3 May 1866

McCulloch, Hugh, 1808-1895

Letter signed

Title: to John Murray Forbes

McCulloch, writing as Secretary of the Treasury, discusses opinions on currency and a bill for "equalizing bounties." He also mentions Forbes's complaint of injustice on the part of "Mr. Seward" (possible William Henry Seward) regarding the steamship Meteor court case. (The case involved America's neutrality policy.) Hugh McCulloch served as Secretary of the Treasury under Lincoln, Johnson and Arthur (1865-1869, 1884-1885). John Murray Forbes, was a railroad magnate and ardent abolitionist who had served as counsel to Lincoln's cabinet.  Excerpt: "…Mr. Ropes is a very intelligent…

GLC02727

2 December 1826

Porter, David, 1780-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. Smith

Writing to a banker in Washington, D.C., arranges for his wife's finances after his defection to Mexico. Sends along with his letter eight hundred dollars, four hundred of which is to be given to his wife, the rest to be put in his bank account. Adds, "I hope my writing will have no cause to be ashamed of my conduct on any occasion." One full length seated engraving of David Porter included.

GLC02734

1902-1904

Walker, John G., 1835-1907

Header Record

Title: Five letters re: the Panama Canal [decimalized]

Five letters between John G. Walker, President of the Isthmian Canal Commission, and his friend Thomas Gibbons. Letters describe Walker's family and their mutual friends, as well as developments in the canal project. He discusses the ratification of the treaty with Colombia and the beginnings of the building of the canal. Also mentions increased spending on the navy.

GLC02763

14 November 1902

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Typed letter signed

Title: to Thomas Gibbons

Glad to receive a copy of the "Rainbow," a paper published aboard the U.S. Flagship Rainbow. Thanks him for box of cigars, though he says he does not smoke regularly, as well as for a photograph of himself and one of Gibbons taken in Hong Kong. Says, "Canal matters are waiting upon a treaty with Colombia for rights, privileges and concessions necessary before the Government can undertake the construction of a canal to connect the two oceans. How soon, if at all, a satisfactory treaty can be had no one can tell. If a suitable treaty is made and acted upon by the Senate, I have no doubt…

GLC02763.01

December 31, 1902

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Typed letter signed

Title: to Thomas Gibbons

Thanks Gibbons for a gift of cigars. Mentions that the commission is still waiting for a treaty with Colombia before they can proceed with the canal. Describes recent pleasant, warm weather which he appreciates because coal is difficult to obtain, due to a "long-continued strike." Declares, "Should we have another strike before warm weather comes in the spring, there would be great suffering among rich and poor alike, as few people can obtain coal in any quantity, and the stoppage of mining would empty the coal bins almost immediately." Mentions that his family is well, though scattered…

GLC02763.02

23 March 1903

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Typed letter signed

Title: to Thomas Gibbons

Thanks Gibbons for the beautiful walking stick he mailed from Manila; declares, "It reached me just before my birthday and I consider it one of my birthday presents." Happy to hear that Gibbons moved to the U.S.S. Helena and will be with Captain Staunton, his old friend. Declares, "The treaty with Colombia for the construction of a canal was finally, after a long delay caused by Senator Morgan, ratified by a vote of 73 to 5. It still has to be ratified by the Congress of Colombia which, I understand, will meet some time in April. I presume the treaty ought to be ratified there by the…

GLC02763.03

January 12, 1904

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Typed letter signed

Title: to Thomas Gibbons

Thanks Gibbons for his gift of a smoking jacket as a "New Year's remembrance." Describes his enjoyable visit to the Isthmus during November and December. Discusses the new republic of Panama, recently declared independent from Colombia, and proclaims it "fairly on its feet." Comments, "A good deal of opposition [to the canal treaty] has developed [in the Senate], all caused by a desire of the Democrats to make political points to be used in the next Presidential canvass against Mr. Roosevelt and the Republican party." Believes the treaty will ultimately be ratified, perhaps in early…

GLC02763.04

19 July 1904

Walker, John Grimes, 1835-1907

Typed letter signed

Title: to Thomas Gibbons

Thanks him for the enclosed piece of needlework for Mrs. Walker. Mentions preparations to sail from New York to the Isthmus, to be gone for some weeks. Discusses the beginning of the Panama Canal construction project: "We are getting an organization both here and on the Isthmus; are working about 2400 or 2500 men on the Isthmus, part of them in surveys and explorations and part on the Culebra Cut. The work is so immense and there are so many very important questions to be settled that we are not disposed to move very rapidly--and indeed it is impossible to do so. Everything has to be…

GLC02763.05

22 April 1862

Goldsborough, Louis Malesherbes, 1805-1877

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John S. Missroon

Written on letterhead of the Flag Ship USS "Minnesota." Written by Flag Officer Goldsborough as commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron to Commander Missroon as commander of the naval forces off Yorktown, Virginia on board the USS "Wachusett." Says Missroon's request for a general supply of ordnance is too indefinite. Asks him to state to Captain Poor what he really needs. Tells him to mention both quantities and kind. Also includes a carte de visite of Goldsborough (10.1 x 6 cm.) sitting in his naval uniform.

