4 December 1863

Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894

Autograph quotation signed

Title: [Quotation by General Banks]

"The sweetest solace that a soldier can receive is to know that the women of his country appreciate his sacrifices, and surrender their hours of leisure and luxury to his care and comfort. The voice of Christian kindness and of love stirs the blood of a warrior like the sound of cannon."

GLC05869

14 September 1870

Hearn, J.A., fl. 1870

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Annual report on the Grand River Agency in South Dakota]

Addressed to Ely S. Parker, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Comments on different tribes, their numbers and their willingness to farm. Recommends providing government assistance to the friendly Indians, who "are fully convinced that the Government will not always provide for them, if they do not by and help themselves." Describing a meeting with Father Pierre-Jean de Smet, a Jesuit missionary, who planned to start a mission school. Describes the Agency's location as poor. Mentions the military presence. Lists the buildings constructed. Commends the Indians good conduct over…

GLC05893

1856

Bradford, William, fl. 1856

Book

Title: The History of Plymouth Plantation, printed from the original manuscript

Published for the Massachusetts Historical Society by Little, Brown & Co.

GLC05894

February 11, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Hancock's child. Explains that only those parents who have suffered that loss can understand how it feels. Expounds upon his understanding of God, death and the afterlife, the human role in the universe, and the nature of the soul. Assures him "of the sincere participation of myself and Mrs. Knox in your sorrow."

GLC02437.03449

14 November 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abijah Hammond

Expresses his sympathy on the death of [Abijah?] Hammond's child. Notes both him and Mrs. Knox know from experience the sorrow and "agony of the soul" the death of a child brings. Writes, "But such blows while they shake our hold of the world, do not usually assist our piety. We see aged persons by the order of nature pass away, but we see no reason why the young existence should be terminated before it scarcely be realized. The more we revolve or ponder on such events the more deeply are we plunged into a chaos of perplexity, out of which, we can never emerge." Explains in great detail his…

GLC02437.06242

14 April 1782

Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major General Greene to Major General Knox. References two letters from Knox. Congratulates him on the birth of his son. Asks how his godson is. In reference to the godchild says, "Such a set of responsers I believe never happened before. A quaker and Roman Catholick for the same Child. Which will you chuse[?]" Asks questions about the other Knox children. Says Mrs. Greene has arrived and given him an update on the social life in Philadelphia. Had not seen his wife in 2 years. Says, "She is kinder to me than I am just to her." Says the military situation is gloomy with the enemy…

GLC02437.01388

17 April 1790

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he has been laid up for the past week with the gout. Discusses a proposed congressional bill to regulate proceedings with the Indians. Gorham wants this to be extended to the Six Nations, stating "it is of great consiquence [sic] that more Indians should be kept in good temper - The more Southern Indians made application to them last Autumn to joyn with them in hostilities - but after a long consultation they refused - More overtures will undoubtedly be renewed & if some attention is not paid to them they may be successfull [sic]..." Says his son plans on settling down in that…

GLC02437.04588

7 June 1790

Greene, Catharine L., 1755-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to thank Knox for his friendship and support and hopes that he will continue his correspondence with her. When he is unable to write, hopes that his brother will send an occasional letter updating her on the well-being of the Knox family. Mentions that her children remember Knox in their prayers. Noted as written in Bethlehem, state unknown.

GLC02437.04624

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

6 January 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in…

GLC02437.03754

1805

Wood, Samuel, 1760-1844

Broadside

Title: Injured Humanity; Being A Representation of What the Unhappy Children of Africa Endure from Those Who Call Themselves Christians

Printed broadside on terrible conditions of slavery and the slave trade in the West Indies. Wood, a prolific Quaker-reformist publisher, printed and sold the broadside out of his office at 362 Pearl Street in New York. Describes the sale, horrendous working conditions, and punishments of the slaves. Seven graphic vinettes depict slaves being whipped, sold, and tortured. There is no date of creation on the broadside, but the printing date was discovered as 1805 through research.

GLC05113

22 October 1863

Bonga, George, fl. 1800-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry B. Whipple

Long letter about the 2 October 1863 Red Lake Treaty with the Red Lake and Pembina bands of Chippewa Indians. Discusses government and missionary efforts to assimilate the Indians and the Indian resistance to adapting the "habits of the white man." Comments on changes in the Chippewa community, distrust between Indians and whites, the validity of treaties made, the proper location for a reservation and how and when to remove the Indians to it, and the need for education for assimilation.

GLC05121

1856

Book

Title: Cherokee Bible [old testament]

Cherokee Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, Wisdom and Isaiah) printed at Park Hill, Cherokee Nation, by Edwin Archer. Imprint date varies slightly since Exodus is dated 1853, Genesis 1856 and the rest undated. With manuscript notations in Cherokee.

