1862/03/01

Kelly, James R., fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Kelly

The regiment received marching orders. He believes they are going to Winchester. The weather is still cold.

GLC04197.21

[n.d.]

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: Telegram to: Major General E.O.C. Ord

Telegram regarding Ord trying to find time from his duties in Arkansas to go on leave and visit his family. "Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi " letterhead.

GLC08012.01

1865/07/09

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: To: Major General E.O.C. Ord

Letter to Ord discussing his post-war [Reconstruction] duties. "I hardly yet comprehend how much command I will have to exercise in times of Peace. In war I did not interfere in the least with Dept. Commanders save to call for the troops needed for just operations." "Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi " letterhead.

GLC08012.02

1865/11/22

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: To: Major General E.O.C. Ord

Letter to Ord discussing his post-war [Reconstruction] duties, the size and deployment of the post-war army: "Grant is fully aware of the tendencies of Bureaucracy and will on his ownquiet way work at the Solution. I think Congress will lean to him to say how many men he needs to compose the Regular army..." "Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri " letterhead.

GLC08012.03

1867/02/18

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: To: Major General E.O.C. Ord

Letter to Ord discussing his post-war [Reconstruction] duties, the size and deployment of the post-war army: "Grant is fully aware of the tendencies of Bureaucracy and will on his own quiet way work at the Solution. I think Congress will leave to him to say how many men he needs to compose the Regular army..." "Headquarters Military Division of the Missouri " letterhead. With note stating, "St. Louis Mo, Private Letters (3) from Genl. Sherman in Feby. and March 1867." This note could pertain to GLC08012.04-.07.

GLC08012.04

4 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses surprise that the Continental Army has no knowledge of British General William Howe's location. Thinks it's possible, but unlikely, Howe intends to sail for Boston. Comments on the Battle of Bennington and the performance of General John Stark: "Genl Starks Action I think view'g every circumstance stands first in the American War... before this the Enemy were Ravage'g, butcherg and Scalp'g all before them, not a prisoner fell in there Land but was Tomhawk't to Death- now all is quiet with them & we hear nothing of their Scalp'g & c." Relates that [Burgoyne] has possibly…

GLC02437.00647

18 September 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson declares, "...I am sure if we exert ourselves to the Southward & Northward as we ought to do that this Campaign will nearly bring the War to a Close, and establish our Independence." Reports he has heard news that Generals Horatio Gates, Benjamin Lincoln, and Benedict Arnold intend to attack British General John Burgoyne's army (near Saratoga, New York). Discusses growth of militia in the State of Massachusetts, noting "...its said there is the finest body of militia now in the field that wer [sic] ever known..." Mentions that some towns, being unable to raise enough voluntary…

GLC02437.00650

10 October 1777 - 17 September 1779

Manuscript document

Title: A copy of Three Acts of Congress in favor of Silas Talbot

Title from docket. Includes acts for 10 October 1777, 14 November 1778, and 17 September 1779. The first act promotes Talbot to Major for his attempt to set fire to a British ship "and that he be recommended to General Washington for employment agreeable to his Rank." The second act commends Talbot on his capture of the Pigot, a schooner, presenting Talbot with the Commission of Lieutenant Colonel. The third act, on the motion of [Henry] Laurens, commissions Talbot as Captain in the United States Navy.

GLC02437.00656

circa 27-29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Response to queries from Headquarters]

In the hand of Samuel Shaw. Knox expresses his opinion against a general attack on the British. Writes, "It requires the best discipline, the firmest spirit, and good officers, to storm works or to make an impression on British troops. Not that I suppose the Europeans will make better soldiers than the Americans, but that habitual discipline to which they are used and in which all their officers are initiated gives them a superiority over us, which nothing but a similar discipline or superior numbers can counterbalance." Discusses the division in Continental troops between northern (…

GLC02437.00660

26 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to George Washington

Penned by Samuel Shaw, with post-script in Knox's hand. Knox answers the question: "... whether it would be advisable to attack the enemies redoubts and the City of Philadelphia by way of storm ... " Knox writes, "I exceedingly lament my want of ability and experience to fill properly the important station in which I am, and am more particularly distressed when such important questions are referred to my decision as those which your Excellency gave us in charge the last evening. The happiness or misery of the People of America may be the consequences of a right or erroneous judgement."…

GLC02437.00667

27 November 1777

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Jackson writes, "Are you dead or alive- one post after another, and not a line from you-its a Mo since I saw your hand writi'g." Describes his attempts to enlist soldiers. Asks if George Washington would approve if he enlists British General John Burgoyne's men, who are marching through on their way to embark for England following the British defeat at Saratoga. Argues that since Burgoyne's men are neither prisoners nor deserters, he should be able to recruit them. Hopes to obtain a set of bayonet belts based on the English pattern. Reports he will not be able to make it to camp…

GLC02437.00668

December 1, 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

Offers his opinion as to "the position proper for Winter Quarters." Argues that winter quarters are "indispensably necessary" for Continental troops. Suggests that quarters be established at a distance from the British (who occupy Philadelphia). Writes, "Could a place be found about 30 miles distant from & North or NW of Philadelphia in which it was possible to quarter the troops I should prefer it to a greater distance, or different direction as by it we should be able to cover a greater extent of Country than by taking post at Wilmington ... " Hopes to establish winter quarters in…

