6 September 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Minutes of a conversation]

Minutes of a conversation between Knox and two "Commissionaires of his Catholic Majesty" from Spain, José Ignacio de Viar and José de Jáudenes y Nebot. Discusses relations between Spain and the United States as well as those with the Indians. Mentions a gentleman named Bowles being jailed in Cadiz and what the likelihood of him being sentenced to death is. Also mentions a new Spanish character (who is a Frenchman by birth), and the Spanish's take on the recent Creek treaty signed at New York. Discusses a letter that [Thomas Jefferson] had written to the gentlemen. Notes some of the…

GLC02437.05601

25 April 1863

Magie, James K., fl. 1862-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Magie

Written from camp near Franklin. Has not received a letter in over a week. Next Tuesday [28 April 1863], a man from the 125th Ohio will be shot for "desertion, stealing and using threatening language" (see GLC05241.43). In Franklin, Tennessee, six more rebel families were ordered outside the Union lines. Also describes a military funeral for a cavalry lieutenant. Mentions a rumor that Generals [Braxton] Bragg and [Earl] Van Dorn will attack. McCandles is doing well.

GLC05241.40

28 April 1863

Magie, James K., fl. 1862-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Magie

Written from camp near Franklin. The cavalry captured 136 Confederate prisoners. Mentions widespread sickness in camp. He shipped out a box and plans to send more money. Writes, "That man Jones was not shot yesterday. He was, by order of the president, sentenced to the Penitentiary during the war" (refer to GLC05241.40).

GLC05241.43

4 July 1863

Harper & Brothers, 1833-1962

Newspaper clipping

Title: Harper's weekly a journal of civilization [Vol. 7, no. 340 (July 4, 1863)] [incomplete]

Consists of the top half of the front page of Harpers, volume 7, number 340. Lead article expresses thanks to James K. Magie for supplying a sketch of the execution of two Confederate spies, Williams and Peters (sketch not included). Includes an accout of the incident from a letter written by the surgeon of the 85th Indiana regiment.

GLC05241.49

26 March 1863

Magie, James K., fl. 1862-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Magie

"No 2." Encourages Charley to return to the army, because after the first of April all deserters will be shot or will suffer severe punishment. Gives instructions so that Charley will reach the camp without getting in trouble. Describes skirmishing with Confederates who destroyed the telegraph lines and a railroad bridge.

GLC05241.25

1 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Chastises William for not writing more. Discusses the recent Tory plot to either capture or assassinate George Washington and the subsequent hanging of a member of the General's Guard named John Rickey, a misidentification of Thomas Hickey, the only person hanged for the conspiracy. Discusses General William Howe's position at Sandy Hook with 130 ships and his ability to strike the city in about three hours. They are expecting an attack any time and Henry speculates that if Howe "comes up like a man and brings his ships too before our Batteries, there must be the finest sight...that ever was…

GLC02437.00356

19 November 1864

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Isonomia, no. II

No. I and II cover the record of the blockade ship Isonomia from the beginning of its service off Wilmington SC in August 1864 to 25 December 1864 when Simpson released command of the vessel. Calf covers. [24 November] "…a seaman by the name of Wallace must have left the ship with the intention of deserting by swimming to one of the Keys. His pants and shoes were found n deck, and he had sold a lot of mess stores, that he had purchased from the "Union," a few days ago. Searched for him today, but could find no trace of him. Sent a boat to search sponging sloop in the neighborhood, but…

GLC05911.06.02

08 May 1876

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Mikell

An attempt by a confederate colonel to deliver a letter to Abraham Lincoln, which was not answered but "probably prevented the execution of the captives."

GLC08043

1861

Gottshall, Samuel G., 1841-1902

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel G. Gottshall]

An unbound manuscript signed. Entries run from 11 July to 31 December. Throughout the diary, Gottshall describes his march through Baltimore, Maryland, his arrival in Washington D.C. following the Second Bull Run, soldiering, camp life, and describes the battle at Drainsville, Virginia. Gottshall tells of several accidental shootings including a discharge of a soldier's gun that was thought to be from a rebel soldier, and of another Union soldier accidently blowing his arm off. Writes on 1 September 1864 of General Benjamin Butler taking two forts near North Carolina. States, General…

GLC04564.01

26 March 1786

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox as Secretary of the War Office to discuss the accusations against Major [John Plasgrave] Wyllys, Colonel Wadsworth's former assistant. Reports that Wyllys's friends received the news from Wyllys's brother-in-law, and are in great distress. Writes, "I hope the circumstances will prove more favorable than they did at first." Is surprised that Wyllys behaved this way, as it is out of character. Knows that Knox, when he begins an inquiry, will do so out of the noblest principles.

GLC02437.03253

4 March 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Thoughts on court martial and the duty of judge advocate]

Written in the hand of, and signed for Knox, by Samuel Shaw. Docketed by Knox. Major General Knox's guidelines and procedures on how a court martial ought to be conducted. Wants to allow challenges to members of the court without any given reason; is against general charges when they should be particular; those on trial can put their own testimony in writing subject to cross examination; no written testimony taken outside of court should be admitted against a person in a trial of life or death; ex parte evidence taken out of court not to be admitted; suggestive interrogations ought not to…

GLC02437.01979

1865

Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

Photograph

Title: [Reporters outside courthouse where Capt. Wirz was tried]

Group of men (probably reporters, as evidenced by their pads of paper and pens) most likely gathered outside the courthouse where Capt. Wirz was tried. With various inscriptions on verso.

