February 22, 1843

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Pamphlet

Title: [Taking possession of Monterey: Message from the President of the United States]

Message confirming the unauthorized invasion and possession of Monterey, California, by Captain Thomas ap Catesby Jones. Announces Jones' recall and asks that all correspondence relating to his tour in the Mexican territories be investigated. Those related papers are included in this pamphlet. Pamphlet lacks a proper cover.

GLC00267.108

11 May 1846

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Pamphlet

Title: [Message of the President... repelling the invasion... by the Mexican forces]

In anticipation of requesting a declaration of war against Mexico, Polk enumerates all preventative measures the United States has taken to avoid a confrontation, and describes the poor treatment of American citizens and their property at the hands of the Mexicans. He lays these facts before Congress so they may make an informed decision as to the future of American-Mexican relations. Pamphlet includes correspondence relating to these preventative measures. Pamphlet lacks a proper cover.

GLC00267.114

1847-1848

Mason, John Y., 1799-1859

Book

Title: Report of the Secretary of the Navy

Autograph of R.S. Baker inside front cover. Report of Secretary of the Navy Mason discussing naval coverage throughout the world. Appendix from Executive Document. No. 1 includes military reports from army commanders in Mexico to Mason. Report includes Executive Document. No. 1 and No. 6. Back cover lined with flyer for an illustrated natural history book by Dr. A.B. Strong.

GLC00267.115

12 May 1846

Giddings, Joshua Reed, 1795-1864

Pamphlet

Title: [Speech of Hon. Joshua R. Giddings...on the bill to raise a company of sappers, miners, and pontoniers]

Giddings attacks Polk's declaration of war against Mexico, the frivolous spending of the public treasury, and the dubious means by which soldiers are enlisted. Giddings believes in the defense of America and the support of its military, but does not think that the founding fathers "anticipated the hostile invasion of other countries by us."

GLC00267.116

14 May 1846

Thurman, Allen Granberry, 1813-1895

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Allen G. Thurman, of Ohio, in relation to the Mexican War...

Title continues, "and in reply to Messrs. Giddings, Tilden, and Delano." (See GLC00267.116). Supports Polk's declaration of war and attacks his Ohio colleagues.

GLC00267.117

1847

Dixon, James, 1814-1873

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Dixon, of Connecticut against the extension of slave territory.

Delivered in the House of Representatives, 9 February 1847. Printed by J & G.S. Gideon, Washington, D.C. Argues against slavery being extended into the territories and criticizes the president [James Polk] over the Mexican War.

GLC00267.118

1860

O'Connell, Daniel, 1775-1847

Pamphlet

Title: Daniel O'Connell upon American slavery: with other Irish testimonies.

Anti-Slavery tracts no. 5, new series. Published by the American Anti-slavery Society.

GLC00267.088

1844

Allen, George, 1792-1883

Pamphlet

Title: An appeal to the people of Massachusetts, on the Texas question

Appeals to the people to oppose the annexation, arguing that adding Texas to the Union will further entrench and empower the institution of slavery. Suggests holding a convention. Attributed to "A Massachusetts Freeman." Printed by Charles C. Little & James Brown.

GLC00267.104

1848

Mann, Horace, 1796-1859

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Horace Mann, of Mass., on the right of Congress to legislate for the territories of the United States, and its duty to exclude slavery therefrom.

Speech delivered in the House of Representatives on 30 June 1848. Opposes the Mexican War and the extension of slavery. Printed by J. & G. S. Gideon, Washington, D.C. First edition.

GLC00267.120

January 27, 1848

Phelps, Samuel Shethar, 1793-1855

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Phelps, of Vermont, on the war and the public finances

Autographed inscription reads "S.S. Phelps sent by himself March 7, 1848." Asks Congress how the war can be fought successfully while it lasts and how it can be terminated. Questions the economic future of America as it relates to the war. Raises the question of responsibility as it applies to the commencement of the war.

GLC00267.123

February 14, 1848

Duer, William, 1805-1879

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Duer, of New York, on the origin of the war with Mexico...

Title continues "and the Objects of the Administration of the U. States." Believes the annexation of Texas was a poor excuse for war with Mexico.

GLC00267.124

4 March 1848

Cabell, Edward Carrington, 1816-1896

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Mr. Cabell, of Florida, on the Mexican War

Discusses Polk's failure to consult Congress about the question of Texas' western boundary, the negotiation therein to settle the border dispute, and the order to send the army into Mexico.

GLC00267.125

January 13, 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Pamphlet

Title: [Refusal to furnish instruction to Mr. Slidell. Message from the President]

Polk's refusal to furnish correspondence between Minister Plenipotentiary of Mexico Slidell and himself on the grounds that the orders contained therein relate to negotiations that are ongoing. Polk does include reports from the Secretaries of War, State, and the Navy regarding the return of Presidents Antonio Lopéz de Santa Anna and Mariano Paredes y Arrillaga to Mexico. References George Washington's precedent in refusing to comply with an order from Congress regarding correspondence surrounding a treaty with Great Britain.

