from Spain's minister of state in 1780, Count Floridablanca, confirming Spain's good intentions toward the United States. Refers to a discussion of aid received by the United States from Spain in a 1780 conference with the Spanish official Don Diego de Gardoqui.

GLC00023

April 28,1785

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Writes that although he lacks any sympathy for the "philanthropy" of slavery, he will not violate the treaty requiring the enslaved people who sought freedom to be returned to enslavers. One black and white bust engraving of John Adams included.

GLC00024

April 13, 1858

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E.C. Wharton

Informs Wharton that he wants the return of an interest-free loan, but since Wharton cannot afford it, he will not call the loan. Offers advice on the conduct of Wharton's life, urging him to "apply your intelligence and your energies to one object only."

GLC00025

January 11, 1863

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore O'Hara

Gibson, Colonel of the 13th Louisiana Volunteers (Confederate) discusses the recent Battle of Stones River, or Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with Colonel O'Hara. Reports details of the battle, which resulted in a Union victory. Relates that he informed General Daniel Weisiger Adams of the enemy's dispositions, but that it was "too late to accomplish a timely change in our positions." Writes that despite ensuing confusion during the battle, "the officers & men of the 13th La Vols... displayed the best qualities as soldiers. It is difficult for troops to stand firm against great odds, under a…

GLC00026

January 11, 1863

Austin, John E., fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to H. H. Bun

Major Austin, Commander of Austin's Battalion Sharp Shooters (Confederate), discusses the Battle of Stones River, or Murfreesboro, with Bun, an acting assistant adjutant general. Mentions fighting with Breckinridge's Division (led by General John Cabell Breckinridge). Refers to receiving orders from General Daniel Weisiger Adams. Relates details of the battle, including flanking the enemy, based on the orders of Colonel Randall Lee Gibson, Colonel of the 13th Louisiana Volunteers. After forming position, he "opened fire upon the enemy who was about 40 paces of us- this staggered him a little…

GLC00027

January 11, 1862

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John L. Manning

Discusses prospects for a battle before the spring, and is doubtful one will occur. Discusses both their health. Discusses officers in and out of camp. Mentioned are Beauregard's chief of staff David R. Jones, staff member John S. Preston, Confederate General Earl Van Dorn, Confederate General Bushrod Rust Johnson, Confederate Brigadier General Edmund Kirby Smith, and Union General George McClellan. Beauregard was commanding general of the Potomac District, Department of Northern Virginia, at the time of this letter.

GLC00028

1776-1781

Header Record

Title: Documents signed by Presidents of the Continental Congress authorizing privateers' capture of British vessels [Decimalized .01- .04]

GLC00038

April 3, 1776

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Printed as a broadside. Signed by Hancock as President of the Second Continental Congress. Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company shall be Land-Men." Forbids the ransom of prisoners.

GLC00038.01

circa November 1, 1777- December 9, 1778

Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessesl and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Laurens as President of Congress (indicating that signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company shall be Land-Men…

GLC00038.02

circa December 10, 1778 - September 28, 1779

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Jay as President of the Continental Congress (indicating that the signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole Company…

GLC00038.03

circa September 28, 1779 - June 6, 1781

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Document signed

Title: Instructions to the commanders of private ships or vessels of war, which shall have commissions or letters of marque and reprisal, authorizing them to make captures of British vessels and cargoes.

Broadside with printed date of 3 April 1776. Signed by Huntington as President of the Continental Congress (indicating that the signature and printed date do not coincide). Contains eleven articles created by Congress authorizing private American ships to capture British vessels. Instructs American captains to bring captured goods, ships, and persons to court in the colonies following capture. Forbids torture of captured persons, demanding civilized conduct. Requires captains to transmit a written account of capture to Congress. Demands that one third, "at the least, of your whole…

GLC00038.04

May 20, 1813

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hancock Taylor

Expresses his disappointment that they have not yet taken offensive action against "some of the Indian Towns on the Wabash." Indicates that the rains had caused the delay. Discusses other news, including the appointment of Brigadier General Benjamin Howard to command in the Indiana Territory (and all the forces west of the Mississippi), General Green Clay's defeat at the siege of Fort Meigs, Commodore Isaac Chauncey and Brigadier-General Zebulon Pike's capture of York (the capital of upper Canada), and Pike's demise in an explosion. Notes that the Indians continue to steal horses, but no…

GLC00040

January 17, 1865

Header Record

Title: Collection of 3 documents related to the appointment of Robert E. Lee as commander in chief [Decimalized .01-.03]

GLC00041

February 24, 1865 - February 27, 1865

Ord, Edward Ortho Cresap, 1818-1883

Header Record

Title: Collection record for compatibility. [decimalized]

GLC00042

February 24, 1865

Ord, Edward Ortho Cresap, 1818-1883

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Longstreet

Requests a meeting to discuss the disposition of noncombatant traitors held captive by both forces.

GLC00042.01

February 27, 1865

Ord, Edward Ortho Cresap, 1818-1883

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Longstreet

Responds to a request for a meeting with Ulysses S. Grant. Explains that he must forward Longstreet's letter to General Grant.

GLC00042.02

1794-1879

Various

Header Record

Title: Collection of 25 documents relating to presidential pardons (collection #1). See decimalized entries. [Decimalized .01-.25]

GLC00043

May 19, 1800

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Pardon of George Rice for piracy].

Countersigned by Acting Secretary of State Charles Lee. Rice had been convicted of piracy aboard the ship Unicorn in Maryland in 1797. Pardoned by Adams because circumstances had shown that a pardon could be extended in a way that was consistent with the public good.

GLC00043.01