1861-1865

Buttre, John Chester, 1821-1893

Engraving

Title: [Engraving of James T. Gerry]

Engraving of United States Navy commander James T. Gerry.

GLC09099.16

31 October 1782

Pray, John, 1753-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Shaw

Captain John Pray, of the 1st Massachusetts Regiment, asks Shaw to provide an order to the bearer for supplies, including three powder horns, for the use of the armed guard boats. Also relates that the fleet sailed from New York the previous day.

GLC02437.01688

21 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Adams

A detailed account of the siege of Yorktown. Affirms the correctness of Adams' ideas about a need to conduct a major attack against the British in the southern states. Announces the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Explains the "harmonious concurrence of circumstances" that made the victory possible, mentioning the fleet from the West Indies commanded by Admiral Comte de Grasse, the American and French troops marching down from the Hudson River, and a fleet from Rhode Island under the command of Compte de Barras. Provides a chronological explanation of the…

GLC02437.01252

21 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Jay

Later copy of GLC02437.01253. Indicates that French ships are about to dispatch with official accounts of the Battle of Yorktown. Knox feels he should tell Jay what has occurred because an official account from Congress may not be immediately forthcoming. Although the British had less forces in America than in 1776 or 1777, the Continental Army was compelled to attack Yorktown or consider the southern states lost. The Comte de Grasse was of similar opinion, and plans to attack New York were abandoned in favor of a siege of Yorktown. A detailed, chronological explanation of the Allied…

GLC02437.01254

6 August 1781

Barras, Paul, vicomte de, 1755-1829

Printed document signed

Title: [Certificate of pay] [In French]

Certificate to pay Mr. De Valnais, possibly Joseph Dupas de Valnais, a French consul in America. Signed by the Comte de Barras, and [Graucheau], major of the squadron under Barras. On verso, Valnais signs a note, transferring the money to William Knox. Possibly serves as payment for provisions and supplies.

GLC02437.01122

9 October 1781

Hunter, James, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Contemporary copy of GLC02437.01216. In response to Knox's letter ordering Hunter to send iron and ordnance to James River (GLC02437.01193), Hunter explains how he has complied and what problems he has encountered. Also mentions naval engagements involving Dutch ships. The Continental Army was then executing the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01217

1783-1815

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to unknown [incomplete]

Possibly created by Colonel Henry Jackson (1747-1809) from Massachusetts. Asks the recipient to mention to an unspecified General any matters pertaining to him. Requests several orders by the next post. Threatens that if these orders are not sent, the recipient "shall have no part in the ship at Newberg, this you may depend on-" GLC02437.00591 and GLC02437.09451 were originally one document.

GLC02437.09451

23 December 1864

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes that the mail is becoming somewhat regular as more has come in today and is being sent out as well. He is happy to report that their camp situation has improved from when he last wrote. The regiment has advanced into the trenches around Savannah, Georgia. Reports that the rebels left the day before yesterday and the Union now controls Savannah. The 2nd Division of his corps captured the few remaining rebels in the city. They captured a rebel captain and 29 men guarding a magazine. There were many rebels cannons around only a few were spiked. On some of the cannon the spike was done so…

GLC07460.109

December 30, 1864 - January 4, 1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

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

Writes about those who have died during the past year and the sacrifice they made for their country. General William T. Sherman reviewed the 20th Corps. today. General Ulysses Grant was supposed to review the men as well but he failed to show up. A rebel blockage runner arrived in Savannah, Georgia not knowing the town was now occupied by the Union Army. The number of guns taken from Savannah is around 207, which is quite large, assuming the number is correct. He likes Savannah but thinks that many of the buildings looked "weather aged." He has a "Britannia" tea pot in his tent that was made…

GLC07460.110

20 March 1864

Breese, Kidder Randolph, 1831-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: Orders

Ordering the "officer in charge of Picket Tug" to relay Porter's order to the fleet: "Keep the tug as close to the falls as possible and a bright lookout for anything up the bend. Blow one whistle if you see a vessel coming down. Examine all floating objects and tow any suspicious looking things clear of the vessels - giving warning with two whistles if she sees anything like a Torpedo...this order will be turned over to Relief...at daylight to be given to the officer of the deck..."

GLC09146

circa 1862

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David D. Porter

During Arkansas expedition. "admiral Porter As soon as General Steele reports in the Continental, will fire a Gun and run down the Gaines's Landing at the rate of ten miles the hour Sherman."

GLC09148

18 March 1864

Dahlgren, John Adolphus Bernard, 1809-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin French

"Accept my grateful thanks for your note and the lines to the memory of my beloved son...when he undertook the mission of freedom to the weary captives who pined in the Rebel dungeons of Richmond, he did it with a fullness of purpose that know no limit; the danger that lay in the way never palsied his resolve for an instant...His name should stand in living light before the young men of our land and inspire their hearts with the same unselfish resolution to carry the glorious banner of the Union over the ruins of a causeless Rebellion." Includes a poem inspired by Ulric Dahlgren's death,…

GLC09162

25 November 1861

Meigs, Montgomery C. (Montgomery Cunningham), 1816-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Andrew H. Foote

"Whatever I can do to assist you in gaining final success which you say 'is with the public this test of merit' I will gladly do. Final success I do not doubt for you...Wellington Napoleon Marlborough did much more than merely fight. A commander must be some thing more than a bulldog. He has to weld the wills & minds of men of all kinds...Having faith in the people & believing that right will triumph in the end I know a glorious conclusion is within reach." Captain Andrew H. Foote was in command of the Mississippi River Squadron.

