January 29, 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Apollos Morris

Politely refuses to forward a letter offering peace intermediation by Morris because British General William Howe still refuses to negotiate with Congress, "the only great representative Body of this Continent." With two drafts of Morris's reply, defending himself and explaining his intentions, on the verso and blank areas of the address leaf.

GLC03155

18 December 1857

Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

Broadsheet

Title: Campaign Democrat Extra. No. 2: On Kansas Affairs

Complete text of Douglas's report from the Committee on Territories to the United States Senate on December 18, 1857. With a new bill proposing specific guidelines for authorizing the Kansas territory to form a constitution to prepare for admittance to the Union. This report was evidence of Douglas's disapproval of the notorious pro-slavery Lecompton Constitution proposed for Kansas, which was endorsed by President James Buchanan. Douglas, hoping to save his Senate seat in the 1858 election, opposed the administration not because it sanctioned slavery in Kansas, but because it violated his…

GLC03167

29 June 1850

Shields, James, 1806-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Chathen

Shields writes as a U.S. Senator from Illinois to Chathen at Jacksonville, Illinois. Argues that Henry Clay opposes the extension of slavery and is no more a pro-slavery man than Thomas Hart Benton (both Clay and Benton were U.S. Senators). Also notes that Chathen has made the mistake of labeling compromise (the Compromise of 1850) as a pro-slavery measure. Argues that the Compromise is opposed violently by the south, and will be defeated by southerners, because they see it as an enactment of the Wilmot Proviso. Contains various pencil notes on verso, apparently unrelated to Shields's…

GLC03170

28 October 1789

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [No. LVII (October 28, 1789)]

Prints an editorial observing that "…however various the Sentiments respecting the Merits of this System, all good men are agreed in the necessity that exists, of an Efficient Federal Government." Also includes a letter from John Adams in Amsterdam, in which he argues that no state in the American confederation would voluntarily revolt, and intelligence from London and around the United States. Notes President George Washington's upcoming visit to Massachusetts and Boston. Includes an article on paying debts, an abstract from the journal of the first session of the Senate, a report on the…

GLC03173

30 September 1789

Fenno, John, 1751-1798

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [No. XLIX (September 30, 1789)]

Reports on the French Revolution and activities in the House of Representatives, including reference to the "fixing of the seat of government" and an editorial note that "this closes our account of the proceedings of the full session of Congress under the New Constitution…an object of prime consequence." Prints a letter of congratulations to George Washington on the progress of the new government, from the Pennsylvania General Assembly, who point out that their state was among the first to ratify the Constitution. Washington's reply is printed as well: "…the Union of these States is…

GLC03174.02

4 January 1939

Roosevelt, Franklin D. (Franklin Delano), 1882-1945

Typed document signed

Title: [State of the Union Message]

Signed at end, inscribed to Lillian Wald, and signed at top of first page. Speech to Congress warns of the impending war and mentions his worries that fascism and war might attack freedom of religion. "Storms from abroad directly challenge three institutions indispensable to Americans, now as always. The first is religion. It is the source of the other two -- democracy and international good faith." Stresses the need to prepare the nation. Marked "Confidential" and "Hold for Release" by Stephen Early, Secretary to the President.

GLC03181.01

14 June 1830

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Letter signed

Title: to Samuel Smith

Jackson thanks Smith for supporting his veto of the Maysville Road bill. Jackson says that while his veto may have opposed internal improvements, it was for the greater good of the Government. In a statement to Congress explaining his reasons for the veto Jackson argued that using federal money for a purely local project was wrong, no matter how desirable internal improvements were. Jackson also had a political motivation to veto the bill, since the road was set to be built in Kentucky, the home state of his chief rival Henry Clay.

