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[Promotion of Edward O.C. Ord to Major General of Volunteers]

Partially printed form from an engraving signed by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. With a docket signed by Adjutant General Lorenzo. Thomas indicating the commission was recorded on 3 May 1862 in "Volume 17...

GLC00792

to O. S. Rapp

Harding acknowledges how the "railroad situation" affects Rapp's business and indicates that he wants "the government policy to be one leading to the railway restoration" but admits a current discouraging outlook. Letter signed 18 days after his...

GLC00800

Extracts of letters written by the Secretary of War, to the Governor of Virginia, upon the defensive protection of the frontiers of that State

Contemporary clerical copy signed by chief clerk of the War Department, John Stagg, Jr. The letters concern protection of the Virginia frontier against Indians, emphasizing President Washington's view "that all parts of the union ought to be...

GLC00813

to Richard Varick

Letter discusses several wartime matters: George Washington's desire for Varick to build an unspecified fortification, a lack of intelligence from Nathanael Greene and the Marquis de Lafayette, and reports of "a partial action between the Marquis and...

GLC00816

to James Blood

Stevens, chairman of the National Democratic Executive Committee, garners support for the Democratic Party prior to the 1860 Presidential election. He informs Blood, a customs collector at Newburyport, Massachusetts, that the organizers of an...

GLC00817

[An act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States]

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Signed in type by Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House, John Langdon as President pro tempore of the Senate, and George Washington as President. Results of the second session of the...

GLC00818

to James Wilson

Colonel Gibson writes from the Headquarters of General Daniel Weisiger Adams's Brigade. He informs Wilson, Assistant Adjutant General of John Cabell Breckinridge's Division, of the details of the recent Battle of Chickamauga. He reports that Adams's...

GLC00821

to Thomas Overton Moore

Walker, Confederate Secretary of War, discusses the Civil War with Moore, Governor of Louisiana. He states "The War existing between this Government and that at Washington will, probably, be prolonged during the coming winter, and, in view of the...

GLC00831

to George Schley

Memminger, Secretary of the Confederate Treasury, discusses an attempt to raise funds for the Confederacy (refer to GLC00832.01) with Schley. He states that bonds in the form that Schley proposed cannot be issued, due to a recent act passed by the...

GLC00832.02

to E. W. Stoughton

Discusses the issue of presidential power to disregard district judges in the case of vacancy of the office, sickness, or disease of the district judge.

GLC00839

The Weekly junior register. [Vol. 1, no. 43 (October 16, 1862)]

Several articles and ads are in both English and French. Content includes "Late News" on the Battle of Corinth, Butler's order from occupied New Orleans, requiring all adults who have not taken the oath of allegiance to report to the nearest Provost...

GLC00846

Louisville daily courier. [No. 11 (October 25, 1861)]

Pro-South newspaper published by Green & Co., publishing and sale agents in Nashville, Tennessee. Edited by Robert McKee and Haldeman. Mention of imprisonment of P. Phillips Family in Washington and of American-British correspondence over...

GLC00847

Democratic Vistas

First edition inscribed to Matthew Brady, the Civil War photographer. In this essay, Whitman discusses the theory of democracy and its possibilities in America after the Civil War. He criticizes America for its unrestrained wealth, materialism, and...

GLC00865

[Selecting officers to expedite the U.S.S. Powhatan]

He "ordered by the President to select such officers as may be necessary to expedite the ship." Porter was initially supposed to take his ship, the steam frigate Powhatan, to South Carolina to reinforce Fort Sumter in case the Confederates chose to...

GLC00866

[Presidential commutation for Isaac Sorin, convicted of possession of stolen goods 3 February 1919 and sentenced to five years]

Isaac Sorin was convicted of possession of goods stolen from interstate shipments in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey and sentenced to five years in the State penitentiary in Baltimore, Maryland. Wilson commuted his sentence to expire 3 October...

GLC00868

[Pardon of John H. Craigmiles by Abraham Lincoln]

Tennessean rebel whose pardon was recommended by Andrew Johnson. Unusual Civil War pardon date for a rebel. (c/s Seward)

GLC00870

to Edwards Pierrepont

Stanton says he cannot help Edwards Pierrepont with collectorship. The letter also discusses lack of influence with President Johnson. Letter written on War Department stationery.

GLC00871

to Edwards Pierrepont

Letter discusses Grant's cabinet, and appointments & health. Stanton died the following year.

GLC00872

to Maj. John Dix

Letter written in pencil on mourning stationery. The letter discusses the dispatch from Grant, Kirby Smith, and Gen. Banks.