GLC09164

25 June 1862

Farragut, David E., fl. 1862

Manuscript document

Title: [Orders to besiege Vicksburg]

Manuscript copy of his orders of his orders to besiege Vicksburg, including order to open fire on the hospital at 4 AM.

GLC09179

February 1, 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). He writes that a battle is currently raging in New Bern and the Rebels are at an advantage. The rebels, advancing during the previous night from Kinston, opened fire on the Union soldiers at Batchelder's Creek. Various Union regiments have been driven back by the rebels. The townspeople and negroes are being armed in preparation for battle. He has heard rumor that the enemy force is at 15,000. A lieutenant colonel, officers, and soldiers have been lost. Reports that the river below Washington is blockaded. Continues writing 2…

GLC02016.047

26 March 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Kate

Hopes his sister is in good health when he returns so that she may welcome him with a "rich musical treat." Mentions the arrival of a new niece from his sister Anna. The men are anxious to be relieved by another regiment. Visits Washington on a semi-weekly basis but was unable to this week due to a bad storm. Reports that the storm almost grounded the men in rebel country, but the anchors grounded the boat about 200 hundred yards from the shore. The men were able to return to New Berne and tried to sail to Washington again the following Thursday. Is hopeful that Grant will "sow the…

GLC02016.050

11 May 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Anna

Reports that the company landed at City Point on the evening of 5 May and started towards Petersburg early the next day. There was some fighting between Confederate and Union forces consisting of 9th New Jersey and 27th Massachusetts. The following day Confederate forces attacked Painter's picket during the night of which all but eleven were killed and wounded. The soldiers were once again met with battle on Monday the 9 May. The following morning they advanced to the Petersburg and Richmond railroad of which they tore up a large part; fighting resumed and positions were held until 6 pm…

GLC02016.051

3 October 1776

Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr., 1710-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esek Hopkins

Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, informs Commodore Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy, of a letter he previously transmitted discussing naval operations. States that he recently received letters from Generals George Washington and Lincoln (possibly Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that he requested Reverend Thaddeus Burr to complete a more lengthy letter to Hopkins, (Trumbull does not have time). States "Am putting everything forward in the best manner- please to promote the forwarding The Whaleboats- and give Me intelligence as you see fit."

GLC02511.01

25 July 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

George Washington is to be obeyed by the French troops as "Marshall of France," and American troops are to have command over French troops of equal rank. Discusses the size and movements of the French and British fleets. Also mentions General Anthony Wayne's failed attack at Bergen, "the Torries in Carolina," and the need for the Americans to be more aggressive.

GLC06500.03

circa 1778

Johnston, Francis, 1749-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Persifor Frazer

Discusses American troop movements, including those of General Gates and Comte d'Estaing. Asks Frazer to send Andrew, since he is in need of a good waiter.

GLC01450.457.11

October 1, 1775

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Cudworth

Cudworth, impressed on board H.M.S. Asia, writes to his father James in Scituate, Massachusetts. Assures James of his well being. Expresses uncertainty regarding his return home. Mentions John White, Daniel [Mack], Morris Comdon, and Joseph Pierce, possibly some of his shipmates aboard the Asia. Reports that he received news of his father from Edman Patrick.

GLC01450.630.01

March 24, 1776

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Otis

Cudworth, impressed on board H. M. S. Asia, writes to Otis, his friend in Boston. States that on March 14, he was impressed on the H. M. S. Livley, at Marblehead, Massachusetts. Relates that he was on the Livley until March 24, when he was taken to Boston and placed on board the H. M. S. Asia. Pleads with Otis to visit him on board the Asia. Asks that Otis inform James Cudworth, Melzar's father, that he went to Marblehead with Samuel Holbrook. Possibly written in 1775 (date is partially illegible).

GLC01450.630.02

March 25, 1776

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Zephaniah Cudworth

Cudworth, impressed on board H. M. S. Asia, instructs his brother Zepheniah "what you do do quick for I hear we are a going to nan tasket ... " Letter addressed to Melzar's friend Joseph Otis in Boston. Includes some mathematical calculations near the address.

GLC01450.630.03

circa 1776

Cudworth, Zephaniah, 1752-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Cudworth

Cudworth reports to his father in Scituate, Massachusetts that he has been aboard the ship where his brother Melzar remains impressed. States that Melzar, who was impressed on H.M.S. Asia in March 1776, is on board the ship Russia. Informs James that Melzar fairs well. Relates his plans to hire a man to "go in his bierth theirs one appears to go in his Room for ten guines & if I Cant get no other I must give that ... " Assures his father not to be concerned.

GLC01450.630.04

circa 1776

Cudworth, Zephaniah, 1752-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Melzar Cudworth

Zephaniah informs his brother, Melzar, impressed aboard H.M.S. Asia "I have got a man to go in your Room If you go to Nantasket Road I Shall Come in a Sail boat to bring the man ... " Mentions Mr. Otis (possibly Joseph Otis), a friend of Melzar's. A small hole obscures some text.

GLC01450.630.05