18 September 1863

Dupont, Samuel F., 1803-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E. Jackson

Written by Admiral DuPont to E. Jackson. Thanks Jackson for his letter of 15 September. Letter concerns his removal from office. Believes it was done because of his statement that a naval attack could not take Charleston. Says he has no anger toward the government because they need to be able to select their agents as they desire, but is angry that they give false reasons for his removal. Says his side of the story has not been made public. Says "My offense I presume consisted in saying that 'a purely naval attack' was not the way to take Charleston and that Monitors could not do it, and…

GLC06453

28 October 1862

Holt, Joseph, 1807-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lorenzo Thomas

The military commission investigating the surrender of Harpers Ferry desire that Major General Wool testify before the commission, and also bring with him all orders and correspondence between himself and Colonel Miles regarding the defense of Harpers Ferry. The Union army was badly defeated at Harpers Ferry on 15 September 1862 by Stonewall Jackson's forces, and forced to quickly surrender.

GLC06457

29 July 1862

Kearny, Philip, 1815-1862

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Recommendation for the promotion of Lieutenant Col. Nelson A. Gesner]

Brigadier Generals David Bell Birney and Samuel P. Heintzelman, and Major General Kearny recommend Gesner for promotion to Colonel of the 101st Regiment, New York Volunteers. Major General Kearny supports Gesner's promotion, commending his service in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks and his ability as a drill officer. All recommendations appear to have been written as dockets. Missing the page with the full recommendation. Prepared by Thomas W. Egan, Colonel, 40th Regiment, New York State Volunteers.

GLC06459

8 March 1863

Quinby, Isaac F., 1821-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leonard Fulton Ross

General Quinby, Commander of the 7th Division, 17th Army Corps, Army of the Tennessee, writes from the steamer Superior. Encloses an extract from a letter (not included) in which General Ulysses S. Grant informs General James Birdseye McPherson of "his general plan of operations for the reduction of Vicksburg." Relates that Grant attaches great importance to Ross's movement down the Yazoo River. Informs Ross "We cannot afford to fail, but must move surely, even though it be slowly, towards the proposed end. The enemy doubtless knows of your progress, and has guessed your object before…

GLC06462

1863-1864

Crans, Adolphus W., fl. 1863-1864

Header Record

Title: [Soldier's collection] [Decimalized .01- .43]

Collection includes 25 signed letters, most accompanied by envelopes. Also a Roll of Company B, 1st NY Cavalry. Crans discusses his experience in battle, and Washington D.C. Includes reports from Toliver (Taliaferro) Heights and Middleton, Virginia, and Maryland. Includes photographs: John C. [Fentee], E.J. M. Mullen, George [Bandoll], an unidentified man and woman standing, and an unidentified man on stooop.

GLC06627.01

15 November 1775 - 5 July 1778

Kemble, Stephen, 1740-1822

Header Record

Title: [Orderly books of American Loyalist]

Lieutenant Colonel Kemble, an American Loyalist related by marriage to Thomas Gage, served as chief of intelligence under William Howe and (briefly) Henry Clinton. He eventually gave up his position to Major John Andre. Locations include Boston, Halifax, New York, White Plains, and Philadelphia, among others. The books, kept in British Army headquarters, record information relating to the occupation of Boston, New York and Philadelphia, as well as the battles of White Plains and Monmouth, and the captures of Fort Washington and Lee. Kemble recorded not only copies of Howe's and Clinton's…

GLC06668

6 September 1780

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Duane

Hamilton, aide-de-camp to Washington, expresses his disgust with General Horatio Gates' disastrous defeat and consequent flight from the Battle of Camden, South Carolina on 16 August 1780. Gates retired in disgrace after Camden, but was cleared two years later by a Congressional inquiry.

GLC06671

9 February 1781

Bee, Thomas, 1725-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Bee writes as a Continental Congressman from South Carolina with news of the American victory in the state (most likely the Battle of Cowpens, 17 January 1781). Also informs that the troops are very low on supplies. Mentions that Benedict Arnold is in Virginia, that Hessians are at Charleston and that North Carolina has been unresponsive to appeals for aid. Also mentions British General Charles Cornwallis and gives an update on other troop movements and events.

GLC06633

6 September 1762

Amherst, Jeffery Amherst, Baron, 1717-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sir William Johnson

Written by Amherst as Governor-General of British North America, a title he earned after his forces captured Fort Ticonderoga and Montreal during the French and Indian War, to Johnson, a subordinate of Amherst's. Passing along information on British victory at Havana from Lord Albemarle, Commander of the British army. The attack was part of Britain's offensive against Spain when she entered the war in support of France late in 1761. The British government's response was immediately to plan large offensive amphibious operations against Spanish overseas possessions, particularly Havana, the…

GLC06636

2 May 1863- April 6 1865

Manuscript document

Title: Nominal Lists Casualties, Company Orders, Detailed officers and enlisted men, officers absent and present not on duty

Roster of 120th regiment New York Volunteer Infantry. Written on inside cover, in pencil, "The Regiment enlisted 2000 men but returned home unable to muster more than 350 - such had been the work of bullet and desease." First thirteen pages list officers and enlisted men "absent and present." Remaining pages list "killed, wounded and missing." Includes action at Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, the Wilderness, and Petersburg. The last entry, "Pursuit of Lee's Army," written three days before the surrender at Appomattox. Bound in reverse leather.

