20 July 1789

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Manuscript document signed

Title: We the subscribers acknowledge to have received...

Written from the "War Office," likely in New York City. Document acknowledges receipt for one-half of their salaries from the war office, for the months April-June 1789. Signed by John Stagg, William Knox, Caleb Swan, and Ceasar Loyd (Caesar Lloyd Cummings, who signs with his mark), with a note below referencing Mr. [Michael] Hillegas's certificate.

GLC02437.04298

27 November 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that some of the men returning from the front were exposed to small pox on the train. Those who were not vaccinated have been taken to the hospital and given vaccinations. He writes that a tent was built to house all the men that came down with small pox. Informs his family that he attended Post Chapel no. 2 and comments on the platform speeches of the Army chaplains. He writes: "Army Chaplains are not afraid to talk politics if need be or state Slavery sentiments now that they have so good a chance in a slave state." Mentions a Sabbath school that has been set up at the Chapel…

GLC07460.062

December 11, 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister and family

Reports that one of the soldiers, [Zod] Howe, almost died from small pox and another man is thought to have come down with it. Remarks that the men in camp seem very nonchalant about the small pox outbreak. He writes that the hospital building and all the clothes from infected soldiers will be burned. Recollects that one year ago he and Darius (his brother-in-law) were in South Tunnel. He writes, "we never think of that place with any very good feelings as there we lost a good many of our boys." There has been talk of moving to Gallatin but hopes that they don't have to leave Nashville…

GLC07460.064

15 August 1864

Maitland, Joseph M., 1836-1918

Autograph letter

Title: to Bell Wharton

Letter is not signed, but based on content it is likely written by Joseph Maitland. Expresses great pleasure at receiving her letter. Reports on the food in camp: coffee, sour bread, strong pork, rice and beans once in awhile. "We have an old nigger wench Blacker than the 'Ace of Spades' to cook for us..." Mentions the hundred days men (temporary soldiers), their difficulty adjusting to the climate, and the high amount of sickness among them. Reports that "every evening we hear the muffled Drums & the shrill notes of the Fife telling us that another victim is being borne to his long home…

GLC03523.10.133

1918

Gustrine, Charles, fl. 1918

Poster

Title: True Sons of Freedom

True Sons of Freedom broadside by Charles Gustrine, Chicago, Illinois. Depicts a regiment of African American soldiers gallantly assaulting a line of Germans with the spirit of Abraham Lincoln looking on approvingly.

GLC09121

4 October 1783

Manuscript document

Title: [Return]

"Report of the Board appointed for examination of the invalids" of the army. Approximately 75 men listed by name, age, regiment, time of service and ailment. "Disease" column includes such ailments as dysentery, venereal disease, and lunacy. Thomas Smith's disease is cited as being "an useless Negro." "Cato Duce" is another African-American soldier on the roster.

GLC02437.10711

circa 1880-1890

Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912

Print

Title: Lincoln writing the Emancipation Proclamation

Depicts a menacing-looking Lincoln slumping in his chair writing the Emancipation Proclamation with his left foot sitting on top of a copy of the U.S. Constitution. Demon imagery is found throughout. The Statue of Liberty's head is covered by Lincoln's Scotch cap to simulate a baboon. Background has two paintings. One depicts the slave rebellion on Saint Domingo and the other John Brown as "St. Ossawotamie." Osawotamie is a reference to a battle at the town of Osawatomie, Kansas in August 1856 when some 250 border ruffians attacked the free-soil town. Brown defended the town with 30 men, but…

GLC00493.03

30 December 1833

Winn, John, 1789-?

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Terms for hiring slaves]

Lists the names and prices of enslaved people who have been lent out by John Winn, and to whom they have been lent. Terms specify the time payment is due, the return dates, provisions required to be given to the enslaved people, and forbidding their working near water or in mines.

GLC03434.54

30 June 1827

Manuscript document

Title: [Account between the estate of Horatio Wills and John Winn]

An account between the estate of Horatio Wills and John Winn, listing transactions from 1818 to 1826. Lists expenses for enslaved people, books, and household goods. The second page lists claims against the Wills estate.

GLC03434.58

30 December 1829

Winn, John, 1789-?

Autograph document signed

Title: Terms of hiring negroes belonging to the estate of Thomas Winn

Specifies the terms under which enslaved people belonging to the estate of Thomas Winn can be hired out for the year 1830. Agreement provides for enslaved people to be returned with blankets, shoes, and clothes, that they be "treated humanely," and not allowed to work on the water. The three enslaved people named are Sam, Jenny and Diley. Signed twice by Winn. Docket lists who the enslaved people were hired out to, and at what price.

GLC03434.59

6 December 1824

Manuscript document

Title: Account of sales of the personal estate of Thomas Winn

Lists property sold by the estate of Thomas Winn, with name of purchaser and amount paid listed for each item. Property sold includes enslaved people, animals, tools, foodstuffs and furniture. John Winn and George Winn purchased several items from the estate. Docket also lists the hiring of three enslaved people.