GLC02437.00669

3 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Offers Washington his sentiments "upon the advisability of a Winter Campaign and practicability of an attack upon Philadelphia with the aid of a considerable body of Militia asembled [sic] at an appointed time and place ... I think a Winters Campaign under the present circumstances will be the inevitable destruction if not of the Liberties of the Country yet of the present Army ... " Gives his reasons for arguing against a winter campaign, including the Continental Army's lack of suitable clothing, the strength of the British fortified at Philadelphia, and the uncertainty of gathering enough…

GLC02437.00671

27 December 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Great Valley [Valley Forge]. Relates that he has not set out for Boston, Lucy's location, due to urgent public business. Writes, "I should most certainly see you this winter if within the compass of human possibility but it will most assuredly be much better for my own satisfaction that I should have the honor of doing public business ... " Notes that George Washington hopes to wait for the arrival of an unspecified committee, and Knox hopes to be able to leave after the committee meets. Has not seen his brother William for "some days," due to William's illness and fatigue…

GLC02437.00675

circa 27-29 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Draft of Knox's responses to questions regarding an attack on the British at Philadelphia]

"My sentiments are against a general attack of the enemy strongly posted as they are except upon the clearest principles of superior numbers to counterballance their superior discipline. I am fully of the opinion that we have no experience of our troops that will justify the supposition of their being able to storm redoubts defended by british troops..." Argues that the possible advantage gained by the Continental Army in taking Philadelphia will not equal the cost. Prepared for George Washington in response to his queries of 26 October 1777. See GLC02437.00660 for a draft in Shaw's hand.

GLC02437.00676

1863

Emerick, J. H., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: Wallet dairy.

10 almanac and preface pages + 120 diary pages + 30 memoranda and account pages. Entries include details of working life, war news. NB. No entries from June 22 - July 10. Emerick was ill during this period, with "symptoms of typhus." (Entry for July 11th). Summary of selected entries: 1. 02/27/63. "Hooker gone to Washington tonight." 2. 03/02/63. "Sent rep. To Phila. Inquirer tonight. Not much for news. The rebels are reported as doing some damage with our ram "Queen of the West." Large force of rebels reported in vicinity of Bull Run range." 3. 04/10/63. "Rebel Report of our attack…

GLC06738.03

1865

Emerick, J. H., fl. 1861-1865

Diary

Title: Pocket diary

14 prefatory and almanac pages + 170 diary pages + 32 memoranda and account pages. NB. Missing: pages for December 15 -31. No entries: August 28 - September 1; September 3 - 17; September 24 - October 13; October 16 - November 11; November 15 - December 14, excepting a sum on November 21st and the word "very" on December 13. Summary of selected entries 1. 01/05/65. Commander Melander and other officers of the Swedish navy arrive to visit the Army of the Potomac. 2. 01/27/65. General Grant goes south "to Savannah or Ft. Fisher or both." Also, message from Major E. re. O'Brien being…

GLC06738.05

1865 June

Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

Photograph

Title: Military Telegraph Operators in Richmond.

Negative by T.H.O. Sullivan; positive by Alex Gardner, 511 Seventh Street, Washington. 11 men grouped between pine trees in front of two tents. Seven of the men sit on chairs, while four stand behind them. A small dog occupies a director's stool at the left of the picture. The men have been identified as: (left to right) 1. Dennis Doren, Superintendent of construction. 2. L. D. McCandless. 3. Charles Bart. 4. Thomas Morrison. 5. James B. Norris. 6. James Caldwell. 7. A. Harper Caldwell, chief cipher operator. 8. Maynard A. Huyck. 9. Dennis Palmer. 10. J. H. Emerick. 11. James H. Nichols.

GLC06738.07

1858/05/17

Whittingham, William Rollinson, fl. 1858

Document signed

Title: Catholic confirmation certificate of John R. Meigs.

GLC07059.01

1860/01/21

Floyd, John Buchanan, 1806-1863

Document signed

Title: [Appointment belonging to Meigs]

Appointment of Meigs as a cadet.

GLC07059.04

circa December 18, 1860

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: his son.

GLC07059.07

1861/12/15

Cameron, Simon, 1799-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: John R. Meigs.

GLC07059.11

1862

Johnson, Fry, & Co., fl. 1825-1873

Engraving

Title: [Print of George Clinton]

Depicts General George Clinton standing next to a bayonet, cannon, and cannon balls. Another soldier stands in the background, with his back to Clinton. The backdrop appears to portray the Hudson River Valley. A printed notation states "From the original painting by Chappel in the possession of the publishers."

GLC01450.623.02

13 April 1783

Barry, John, 1745-1803

Autograph document signed

Title: [Certificate of discharge for Jonathan Mury]

Barry, Captain of the frigate Alliance, states that Mury served on board the ship 6 December 1781- 13 April 1783. Discharges Mury, stating that he is eligible for prize money. Contains several dockets.

GLC01450.655.01

1 September 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Reports that the British have landed at Head of Elk, Maryland (present day Elkton), twenty miles from Knox's location. Writes, "...we shall remain here a few days and if they will not come to us we shall go to them... it is suppos'd the enemy intend for Philadelphia if so they will meet with a stout opposition." Relates he is serving on a Court Martial. In closing, writes "my soul is intimately connected with yours."

GLC02437.00646