GLC05122

1890's ca.

Photograph

Title: Cemetery Hill with stone wall charged by the Louisiana Tigers [Gettysburg]

Inscribed on verso. "Charged by the Louisiana Tigers." Group of visitors to the battlefield with three men wearing medals. "Sold for the benefit of the Soldier's Memorial Church to be erected on this battlefield, in which any soldier may have a stone 12x24 inches, inscribed with 40 letters, for $10, and 20 cents extra for each letter."

GLC05137.037

1865

Photograph

Title: Ruins of the Catholic Cathedral, Charleston, S. C

E. & H. T. Anthony, publisher. Front view of the cathedral which no longer has a roof.

GLC05137.105

circa 1861-1865

Pierce, E. B.

Photograph

Title: In civilian suit, vignette bust portrait

Ink inscription on recto "E. B. Pierce Chap. 1st Ala. Infty. A.D."

GLC05111.02.0898

circa 1861-1865

Wolff's Gallery

Photograph

Title: As chaplain, vignette bust portrait

Ink inscription on verso "Rev. Wm. A. Houck Chaplian [sic] 205th Regt. P.V." Photographers imprint on verso: "Wolff's Gallery No. 10 Royal Street, Alexandria, Va. Opperman, Photographer. Additional Copies from the plate from which this picture is taken can be had if desired."

GLC05111.02.0919

circa 1861-1865

Photograph

Title: Unidentified infantry chaplain, standing 3/4 length portrait

Subject has forage hat in right hand, with arms crossed in front of himself. Photographers imprint on verso: "Cartes de Visite H. J. Reed Artist Cor. Main & Front Sts. Worcester, Mass."

GLC05111.02.1212

7 July 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Printed document signed

Title: [Authorization to affix the seal to "my proclamation," for a day of national humiliation and prayer]

Partially printed document ordering the seal affixed to a presidential proclamation praying for an end to the Civil War. A pencil note on verso explains the circumstances of the document.

GLC07108

26 October 1791

Stillman, Rev. Dr., fl. 1791

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Van Schaak

Thanks him for his letter. Regrets that he suffers so much persecution on account of his "adherence to the Episcopal Church." Reminds him that current law protects the free exercise of religion. Stillman is possibly Samuel Stillman, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Boston from 1764 to 1807.

GLC07160.03

14 December 1794

Danforth, Joshua, 1759-1837

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Van Schaack

Advises that there are certain expenses that must be taxed on the Congregationalists. Requests information on the damages and costs resulting from a suit against the town. Sends two Philadelphia newspapers containing the speech of Mr. Sedgwick on the motion of Mr. Fitzsimmon's "relative to self created societies." Asks for New York newspapers in return. Note on verso, "One of my Philadelphia papers is mislaid - I cannot find it."

GLC07160.05

1792

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823

Autograph document

Title: [Notes on taxation and establishment of churches in Massachusetts]

Notes outlining his arguments against the practices of taxation and appropriation of public monies to fund construction of meeting houses and payment of teachers for denominational majorities. Cites the state constitution and its Bill of Rights. In general, Van Schaack records quotes from the constitution, axioms regarding the separation of church and state, and personal readings of the two, in the left-hand column. In the right-hand column appear specific instances that violate his principles, and other details relating to religion in Massachusetts. Page four has four points to be included…

GLC07160.06

2 December 1859

Brown, John, 1800-1859

Autograph quotation signed

Title: to Aaron D. Stevens

Written on the day Brown was hanged from Charlestown Prison, Virginia, present day West Virginia. Writes in full, "He that is slow to anger; is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit, that he, that taketh a city" Solomon."; with Stevens autograph endorsement "This was given me an hour or two before he was executed. A.D.S."

GLC07230.01

3 July 1852

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Adams

Thanks Adams, possibly an underground railroad conductor, for the invitation to Independence Day events at Fall River, Massachusetts, but cannot make it. Sends his sentiments instead which he calls trite but necessary. "Defenders of the Constitution, let us not forget the principles of the Declaration; but for the equal support of both, in the spirit of our fathers, without compromise & with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, let us mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes & our sacred honor." Addressed to Robert Adams as Chairman.

GLC07356.01

28 May 1864

Fletcher, Francis H., 1841-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob C. Safford

Fletcher, a black soldier in the 54th Massachusetts Colored Infantry, complains bitterly of the inequality of treatment and pay between the white and black soldiers. "Just one year ago to day our regt was received in Boston with almost an ovation, and at 5 P.M. it will be one year …in that one year no man of our regiment has received a cent of monthly pay all through the glaring perfidy of the U.S. Govt." He references an act for equal pay passed in 1864, "All the misery and degradation suffered in our regiment by its members' families is not atoned for by the passage of the bill for equal…

GLC07345