GLC02721

February 4, 1863

Hollins, George N., 1799-1878

Letter signed

Title: to John H. Winder

Signed by Commodore Hollins of the Confederate Navy to General Winder as commander of the Department of Henrico. Says this letter will be carried by B.L. Haden (the docket says Hayden), a loyal Confederate who wishes to visit Maryland. Asks Winder to supply him a passport. The docket says the passport was granted. Before the Civil War Hollins had fought Barbary pirates for the U.S. Navy. On 29 June 1861, he disguised himself as a woman and took control of the Chesapeake Bay steamer "St. Nicholas."

GLC02722

9 July 1859

Ingraham, Duncan N., 1802-1891

Letter signed

Title: to George Minor

Ingraham, Chief of the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography, discusses the fabrication of guns at the Tredegar Foundry in Richmond, Virginia. States that Joseph Reid Anderson, owner of the Foundry, gave notice that ten guns are ready for inspection. Instructs Minor, Assistant Inspector of Ordnance, to forward required reports of fabrication to the Bureau of Ordnance and Hydrography as soon as possible.

GLC02724

12 June 1855

Keitt, Laurence M., 1824-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James C. Dobbin

Forwarding a letter requesting an appointment for a young man at the Naval Academy at Annapolis. Written at the Orangeburg Courthouse, spelled "Orangeburgh" by Keitt.

GLC02726

26 May 1891

Worden, John L., 1818-1897

Autograph quotation signed

Title: [Quote from Dickens's "Oliver Twist"]

Quotes, "We need be careful how we deal with those about us, for death carries with it to some small circle of survivors, thoughts of so much omitted, and so little done - of so many things forgotten, and so many more which might have been repaired, that such recollections are among the bitterest we can have. There is no remorse so deep as that which is unavailing; if we would be spared its tortures let us remember this in time." One bust engraving of Worden included.

GLC02737

18 November 1874

Cushing, William Barker, 1842-1874

Document signed

Title: [Naval pass]

Issued from the Navy Yard. Pass for one ton of coal, private property of R. T. Hieston. Cushing signs as commander, one month before his death. Two names appear on verso (possibly signatures): John P. Cahill, watchman, and John O'Neill.

GLC02463.04

May 25, 1863

Jordan, Thomas, 1819-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Zebulon Baird Vance

General Jordan thanks Vance, Governor of North Carolina, for a letter intercepted from a clerk on the U.S.S. Huron, off of the Charleston Harbor. Thanks Vance in the absence of General P.G.T. Beauregard. Written on Headquarters, Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida stationery.

GLC02461.15

8 March 1863

Prentiss, Benjamin Mayberry, 1819-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Fulton Ross

General Prentiss, Union Commander of the District of East Arkansas, replies to correspondence from General Ross (possibly Leonard Fulton Ross, commander of a post in Helena). States "I will endeavor to keep up communication with you and have sent Boats for that purpose." Referring to General Ulysses S. Grant, writes "Your additional rations go forward today, I learn it is Genl Grants intention to send more Troops through the Pass, trusting I may hear from you often and that you may be successfull. I bid you God Speed- I send you some late papers."

GLC02461.27

9 November 1864

Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert S. Foster

Forwarding to Foster a copy of a letter he has sent to the Navy Department, so that Foster can peruse it. Written on board the U.S.S. Philadelphia.

GLC02462.04

1809

Davis, George Barber, fl. 1803-1811

Manuscript document

Title: Extracts from Davis' journal of activities as American Consul in Tripoli

Detailed account of finances and meetings with the heads of state of Tripoli, Morocco, Algiers and Malta. Also mentions a kidnapping by the Tripolitan Bashaw's boat crew, who had "landed on the coast of Sicily and carried off two young children . . . . I represented to [the Bashaw] not only the cruelty but also the bad policy of suffering the outrages which his cruizers had committed . . . that such conduct would awaken hostile feelings towards him on the part of every Christian power." Same incident mentioned in GLC 2794.153. Journal entries spanning 20 June to 1 August 1809.

