February 5, 1762

Manuscript document

Title: [Legal document transferring a slave woman's ownership]

Legal document from Nausau Island, New York, conveying a "Negro woman called…Candes thirty odd years of age" to Joseph Coles for 65 pounds, from Thomas Smith and John Butler, executors of the estate of Richard Butler.

GLC09345.01

2 January 1860

Broadside

Title: Carrier's Address To the Patrons of the Boonsboro Odd Fellow.

"Carrier's Address To the Patrons of the Boonsboro Odd Fellow." Maryland pro-slavery broadside with two columns of text in verse, dealing with the political troubles of the day, including a section ridiculing abolitionist John Brown, who had been executed after his raid on Harper's Ferry, Virginia.

GLC09346

1867-1869

Thompson, Samuel K., fl. 1867-1869

Diary

Title: [Diary of Samuel K. Thompson]

Officer diary of a Civil War veteran who had served as lieutenant in the 54th U.S. Colored Infantry during the war. The three diaries were written during service in one of four "buffalo soldier" regiments created after the war, comprising African-American volunteers and white commissioned officers, to occupy the South during Reconstruction and to man frontier forts on the Plains. Each diary includes additional notes and small newspaper clippings and a copy of his will (written April 1867). They provide great insight into the early history of one of the most celebrated "colored" regiments of…

GLC09357

1863-1870

Barwood, James, fl. 1863-1870

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Barwood James]

Three letters, two of war date, from a British-born American seaman. One written during the siege of Charleston, South Carolina, in 1863. He offers fine detail on life aboard Civil War naval vessels, as well as the conflicted attitudes of many northern seamen and soldiers on war aims and race relations. He was skeptical about abolition, as seen in the question he raises with his friend, "Are we wronging 10,000,000 whites to right 4,000,000 Blacks who will never benefit by the righting?"

GLC09358

1850-1851

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Journal of the U.S.S. Portsmouth of the African Squadron, U.S. Navy]

Journal of the U.S.S. Portsmouth of the African Squadron, U.S. Navy, organized to protect legitimate American trading activity in western Africa, as well as to suppress "the Slave trade, so far as the Citizens of Flag of the U.S. may be found engaged therein." Includes a letter to the commander of the U.S.S. Dale, sending a copy of the treaty with Britain that authorized the anti-slave trade patrols, and the following order: "Should you meet any of the British Cruisers engaged in the suppression of the Slave trade, you are to communicate freely with them on this service, and whenever it can…

GLC09362

1 June 1782-1789

Lawrence, John, 1719-1802

Printed document signed

Title: [Pay warrant for African American soldier]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War pay warrant issued to African American soldier Nero Cross, for five pounds, eight shillings, and five pence. Signed by John Lawrence, treasurer of the State, "X" on verso by Cross, and docketed every year to 1789 when interest was paid.

GLC09364

4 November 1863

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Vermilion Bayou to a friend. Describes reading Mary's letters on the march, and the expansive plantation of a Rebel General "Moota" (perhaps General Alfred Mouton), commenting "you can imagine how things will look here in a day or two, not a fence will be left, nor hardly a building will be left to mark the spot..." Continues, empathizing with th Confederates--"I cannot blame them Rebels for holding out and fighting to the last extremity when I see such destruction taking place and I can imagine how I shall feel if my home should be stripped of everything." Describes the guerrilla…

GLC02165.15

22 May 1864

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written from "Lakeport, La." to a friend. Talks of the visit of the wife of his friend, William Hoyt, whom he will be sad to see leave as he enjoys having a "respectable female friend to chat with." Talks of how he wants to leave the army--"what a happy man I should be if I was permitted to live, to get out of this service, to know and feel that I am free, that I need not go to a place without I felt like it. But I am glad that I can say and feel that... I am in the hands of a just God that doeth all things well, we[re] it not for this faith I should feel miserable enough. Pray for me my dear…

GLC02165.17

19 April 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that there has been heavy skirmishing and fighting is expected every hour (possibly referring to the First Battle of Corinth or the Siege of Corinth). He is getting tired of the war and hopes to get a furlough. Asks his sister and family's opinion of the conscription law. Informs his sister that their father has bought him and [his brothers] a negro but has not sent him up yet. Asks that his sister and Rose, his other sister, write longer and more frequent letters. Begs his sister to get daguerrotypes of her and Rose done and sent to him. Asks to be updated on news and…

GLC02232.05

27 May 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that they will be moving from Corinth soon, as the enemy is too close to the Tennessee River and Beauregard doesn't have room for strategic operations in Corinth. He complains of skirmishing with enemy pickets and being in the cold rain without any blankets, food, or sleep. Writes that every time the men go out on picket, they say goodbye to their friends. Reports that he expected to be promoted but still remains a non-commissioned officer. He fears that communication with his family in Memphis and Port Gibson will soon be cut off and would like photographs of his sisters. He…

GLC02232.06

14 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

He writes that they are encamped on the Mobile and Ohio railroad. Expresses his hatred for the war and writes "if ever I get into another I want somebody to have me put in the lunatic asylum". Writes that he often wishes he were a negro with a good master, as the soldiers are kept hungry and are only given small portions of fresh beef and biscuits. Hopes to get appointed officer soon just so that he can get something to eat. He writes that Sam (his brother Sam Marshall Ward, also in company A) has been detailed to work in the hospital. He has not seen Clarence ( a brother or family…