GLC06999.32

1865

Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

Photograph

Title: [Gallows in Washington D.C.]

View of the gallows just after the drop of Capt. Wirz; with rotunda of the Capitol visible in background. Several people in the background are seen high in the trees trying to get a view of the hanging. With various graphite inscriptions on verso and accompanying envelope.

GLC06999.33

1865

Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882

Photograph

Title: Execution of Wirtz of Andersonville

View of the gallows as the noose is placed around Capt. Wirz's neck. Union soldiers with bayonets surround the platform. With graphite inscriptions on verso.

GLC06999.34

8 January 1822

Holmes, Abraham, 1754-1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Discusses the bankruptcy law being considered by Congress. States that his opinion is at odds with Hobart's. Holmes contends that it was a "universal understanding of the people at the time of the ratifying of the Constitution" that a clause authorized the passage of a debtors relief law, but that such a law might "destroy every principle of Justice and equity," it would "destroy every idea that we have of Natural, Civil or political Justice." Comments on problems with the petition for a "new post road." Discusses three capital trials (one for a prison murder and two for highway…

GLC06313.04.132

12 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that he will be home the following week if he is still feeling ill. He tells her to ask Uncle Jack to tell Tom Rixey that the ad failed to reach either the Whig or the Enquirer. He mentions not being able to find a soldier to serve as his replacement. He describes the weather as "hot, damp, and sultry." He says he saw Jacque Wood at Gordonsville. When asked what he was doing there, Wood responded that he was a Yankee prisoner and expected to be hung. He heard that Williams and Browning took oaths to support the Yankee Government. He writes that the Confederates have occupied Maryland…

GLC06582.38

13 September 1863

Brunt, William, fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Martha Weir

Writes to Martha about hurting his hand by accidentally falling down six weeks prior to writing -- "it is still swelled some & quite weak." Discusses health of family members and friends; mentions the birth of a grandson. Writes that the mail service has been irregular because low river water prevents easy water travel. Brunt's camp has been "scouting after the Guerillas," recently capturing two guerrilla soldiers who "were pritty saucy at first." The guerrilla soldiers are being held hostage in retaliation for the capture of two Union soldiers. Tells a detailed story of a deserter…

GLC07006.03

January 18, 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Tells of his upcoming trial and predicts that he will "receive a free pass to the Spirit world." Mentions receiving many presents and aid, including from Mrs. Spring and Miss Watkins. Expresses his desire to tell her more on his views of religion. Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.10

February 23, 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Ponders his sentence and the prospect of death. Hopes for mercy so that he may continue to live, but is doubtful and accepts death calmly. Discusses spiritualism. Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.12

13 March 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Bids his brother farewell, with knowledge of his upcoming death. Encourages Henry to explore spiritiualism and to live rightly: "as you love yourself as you love man as you love woman, as you love god, work with your head heart and hands for the happiness of yourself and all the world." Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.13

February 7, 1864

Wright, Augustus Romaldus, 1813-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miller A. Wright

Writes from Alabama. "[G]reat scarcity in the land…we are where we hear nothing & know nothing. I have tried to keep as unobserved as possible…It now takes $100 to buy a bunch of thread…Charlie has been made clerk of Wheeler's ordnance he writes it is "bomb proof place: and for the first time he cries with the wiley fire eaters hurra for the war…The desertions from the army are awful I don't see how they keep an army together at all. It is strange our leaders don't see the hand writing on the wall & make peace on the best terms they can get…Scouts still threaten occasionally to kill…

GLC02691.11.054

7 October 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

Received their letter yesterday. Still at the guard house but thinks he will be released soon. Is punished "by carrying a log." The lieutenant colonel was too busy "attending to his own private pleasures" to attend a court martial, so the colonel took it upon himself to give them some sort of punishment. It was a "splendid sight for the New Yorkers." Managed to carry a small stick. William Bridge arrived at the guard house two nights ago. He deserted and reenlisted to receive the $300 bonus as a substitute, but was recognized by members of his regiment. Thinks that "cutthroats" like him…

GLC09355.022

29 October 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

Received two letters from them, one on the 20th and one on the 23rd. Has been on the march ever since he was at Centerville, so he has not had time to write. Marched 15 miles to Gainesville and then to New Baltimore. Later received orders to march to 5 miles to Warrenton that night. Since arriving, "we have laid out no less than 5 camps and moved again from one to the other." Town center is "in plain sight from our camp." There are 50,000 troops in the area. Does not know where the Confederate troops are. On account of the damage Lee's army did to the railroad during the Gettysburg Campaign…

GLC09355.025

11 March 1945

Weiner, Morris "Moe", 1909-1988

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvia Weiner

Moe reports that the battle for the bridgehead over the Rhine has begun. He also corrects her usage of the word "assail" in her last letter, and agrees that it is sad about Mildred's kid brother who is "missing in action."

GLC09414.1349

September 24, 1865

Jackson, Edwin, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Jackson

Writing from home, he rejoices about having been part of crushing the rebellion in the South. He talks about how happy his father was to see him home again. He mentions that he was in the last battle in Blakely, Alabama, with his trusty Springfield rifle, and writes about how Copperheads should dig holes and lay down in them. He talks about the triumph of free government and says that the country should be grateful and repentant to God and try to do better; he then states that Jefferson Davis should be shot. He describes his life now: he busy helping Henry with the crops, and praises his new…

GLC00203.18