GLC00876

Jefferson, Thomas. Acts of the second Congress.

Four printed acts of the second Congress signed by Thomas Jefferson. Acts deal with defraying the expense of an Indian treaty in Ohio, paying a loan from the Bank of US, relief of Elijiah Bostwick, and additional compensation for public officers....

GLC00878

An act for the relief of Nathaniel Twining

Signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Congress relieves Twining due to his "failure in neglecting to transport the mail between Charleston and Savannah" from September 1787 through January 1788. Authorized by Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg...

GLC00879

[Document recognizing Alexis Robert as consul of the Pontifical States]

This document is signed by Andrew Johnson and countersigned by Seward. It gives the title of Consul to Alexis Robert, at New Orleans. Accompanied by a large white, paper seal.

GLC00893

to John Dalzell

Taft asks for Dalzell's support to reduce the tariff for the Philippines. He includes handwritten insertions. Letter written on War Department letterhead.

GLC00895

[Transmittal of commission of Assistant Adjutant General to Henry M. Cist]

Partially printed document signed by Kelton as Assistant Adjutant General. Transmits commission of Cist as Assistant Adjutant General, U. S. Volunteers. On War Department, Adjutant General's Office, stationary. Unrelated to .01.

GLC00898.02

Resolutions [raising 2700 militia for General Washington]

Signed on p. 1 by Avery as Secretary. Docketed "Ipswich" on left margin of p.1

GLC00906

to Winfield S. Hancock

Letter discusses politics and election fraud in New York State. Docketed. With engraved portrait of Johnston.

GLC00907

Carte de visite by Brady, signed on mount

Signed on the mount "A. Lincoln" This image is O-49.

GLC00919.01

Carte de visite of Ulysses S. Grant

GLC00919.02

Carte de visite by Charles D. Fredricks & Co.

GLC00919.06

to friends at home

Letter provides descriptions of Baltimore and Washington, D.C., and discusses army life. Letter written from "Camp Lesley, Near the Navy Yard," in Washington, D.C.

GLC00919.10

[Draft orders and instructions for building bridges]

Clerically written on "Headquarters Engineer Brigade" letterhead, near Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC00919.12

[Draft report on a failed bridge building assignment]

Clerically written on "Headquarters Engineer Brigade" letterhead, near Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC00919.13

Draft of battle report on an engineering operation

Battle report on an engineering operation. Letter clerically written near Falmouth, Virginia.

GLC00919.14

to Francis Blair

Letter clerically written to General Blair. Discusses the plan for seizure of Charleston, South Carolina, to be presented to Lincoln Camp at Rappahannock. Letter written from the Camp at Rappahannock, likely in Virginia.

GLC00919.15

to Joseph Totten

Letter clerically written from Washington, D.C. to General Totten, regarding a plan for rebuilding bridges.

GLC00919.16

[Print of camp of H. W. Benham's engineering brigade]

GLC00919.18

Brady carte de visite

GLC00919.20

to unknown

Recommendation of Elias W. Beach by Assistant Adjutant General Channing Clapp with a note and endorsement by General Benham.

GLC00919.22

[Richard O. Burke, carte de visite]

White mount. Imprint of Addis Gallery on verso, along Burke's ink inscription: "Truly your friend Richard O. Burke," and in a different hand, "Quarter Master 15th Regt. N.Y.V. Engineers, Engineer Brigade, Army of the Potomac." Half length seated...

GLC00919.24.11

[A. H. Rathbun, carte de visite]

White mount with gold border. Imprint of Brady on recto and verso. Signed in ink on verso by Rathbun. Three quarter length seated portrait in civilian dress.

GLC00919.24.21

[W. R. Smith, carte de visite]

White mount. Imprint of Bell & Brother on verso. Signed in ink on verso by Smith. Full length view in civilian dress standing next to a pedestal.

GLC00919.24.22

[carte de visite, front view of a chapel]

White mount with gold border and Gardner's imprint on verso. Published by Philip & Solomons, Washington, D.C. Front view of the chapel erected in the camp of the 50th Regiment, N.Y.V. Engineers near Petersburg, Va. Unions soldiers are visible...

GLC00919.24.47

[Circular regarding morning reports]

Written from Headquarters, Defences of Washington. Issued by command of Major General Nathaniel P. Banks.

GLC00919.25.03

to friends at home

"Hope Genl Meade will not let Lee get in possession of Fredericksburg again for I dont like that place. How about the draft... I have better times here than though I were at home. At least I have no manual labor to perform..."