GLC02232.07

18 June 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he is unwell. Reports on some of the news at camp and home. His brother Sam, also known as "Marshall," is still detained in the hospital. Reports that it is likely that the men will be moving soon and has been assured by the officers that they will not move further South. Also reports that Samuel Lapsley of Company A is dead. Comments that he is going to quit his foolishness and find some nice pretty, smart, and rich girl that will marry him. Comments on how he's lost his good looks stating that he looks as "black as a negro." Writes that there is a good supply of turkey…

GLC02232.08

11 July 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that some letters he sent to his father were confiscated and later returned to him by General Grant. He laments that General Clarke has been reassigned and writes that "there was never a general so beloved by his troops." Explains that his company has every Saturday to clean up camp, and do the wash and other chores "like negroes" do. He jokingly admits that the men are better at playing poker on Saturdays. Ward is anxious to see girls again and is still resolved to marry. Discusses his feelings on women and marrying and warns his sister to never be "green enough" to let someone…

GLC02232.09

17 December 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that he has been on furlough for two months. The 4th and 5th Tennessee regiments have been consolidated and he is hopeful that he will be decommissioned as a result. He's sorry to learn that Mrs. Champlin and her daughters, are abolitionists and is particularly concerned about Miss Ettie Champlin's abolitionist inclinations. Regarding Miss Ettie, he writes: "and there goes one of my Memphis sweethearts for I can't marry a yankee girl." Mentions a girl he's met in Murfreesboro by the name of Midora Henson who meets his "pretty, smart, and rich" critera. His health has improved and…

GLC02232.10

23 December 1862

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Writes that spending Christmas away from home will be difficult for him and he will miss his family. Discusses his celebration plans for the holidays. Explains that despite being away from home, he is able to visit his lady friends. Reports on news of various men that serve with Ward including Charly Locke whom he believes was been taken prisoner. Describes an incident where a shot hit his canteen and he mistook the water running down his leg for blood. When he determined he was not injured, he continued until shortly after, he was shot in the foot. Asks his sister to remember him to…

GLC02232.11

5 May 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Advises his sister that in order to keep a sweetheart she should give him a daguerreotype and not a photograph of herself. Writes that his "sweetheart," Miss Melinda, has replaced him for another fellow. He discusses how many of the soldiers get positions (promotions) just talking their way up. Asks his sister to give his love to all the girls and writes that he will marry any that will take him, assuring them that he is still good looking and not "as some contraband, or American gentleman of African descent." There is missing text due to holes in the paper. The letter is very fragile.

GLC02232.17

29 December 1862

Detterline, Hiram, fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Reeser

Writes to Reeser wishing him well. States they will be heading to Richmond, Virginia. Comments on the boys being in good health and ready to fight the Confederates. Mentions hearing General Ambrose E. Burnside being defeated along the Potomac. Remarks on being in the Union army for sixteen months and being sick half of the time and wanting to take his ranks in the 97th regiment. Describes spending Christmas target shooting, having a foot race, wheelbarrow match, jig dancing, and tying "nigros" hands behind their back and having them search for a coin with their mouth out of a cornmeal-…

GLC03523.43.05

14 December 1839

Warley, Jacob, fl. 1839

Manuscript document

Title: "In Senate...committee on Federal Relations...in relation to an alleged violation, on the part of ...[Maine]

"In Senate...committee on Federal Relations...in relation to an alleged violation, on the part of ...[Maine], of that important provision of the constitution of the United States, concerning the apprehension and trial of 'fugitives from justice.' ... The Governor of this State...to correspond with...Georgia..."

GLC09141.02

26 September 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Reports 1500 Confederate prisoners have arrived in camp over the last two days. Discusses two men who were killed in camp. The first was a sharpshooter who shot himself. The other was a "negro boy" who was shot by a guard. Writes, "… He felt getting Rather careless He was going to His quarters and crossed the gard [sic] when the gard [sic] Halted him 3 times and He did not stop the 4th time shot him…" Thanks her for the stamps. Encourages her to go to school this winter. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner. Addressee name…

GLC03523.52.15

5 November 1852

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Broadsheet

Title: To the voters of Oswego and Madison counties New York

Thanking them for electing him to a seat in Congress, and reprising his anti-slavery, pro-equality platform.

GLC09329.02

circa 3 March 1783

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Certificate of service for African American soldier Primas Hubbell]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War African American soldier Primas Hubbell. Certification of service signed by three Kent, CT selectmen; with order for delivery of pay to Joseph Pratt, signed with "X" by Hubbell; and with attestation of above via Hubbel's appearance before Justice of the Peace Jedidiah Hubbel.

GLC09365.01

29 May 1783

Printed document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt of payment of eleven pounds, three shillings, and fourteen pence to Primas Hubbell, signed by selectman Joseph Pratt.

GLC09365.02

9 January 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Certificate of enlistment and discharge for Samson Cuff]

Connecticut Line Continental Army, Revolutionary War African American soldier Samson Cuff. Certification of enlistment and discharge signed by four Windsor, CT selectmen. To the Committee of Paytable.

GLC09366.01

January 17, 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [pay request for Samson Cuff]

Pay request, signed "X" by Samson Cuff, and signed by Justice of the Peace Henry Allyn.

GLC09366.02

January 22, 1784

Phelps, Jesse, fl. 1784

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Receipt of payment]

Receipt of payment of eighteen pounds and ten shillings to Samson Cuff, signed by Jesse Phelps.

GLC09366.03