GLC03188

February 2, 1868

Garfield, James A. (James Abram), 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Wallace J. Ford

Thanks him for his letter. Inquires after Hiram College and tells him to ask Mr. Mott of the Cleveland Herald to send the newspaper to him in Washington. "I shall make a speech on the currency and its relation to our hard times before long -- in which I shall commit myself fully & take a position on which I am willing to stand or fall. I have been studying the subject very closely, & have gone over the whole ground." Written on Fortieth Congress Stationery. Garfield, who had been president of Hiram College, favored the principle that all paper money issued by the government had to…

GLC03207

1801-1879

Harris, Edwin E., fl. 1850-1864

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Edwin E. Harris, field and staff, 8th battallion, Missouri, infantry][Decimalized .001-.228]

Letters primarily belonging to Edwin E. Harris dated 1801-1879. Consists of approximately 228 letters sent between Harris and his wife, Margaret Harris and other family members while serving in the 8th Battallion, Missouri Infantry. Contains personal and war correspondence sent to various recipients. War correspondence relates to Harris's service as a surgeon. Personal correspondence was primarily sent to his wife. Harris's writing closes in 1864 when news of his death is sent to his wife. Documents dated after his death are related to the process of receiving benefits. Also included in the…

GLC03135.10

18 May 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Continental Congressman Whipple to New Hampshire Continental Congressman Langdon. Whipple signed the Declaration of Independence, but Langdon resigned his position in Congress in June 1776 to become agent for Continental prizes and superintendent of the construction of several ships of war. Says Colonel Josiah Bartlett, another New Hampshire Congressman, arrived yesterday. Encloses a resolution Whipple claims Langdon will like (not included here). Speaks of "a Confederation permanent and lasting [that] ought in my opinion to be the next thing, & I hope not…

GLC03185

15 December 1777

Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Written by Laurens as President of Continental Congress to Brigadier General Whipple. Whipple was a Declaration of Independence signer. Says Congress is undertaking a full inquiry into the American defeat at Rhode Island under Major General Joseph Spencer. Says that Congress has appointed five commissioners, and that Whipple has been selected as one because of his "continued Zeal in the public service." For more information says to look at the enclosed certified copy of the Act of Congress from 12 December 1777 (the act is not included here). Written from York, Pennsylvania while the British…

GLC03187

16 October 1848

Calhoun, John C. (John Caldwell), 1782-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gilbert C. Rice

Calhoun, a U.S. Senator from South Carolina, writes to Rice at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Cannot furnish Rice with requested documents (a speech he delivered in Senate and a letter by "Hammond"). Argues that neither the Whigs nor the Democrats have dealt with the question of abolition appropriately: "I fear the abolition question has been permitted by the North to progress too far to be arrested. Neither party has met it as it ought to have been... The South begins to lose all confidence & must look to itself for protection..." Accompanied by two envelopes, both addressed to Rice, one…

GLC03193

29 November 1812

Tallmadge, Benjamin, 1754-1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

Comments on McHenry's retirement. Describes Baltimore as "almost ruined, as a place suitable for Gentlemen who loved [George] Washington & inbibed his sentiments." Comments on congressional activities, the failure of a bill proposed by congressman (and former Maryland governor) Robert Wright, the House's passage of a bill raising army pay and protecting soldiers with debt. Also mentions early defeats in the War of 1812: "Our Northern & Western Armies seem to be doomed to misfortune and Disgrace." McHenry was a former secretary of war. Tallmadge was then a Connecticut congressman.

GLC03342

12 April 1792

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Document signed

Title: An act to erect a light-house on Montok point in the state of New York

Signed by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Describes the steps to be taken before construction, such as the appointment of a caretaker and the appropriation of funds. Printed below the act are Speaker of the House Jonathan Trumbull's and Vice-President John Adams' names. Also printed is President Washington's name designating approval of the act on 12 April 1792. Enacted by Congress on 24 October 1791.

GLC03396

27 September 1782

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806

Letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Franklin

Informs Franklin that Congress has instructed him to try to borrow four million dollars from the French King, and discusses how Franklin might attain it. Says Congress wishes Franklin to assure the King that Americans once shared the "English Prejudice against all things french" but that "by degrees almost every Trace of it has been effaced." Worries the French may reply "the nation which will not help itself does not merit the Aid of others." Tells Franklin to remind them it would be foolish to invest so much in the colonies only to abandon them so close to being successful. Relates how…

GLC03333

06 March 1868

Fairchild, Lucius, 1831-1896

Document

Title: Joint resolution, no. 16.

Title continues, "Instructing our Senators and requesting our Representatives, to adhere to the policy of the loyal people of the Republic, as adopted by Congress." The Wisconsin legislature condemns Johnson for firing Edwin M. Stanton. Proclaims support of Stanton.