GLC03434.60

26 November 1824

Manuscript document

Title: Inventory and appraisement of the personal estate of Thomas Winn deceased

Lists appraised value of items in the estate of Thomas Wood. Included in the list are enslaved people, cattle, and household goods.

GLC03434.61

2 September 1835

Cleaveland, Porter, fl. 1835

Manuscript letter

Title: to Richard H. Field

A copy of a report of Porter Cleveland and wife Frances Winn Cleveland, responding to a complaint of Edward C. Ancell and wife Ann Winn Ancell, against John Winn, and others, regarding the administration of the estate of Thomas Winn, the father of John, Frances and Ann. Claimants desire to divide property "hotchpot," a legal term in which all property is gathered to secure an equitable distribution among the heirs of an intestate parent. Lists the value of all property given to Porter and Frances during their lifetime by Thomas Winn, including a number of enslaved people. Porter Cleveland…

GLC03434.63

5 January 1837

Winn, John, 1789-?

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Richard H. Field

Report of John Winn, acting as "ally for George Winn," in a complaint against George Winn. Report given in response to a claim by Edward C. Ancel and his wife Ann Winn Ancel, regarding the division of the estate of Thomas Winn. John Winn states that George Winn is willing to place the property inherited by him from his father Thomas Winn into "hotchpot," a legal term in which all property is gathered to secure an equitable distribution among the heirs of an intestate parent. Lists all property George Winn received from his father, including a number of slaves, one only four years old.…

GLC03434.64

6 October 1838

Winn, George, 1793-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Winn

Reporting on crops and the low prices of slaves. George quotes a previous letter from his brother regarding the purchase of slaves, and questions whether the price had already been agreed upon. Although they want to keep the slaves in the family, and avoid "the risque of going to a trader" George believes he paid for them through his share of the estate and will not take them at any other price. Expressing a wish to keep peace in the family, George informs John he will buy his slaves in Kentucky, where they are inexpensive. Also discusses a drought that has harmed corn and tobacco crops.

GLC03434.65

29 September 1840

Shepherd, M.B., fl. 1840

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Winn

Opposition to the federalists and the Subtreasury. Requesting that Winn volunteer for a position to canvas the county protesting issues related to an upcoming election. Shepherd says of Joe Watkins, a politician, that "his scheme of getting rid of the slaves more dangerous than that of the Abolitionists because more insidious." Opposes the Subtreasury feeling it will cause too much government control and believes the residents of the county agree with him. Suggests a meeting to discuss these subjects.

GLC03434.66

20 December 1843

Wills, Willis C., fl. 1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Winn

Regarding dispute over the payment owed for slaves rented. Says S. B. Jones expects him to pay for medical treatment received by his slave Jinny while she was rented to Jones, but Wills refuses to pay. Wills gives examples of similar situations to show that it is expected that the renter pay in such situations.

GLC03434.67

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Phoebe Miller]

One document emancipating Phoebe Miller in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.70

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Robin Reeves]

One document emancipating Robin Reeves in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.71

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Reeves Murray]

One document emancipating Reeves Murray in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.72

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Maria Muse]

One document emancipating Maria Muse in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.73

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Beckey Murray]

One document emancipating Beckey Murray in accordance with the will of George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.74

19 July 1808

Minor, John, fl. 1808

Autograph document signed

Title: [Manumission of Jacob Murray]

One document emancipating Jacob Murray in accordance with the will of Doctor George D. Spratt. Signed by Minor, Carter B. Berkley, Thomas M. Locke, George D. Nicolson and Jonathan Chew as executors of Spratt's estate. Signed and attested by Thomas Muse as court clerk.

GLC03434.75

5 August 1809

Ware, Samuel, fl. 1809

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Promissory note from Samuel Ware to the estate of George Garrett]

Ware promises to sell off his property to repay a debt to George Garrett's estate, of which Benjamin Faulkner is a trustee. Ware will sell off ten slaves, who are named, a horse, cattle, and other goods, to be sold to "the highest bidder" to pay debts owed Garrett's estate. Also signed by John Thurston, David A. Wilson and Elizabeth Thurston as witnesses. Attested to by court clerk, Thomas Muse, on docket, dated 20 February 1810. Docket also signed by Ware, Muse, Wilson and John and Elizabeth Thurston.

GLC03434.77

2 January 1827

Winn, John, 1789-?

Autograph document signed

Title: [Terms for hiring slaves from the estate of Thomas Winn]

Lists the terms under which slaves will be hired out from Thomas Winn's estate. Requires that hired slaves receive medical care and limits their working conditions. The document lists each slave for hire and the requirements for each slave. Special mention is made for Phebe, who is "unhealthy and labouring under a disease called the asthma." Phebe "is not to be exposed to wet or cold weather...should she die before the end of the year, a proportionable part of the sum for which she is supported &c will only be paid." Signed twice by Winn.

GLC03434.84