GLC00267.126

February 11, 1848

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Pamphlet

Title: [Propositions for peace. Message from the President of the United States]

Regarding a lack of correspondence from Mexican authorities and commissioners for a treaty of peace. HED 40, Tutorow 1694.

GLC00267.127

January 15, 1849

United States. Congress

Pamphlet

Title: Report of the Committee on the Judiciary with the views of the minority of that committee on bill S. 350, for the admission of California into the Union as a state

Two reports against the case for admitting California to the Union, dealing with states' rights and federal jurisdiction. Berrien feels that the territory acquired in the treaty with Mexico is too large for a single state, and ponders the inevitable problems that would arise. Resolves that a territorial government be established for the part of California west of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and for the territory of New Mexico west of the western boundary of Texas. Downs is concerned with the administration of California. Calls for a convention to draw up laws, and resolves that a district…

GLC00267.131

1850

King, T. Butler, 1800-1864

Book

Title: T. Butler King's report on California...

Title continues "Message from the President of the United States Title continues "Message from the President of the United States transmitting the report of T. Butler King, esq., heretofore appointed bearer of despatches and special agent to California." Butler describes at length the changes resulting in California from the Gold Rush, such as: how gold was discovered, how much has been mined, how many people migrated, and what has happened since. Discusses the economic possibilities and the sharing of California's wealth with the rest of the United States. Mentions a possible railroad…

GLC00267.132

1848

Mann, Horace, 1796-1859

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of Hon. Horace Mann, on the right of Congress to legislate for the territories of the United States, and its duty to exclude slavery therefrom:

First Boston edition, with an added letter from Hon. Martin Van Buren, a free soiler, and Rev. Joshua Leavitt. Opposes the Mexican War and the extension of slavery. Delivered in the House of Representatives on 30 June 1848. Printed in Boston by J. Howe.

GLC00267.121

1850

Livermore, Abiel Abbot, 1811-1892

Book

Title: The War with Mexico reviewed

Autographed inscription reads "G.L. Wston Esqr., With the respects of John Ball."

GLC00267.130

1823-1824

United States. Congress (18th, 1st session : 1823-1824). Senate

Book

Title: A list of reports to be made to the House of Representatives at the first session of the eighteenth Congress by the executive departments

Book of reports and state papers sent to the 1st session of the 18th Congress. Each report or group of papers is paginated separately. Contains first printing of Monroe Doctrine (report #2), which is 15 pages long. Given to Congress on 2 December 1823 the doctrine precluded European intervention in any part of the Western Hemisphere. In original sheep binding. Light rubbing and periodic foxing.

GLC00237

June 7, 1813

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James T. Austin

Elbridge Gerry remarks that the governor of Massachusetts, Caleb Strong, "displayed his british colours," referring to Strong not allowing the Federal Government to recruit troops for the War of 1812 in his state. He notes that President Madison recovered from an illness and praises the president and his wife. He mentions that he cannot send a document that Austin wants. In response to Strong, President Madison withdrew all protection from Massachusetts. Gerry was then vice president.

GLC00239

March 28, 1911

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Typed letter signed

Title: to Talcott Williams

William H. Taft updates Williams, a political journalist, on the tense status of relations between the United States and Mexico in return for Williams' "seal of silence." He refers to an enclosed copied letter for United States Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood, containing instructions for generals commanding 20,000 troops Taft ordered to the Mexican border in early March (not included). He informs Williams of anti-American riots in Mexico, and actions Mexico took to prevent the United States from building a dam near the Mexican border. He states that Henry Lane Wilson, United States…

GLC00240

16 March 1778

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Printed document signed

Title: [Partially printed document authorizing the forcible capture of British vessels]

This document serves as a form by which Continental Congress authorizes the seizure of British ships and crew members in a warlike manner. Originally signed by Hancock during his term as President of the Congress (24 May 1775- 31 October 1777). This particular document authorizes Ebenezer Williams, Commander of the Polly, to seize British vessels. States that the Polly is owned by Andrew Caldwell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Signed at the bottom by William Mumford, a Secretary, and Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke. Williams' name and other information appear to have been filled…

GLC00231

circa 1861-1877

Mehlbreuer, F.W., fl. 1861-1877

Photograph

Title: Oval bust carte de visite portrait of man in military dress

Imprint of F.W. Mehlbreuer, Mainz, on both recto and verso. The number 88 is visible on the man's epaulets.

GLC00241.23

circa 1861-1877

Photograph

Title: Full length carte de visite portrait in militrary dress

Imprint of J. Haeuselmann, Bienne, on both recto and verso.

GLC00241.24

February 16, 1847

Missouri, Legislature

Printed document

Title: Memorial of the general assembly of Missouri, requesting that efforts be made by negotiation with the British government, to procure the restoration of fugitive slaves.

29th Congress, 2d session. Senate document no. 150. Missouri requests a measure for negotiations with England to prevent slaves escaping to Canada. Printed by Ritchie & Heiss, printers.

GLC00267.137