GLC00919.25.19

to friends at home

"We came very near going to Fredericksburg again, and would have gone had the army not taken the position it [has]."

GLC00919.25.20

to his mother

Comments on money he previously sent home. Notes, "Regiments came into camp yesterday morning having marched from Rappahannock Station a distance of over 60 miles in less than two days..."

GLC00919.25.21

to George Churchman and Jacob Lindley

Letter written by Adams in the last months of his presidency to the Quaker abolitionists Churchman and Lindley. Adams wrote in response to a letter and pamphlet that the two abolitionists had sent him. The pamphlet was by Quaker abolitionist Warner...

GLC00921

to John Drurey

Attacks Jackson concerning the Bank of the US and compares him to Julius Caesar. The "despot" Jackson and "little Judas" Van Buren.

GLC00931

to Beverley Randolph

Secretary of State Jefferson writes to Randolph, a former Virginia Governor and a commissioner to the Indians of the northwest frontier, to request (with the blessing of President George Washington) that he represent the South at an "assembly of the...

GLC00936

[Presidential appointment of James Dunlop, William O'Neale, and Thomas Carbery as inspectors of the District of Columbia penitentiary]

Countersigned by Secretary of State Louis McLane. With two engraved portraits of Andrew Jackson. One bust engraving of Jackson included as collateral.

GLC00937

to William H. Seward

Letter is on Executive Mansion stationery, and discusses news of the Siege of Knoxville. Four days after the address at Gettysburg.

GLC00940

[Presidential pardon of Bay-bah-Maush who had been convicted of resisting arrest in October 1898 and sentenced to 8 months in Otter Tail County Jail]

Bay-bah-Maush, an Indian, was pardoned by McKinley. No reason for pardon mentioned. Countersigned by Attorney General John W. Griggs.

GLC00943

to William Stephens Smith

Letter in hand of aide-de-camp Benjamin Walker, and written to Smith, the Commissary of Prisoners to the Army. References Smith's letter from December 12, 1782. Thanks him for intelligence it contains. Disagrees with Smith's assessment on Dobbs Ferry...

GLC00949

to Lester D. Gardner

Letter signed as Brigadier General, Air Service, Assistant Chief of Air Service. Advises that he will come to New York as soon as possible but that he has to have his tonsils out. He remarks that the Air Force "has almost ceased to exist ... " and...

GLC00950

[Endorsement on a letter by Governor Pierpont]

Lincoln endorsement on the address leaf of a letter to Lincoln, from Francis H. Pierpont dated 23 November 1864. In the letter, Pierpont states he would be relieved if Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant had a meeting. Lincoln replies, "My time is...

GLC00951

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of C.A. Hayne].

GLC00956

[Robert E. Lee and staff]

Photographed on Lee's back porch in Richmond, shortly after his surrender at Appomattox, Virginia. Depicts General Robert E. Lee with his son, Brigadier General George Washington Custis Lee, and Colonel Walter H. Taylor, Lee's aide-de-camp during the...

GLC00957

to James Bridge

Adams chronicles a trip to New York to visit the first United States Congress. Adams describes his interactions with a man named Atkins and another named Mr. Mayer in Newport. He also describes various passengers on the ship he took to New York. In...

GLC00958.05

to James Bridge

Adams apologizes for delay in notifying Bridge that President Washington has appointed Adams minister to the Netherlands. Adams will not be able to attend to business Bridge had given him. Adams left much of his unfinished business to a former...

GLC00958.10

to James Bridge

Adams wishes to become reacquainted with his old friend from Harvard. Adams provides an outline of his history abroad since he last wrote Bridge in September 1794. He discusses travel to Holland, England, and Prussia, while serving the Unites States...

GLC00958.11

to Elias Shipman & others

An important letter responding to their protest about the dismissal of Elizur Goodrich in favor of Samuel Bishop. Goodrich was a "midnight" appointee of Adams, two weeks before leaving office. An important letter defending the care with which he...

GLC00964

to David B. Campbell

Lincoln replies to Illinois Attorney General Campbell and discusses his unpopular stand on the Mexican War. Mentions a speech on internal improvements and another in support of Zachary Taylor that would constitute the close of his Congressional...

GLC00965

to Simon Cameron

Lincoln writes to Secretary of War Cameron to express his desire to accept a fifth regiment from Michigan. He is referring to the 16th Michigan Volunteers, under Colonel T.B.W. Stockton. Lincoln seeks Cameron's approval of this action.