GLC03355

January 21,1805 - December 30, 1805

Russell, John, 1764-1831

Newspaper

Title: Boston gazette. [Vol. 17, no. 42 (Jan. 21, 1805) - v. 19, no. 35 (Dec. 30 1805)]

In addition to regular news items like reports from the American states, the Massachusetts legislature, the Congress of the United States, and foreign intelligence, the newspaper features articles on the nomination and re-election of Governor Caleb Strong, the trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase, the valedictory address of Aaron Burr who was not re-nominated for vice president, peace with Tripoli, the annual message of President Jefferson, and the death of Lord Nelson. Ninety three issues are bound in all. The following issues are missing: 14 March, 6 June, 13 June, 11 July, 26…

GLC03379

12 December 1833

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Welles discusses the appointment of District Attorney for the State of Connecticut. States that Asa Child's term has expired, and "Many of our friends are decidedly opposed to his re-appointment and there are, I believe, very few in his favor... I have very little confidence in him... It is... notorious that he has played a double game as a politician..." About the new appointment, states "I have long been dissatisfied with the policy of turning out one poor devil, to make a place for one that is no better." States that the District of Litchfield must elect a democrat to congress, and it…

GLC03390.02

January 13, 1845

Blair, Francis Preston, 1791-1876

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair Lee

Is glad to hear of his daughters good health and remarks "I have got to that age now that I begin to live in my children - and of all my children most in you." Notes that "Congress is in a wordy war about Texas" and indicates his expectation that annexation will pass in some form. There is also speculation about what shape President James Polk's cabinet will take. Blair thinks it will be entirely new. Also writes that "The Calhoun & Tylerites are busy in their conspiracies against the Globe but I think they will all fail." Addressed to Mrs. Philip Lee. With William B. Lewis free…

GLC03209.05

21 March 1857

King, Preston, 1806-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis Preston Blair

New York Senator King informs Blair, editor of the Washington, D.C. newspaper The Globe, that he could not withdraw a book Blair requested from the Library of Congress. States that he is unable to acquire the book in the United States and asks Blair if he should order a copy from England. Informs Blair that he gave family friend Mrs. Fremont a package for Miss Betty Blair, Francis' daughter.

GLC03209.11

8 March 1849

Yulee, David L., 1810-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis Preston Blair

Florida Senator Yulee thanks Blair for two bags of corn. Blair was a Republican Party organizer and a former editor of the Washington, D.C. newspaper, The Globe.

GLC03209.26

12 November 1833

Moore, Thomas Patrick, 1797-1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

In a fight for his congressional seat, says of his opponents, "If there is this side of Hell such a gang of low gamblers, depraved sots, and dirty fools as Lancaster furnishes, I have not seen that place." Asks Blair for help against Letcher, who wishes to take his seat.

GLC03209.14

29 December 1832

Rush, Richard, 1780-1859

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

Informs Blair that he has praised both him and his newspaper in a letter to Congressman Hiester of Pennsylvania, and has endorsed Blair for role of printer for congress. Has also enclosed a few paragraphs on nullification for Blair to publish, which are not in the letter. Blair would lose the vote to be public printer (see GLC03209.19).

GLC03209.18

August 29, 1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Reports that his son left the recipient's horse at Daggets instead of at Sanfords in Bristol, where William Ellery had promised to deliver it in his last letter as his part in the "Newport Expedition." Comments on General John Sullivan and the withdrawal of Charles, Count d'Estaing, from the siege of Newport. Tells him he has heard from Philadelphia that the French Ambassador has met with an audience of Congress. Asks for any news he can be given and indicates that he has heard New York is to be evacuated by the British. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William…

GLC03236

13 November 1777

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Warren

Written by Gerry as delegate from Massachusetts to the Continental Congress to Warren as a member of the Continental Navy Board. References Warren's letter of 23 October 1777, in which he found news of General John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga earlier that month. In that letter Warren expressed misgivings about the terms of surrender that General Horatio Gates gave to Burgoyne, known as the Articles of Convention. Gerry says he had the same misgivings, but says Gates was justified in giving generous terms because Sir Henry Clinton was making moves to reinforce Burgoyne. Says that they…

GLC03239