GLC02794.147

1809

Davis, George Barber, fl. 1803-1811

Manuscript document

Title: Extracts from Davis' journal of activities as American Consul in Tripoli

Mentions letter from Ahmet Bashaw Caramanli, received on 12 October 1809. 27 October: "The American Janissary was beaten at the Marine by the Bashaw's Kasnadan." Davis vows to file a formal complaint despite the Bashaw's attempt to prevent such action. The Bashaw eventually agrees to apologize in formal meeting at his Castle on 14 November 1809, which Davis describes in an entry from 18 November: "[the] flag of the United States was hoisted and Saluted from the Castle." GLC 2794.154 also refers to this incident. 18 November entry also mentions: "[n]egociated Mr [Tobias] Lear's bill…

GLC02794.148

30 April 1863

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Document signed

Title: [Amendment to an act approving letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods]

Signed as President of the Confederate States and countersigned by Speaker of the House Thomas S. Bocock and President of the Senate (and Vice President) Alexander H. Stephens. This document amended the original act that approved letters of marque, prizes, and prize goods on the high seas, which was passed 21 May 1861 (Bill #170 of the second session of the Confederate Provisional Congress). The amendment allows the Board of Naval Officers created under the original act to have the power in cases of any armed vessel sunk or destroyed "to take and receive such depositions, affidavits,…

GLC02778

circa 1861

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: Bombardment & capture of the forts at Hatteras Inlet, N.C.

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Print is mounted. Caption below the title reads: "By the U.S. Fleet under Commodore Stringham and the Forces under Genl. Butler. Aug. 27th 1861." Depicts the Union landing at Cape Hatteras. Benjamin Butler's troops are in small rowboats landing ashore in the foreground. The ships Minnesota, Wabash, Susquehanna, Pawnee, and Harriet-Lane bombard Forts Clark and Hatteras. Labels for each ship printed below the image. The arcs of cannon fire can be seen in the air.

GLC02881.07

1863

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: Bombardment & capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, Ark. Jany. 11th 1863.

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Print is mounted. Full title: "The Bombardment and Capture of Fort Hindman, Arkansas Post, Ark. Jany. 11th 1863. By the Gun-boats, commanded by Rear Admiral D. D. Porter, and the Union troops under Majr. Genl. McClernand; the number of Prisoners taken was 7000, being more than all the Federal forces in action, also 20 Guns, 8000 Stand of small arms and 200 army wagons, with herds of horses and mules." Depcits 5 ironclad gunboats bombarding the earthen fort while a paddlewheel ship in the right middleground…

GLC02881.12

circa 1862

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: Terrific combat between the "Monitor" 2 guns & "Merrimac" 10 guns

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Print is mounted. Title continues: "in Hampton Roads, March 9th 1862. In which the little "Monitor" whipped the "Merrimac" and the whole "School" of Rebel Steamers." Caption above the title reads: "The first fight between iron clad ships of war." Depicts the two ironclads almost touching. The "Merrimac" is firing a broadside at the low-lying "Monitor." Smoke from the cannon blasts dominates the image. In the background can be seen the USS "Minnesota" and 2 rebel steamers, labeled below image.

GLC02881.16

circa 1862

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: Bombardment and capture of Fort Henry, Tenn.

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Print is mounted. Full title: "Bombardment and Capture of Fort Henry, Tenn. By the Federal Gunboats, under command of Commodore Andrew H. Foote - Feby. 6th 1862." Depicts the seven ironclad gunboats of Foote: Cincinnati, St. Louis, Carondelet, Essex, Lexington, Conestoga, and Tyler, each labeled below the image. The 14 smokestacks, 2 for each ship, billow black smoke as the orange blasts of cannons hit the earthen fort. Cannon shots from Fort Henry hit the water in front of the ships.

GLC02881.18

1862

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: Bombardment of Island "Number Ten" in the Mississippi River

Hand colored lithograph published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Subtitle is "By the Gunboat and Mortar fleet, under the command of Flag Officer A.H. Foote." Caption under the title says: "The Bombardment commenced on Saturday afternoon, March 15th 1862, and continued until midnight of April 7th, when the whole Island with all its vast munitions of war, fell into the hands of the gallant forces, under Commodore Foote. 'A Nations thanks are due them.'" The foreground is dominated by low-lying ironclads firing mortars at the island in the background. The yellow-orange…

GLC02881.27