GLC00966

to John Polson

Washington replies to a letter from Polson delivered by Captain Samuel Milford, stating that he did not receive a letter Polson claimed to have sent. He reports that all information regarding Polson's land on the Great Kanawha River is communicated...

GLC00967

to John Quincy Adams

Letter written by Monroe as President to an unnamed recipient. The recipient is likely John Quincy Adams, however; this is inferred based on the content and on information in John Quincy Adams diary, discussing his meeting with Monroe on this topic...

GLC00969

[Draft letter]

Discusses appointing a governor to Havana, Cuba. Written in pencil on Executive Mansion letterhead. Some words have been retouched by another hand.

GLC00970

Draft letter to King Albert of Belgium

Letter discusses American aid to Belgium during World War I and their common fight for freedom. Letter written on White House stationery. Date from GLC00971.02.

GLC00971.01

to Harvey D. Gibson

Wilson informs Gibson that he has selected him to serve on the National War Finance Committee. Indicates that the Red Cross was about to "appeal to the American people for additional funds to carry on its work" during World War I. Letter written on...

GLC00972

Invitation for the President of the National Agricultural Convention

McCormick, inventor of the reaping machine, invites the President of the National Agriculture Convention to attend a demonstration of the machine. He indicates that the convention is assembled in Washington, D.C. Includes an initialed postscript...

GLC00974

to William B. Rochester

Written as President of the Bank of the United States to William B. Rochester, who intended to establish a new branch of the bank in Buffalo, NY. Letter mentions "the late revolution at Washington" (i.e., Jackson's election).

GLC00976.019

An Act repealing, after the last Day of June next, the duties heretofore laid upon distilled spirits imported from abroad, and laying others in their stead; and also upon spirits Distilled in the United States, and for appropriating the fame.

This document explicates the taxes to be imposed on spirits within the United States. These excise taxes sparked the Whiskey Rebellion. Approved specifically by George Washington, as President, John Adams, as Vice President, and Frederick Augustus...

GLC00980

to Governor Clinton

Seeking advice on various appointments from the Governor. In part: "To you I need not make the observation that of all the duties imposed on the Executive head of a government, appointment to office is the most difficult & most irksome..." He goes on...

GLC00986

to his Holiness, Pope Pius IX

Letter of credence for Rufus King as U.S. Minister to Papal States.

GLC01000

to Albert S. Pratt

Letter written from Head Quarters, 10th Army Corps. "... we hear no news except that the rebs are up around Baltimore an Washington..." Letter written at the Bermuda Hundred.

GLC01003.03.03

Collection of two items related to Abraham Lincoln and Lazarus Whitehead Powell [Decimalized]

GLC01011

Pass to allow four orphaned children to go to their Kentucky relation

Lincoln allows three sisters and one brother, Sallie, Juliana, Eliza, and Dabney Overton to pass through the federal lines and go to their relative Grant Green in Henderson, Kentucky. Endorsement written diagonally over the pass states "Rec'd Vienna...

GLC01011.01

to Sallie A. Overton

Encloses a pass from President Abraham Lincoln allowing Sallie and her three orphaned siblings to pass the federal lines and go to a relative in Kentucky (see GLC01011.01). States that the pass was requested by Sallie's mother-in-law, Mrs. Grant...

GLC01011.02

[Petition for promoting Colonel Andrew Wood Denison].

Lincoln submitted this petition to Secretary of War Stanton. Fifteen prominent men from Maryland signed the petition asking that Colonel Denison be promoted to Brigadier General of Volunteers. The petition recounts Denison's service to the Union...

GLC01012

General orders no. 139.

Preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation published for the Army War Department printing, removed from a compilation of general orders. Noted on pages 117-120 are the orders that all people enslaved in the south will be freed. Beginning on...

GLC01024

to Amos Kendall

Jackson writes to the former Postmaster General, also Jackson's close friend and biographer. Jackson relates how he learned that nullifiers secretly sent an agent to Great Britain for aid during the Nullification Crisis of 1832. "... the nullifiers...

GLC01025

to John D. Godman

Letter discusses the upcoming presidential election. Speculates on the contest between himself, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and William H. Crawford. Thinks it certain that the election will be decided in the House of Representatives (it was)...

GLC01028

to Mary Wood

He writes to his sister about his activities in Canada at Fort George and elsewhere in the northern campaign during the War of 1812. Also discusses the heroism of their brother, Eleazor D. Wood, at Fort Meigs, as recounted by General William Henry...

GLC01043.02

to Eleazor D. Wood

Transmits a brevet commission to the position of lieutenant colonel for Wood's service in the Battle of Lundy's Lane near Niagara Falls on July 25, 1814. One black and white bust engraving of John Armstrong included.

GLC01043.05

to nearest relatives of Eleazor D. Wood

Circular letter from the Adjutant General's Office signed by Jones as aide-de-camp. Requests a copy of the brevet commissions conferred by President Madison during the War of 1812. Wood had been brevetted lieutenant colonel on August 19, 1814 (see...

GLC01043.06

[Appointment of Eleazor D. Wood to major in the corps of engineers]

Madison signed as President and countersigned by John Armstrong as Secretary of War. The commission was a brevet for Battle of Lundy's lane near Niagara Falls.

GLC01043.07

to Capt. Nathan George Evans

The letter is concerning news and military assignments of friends. Also mentions Mormons uprising and a gang of 30 outlaws. Date of letter is 1857, not 1837.

GLC01053

Manuscript draft: [Sixth annual address to Congress]

Washington asserts the constitutional authority of the federal government during the Whiskey Rebellion. Written by GW's secretary Bartholomew Danbridge, on Washington's personal stationery, extensively corrected by Washington and signed by him at the...

GLC01054

to Fanny Bassett Washington

Letter discusses Fanny's children's health and schooling, and a possible suitor named Tobias Lear, who was Washington's secretary. In regard to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania, she notes that "The insurgents in the back country has carr...

GLC01055

to Thomas W. Sweeny

Mary Todd Lincoln writes that she and Taddie (Thomas Lincoln) are going to carry some flowers to the sick soldiers and asks that if he is free, will he accompany them. She remarks that Taddie is appropriating Colonel Sweeny for a horseback ride to...

GLC01056

The Deposition of John Posey, re: parcel of spoiled herring

Document signed by Washington in the text and at the end as Justice of the Peace, with a nine line docket in his hand. Concerning a parcel of spoiled herrings.

GLC01058

The Life of George Washington, Commander in Chief of the American forces, during the war which established the independence of his country . . .

Title continues, ". . .and first president of the United States, complied under the inspection of the Honourable Bushrod Washington, from original papers bequeathed to him by his deceased relative." Inscribed by Marshall to Major Henry Lee, "For...

GLC01066

to Thomas Law

Robert Fulton, writing to economist Thomas Law, discusses steamboats, Benjamin Latrobe, and a "western Canal," and attacks John Armstrong for his criticism of Joel Barlow, Fulton, the Smiths, the Clintons, and Fulwar Skipwith. With integral address...

GLC01067

to John MacKay

Written to his friend "Jack," in a lighthearted and comfortable manner. Lee arrived in Fort Monroe as an engineer in 1831 to improve works and build Fort Calhoun. Many of Lee and MacKay's mutual friends were there and Lee updates MacKay on their...

GLC01070

A Journal of a Scout from Crown Point to St. John's Chamblee by Lieut Benjamin Whitcomb and four men

Clerical copy of a report of Whitcomb's spying mission in Canada 14-27 July 1776. Details their progress, the weather, attempts to get prisoners, and sightings of British troops moving supplies, etc. Notes that Whitcomb fired on a British officer...

GLC01072

[Muster roll of Potomac Company]

Signed by Richardson Stuart, authorizing payment of those on the muster list. Also signed by John Fitzgerald, Washington's former aide-de-camp, and by Colonel George Gilpin. Lists the names of workers in the Potomac Company, founded by George...

GLC01083

to Don Pedro Diez Canseco

Countersigned by Secretary of State Seward. Letter of condolence to Vice President of Peru Canseco upon the death of the President of Peru Don Miguel San Roman. Canseco succeeded Roman, was shortly overthrown, and eventually regained power through a...

GLC01085

to Stilson Hutchins, Esq.

Sherman inquires if he is correct in believing that an article entitled "Afraid of the Facts" has been "inspired by the officers of Ordnance, Who regard Washington's Arsenal as their individual property - instead of the property of the U.S." Sherman...

GLC01086

to Stilson Hutchins

Sherman writes a combative letter to the editor of the Washington Post justifying the service record of his staff officers against the charges in an article by a "City Editor." He states, "There is not an officer on my personal staff, who has not...

GLC01087

to Solomon Haven

Fillmore writes as a U.S. Representative to Haven, serving as lawyer in Buffalo, New York. He complains of the cold, writing "People here know nothing of comfort in cold weather. Their houses are all built for a southern summer, but by some mistake...

GLC01088

to Aaron Jeffery

Expressing strong sympathies to Aaron for the death of Aaron's mother, Anne Woodlief Jeffery.

GLC01896.046