GLC06638

circa 1777-1778

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [The Lancaster pocket almanack, for the year 1778. Being the third year of American Independency. Inscribed by William Ellery].

Title continues: "and the neighbouring states; containing a variety of useful lists and tables." Signed on the cover with his title: "Lancaster Almanack for 1778." Includes 24 blank pages for notes, which Ellery has filled with diary, notes, and some accounts while serving as a Member of the Continental Congress. He purchased the book in late 1777, possibly after Congress fled to Lancaster to escape the British occupation of Philadelphia. The diary discusses Congress' July 4 celebration, the British evacuation of Philadelphia, the Battle of Monmouth, Franklin's arrival at the French court…

GLC06669

11 April 1781

Morgan, Daniel, 1736-1802

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

Written by Brigadier General Morgan after resigning on 10 February 1781 to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. References Greene's letter of 26 March 1781. Writes a flattering letter expressing his pride and pleasure in knowing and working with Greene. Congratulates Greene on "repelling the enemy when the whole country stood trembling" at Guilford Courthouse, North Carolina. He commends Greene for his "Gallantry and good conduct" while the now sick Morgan served with him. Says he is directed by the Virginia Assembly to send their thanks for men who fought with him…

GLC06685

3 September 1864

Benham, Tower S., fl. 1841-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Ogden

States he was recently in two major battles where his company suffered several casualties. Expresses his opinions on the 1864 election. Notes he hopes that Fremont will not run, because he fears that if he does, General George McClellan will be elected. Supports Abraham Lincoln, and believes that, if elected, he will bring the war to a speedy end.

GLC06559.004

1945

Henley, Raymond D., fl. 1945-1953

Header Record

Title: Collection of Raymond D. Henley relating to the Marines on Okinawa [Decimalized .01-.10]

Henley was a member of the 2nd Squad, 1st Platoon, "G" Company, 3rd Battalion, 29th Marines. The collection includes photographs, photo albums, his squad book, a telegram and letter to his wife, three medals, a certificate showing he fought in China, a Japanese flag he brought home from Okinawa, and other miscellaneous items. The photographs are images from China, the Pacific, Okinawa, United States armed forces, the devastation, and Japanese P.O.W's and dead.

GLC06567

29 May 1853

Atchison, David Rice, 1807-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jefferson Davis

Page one consists of a letter from Atchison, a United States Senator from Missouri, introducing Judge Samuel Treat of St. Louis to Davis, Secretary of War. Describes Treat as "a politician of the Nullification, Secession, & High Treason School, to which I belong, he understands the true position of parties and men in this State." Pages two and three consist of a 13 July 1863 letter from J. F. Allison, an infantryman from Illinois, to his parents. Allison discusses the surrenders of Vicksburg, Mississippi and Port Hudson, Louisiana. Describes witnessing Confederate General John C.…

GLC06569

1 January 1918 - 29 April 1919

Osborn, Ella Jane, 1881-1966

Diary

Title: [Diary of World War I army nurse Ella Jane Osborn] [word processed inventory available]

Ella Jane Osborn, originally from Wainscott, Long Island, New York, departed as an Army Nurse in January of 1918 and spent the majority of her assignment stationed near Toul and Nancy, in the Lorraine region of northeastern France, near the German border. She traveled extensively, spending time in London, Paris, Cannes, Blois Monte Carlo, Nice, and Antibes. She returned to New York by boat in March of 1919. Occasionally describes a particularly sad or touching death. Discusses in great detail the rumors and news she receives regarding Allied victories and defeats, and the negotiations of…

GLC06570.01

February 1798

Trumbull, John, 1756-1843

Print

Title: The Battle of Bunker's Hill

After the painting of John Trumbull. Engraving by Johann Gottfried von Muller. Published by A.C. de Poggi, in London.

GLC06579

February 1798

Clemens, Johan Frederik, 1748-1831

Print

Title: Death of General Montgomery

Engraved by Danish engraver J.F. Clemens, based on a painting by John Trumbull completed in 1786. Published by A.C. de Poggi at 91 New Bond Street, London. Depicts the death of General Richard Montgomery during the assault on Quebec on 31 December 1775. Montgomery showed real promise as an officer when he took command of General Philip Schuyler's army after Schuyler was evacuated because of illness. He led troops that captured St. John and Montreal and afterward he converged on Quebec with General Benedict Arnold and met his fate. Aaron Burr is depicted holding Montgomery. Burr tried to…

GLC06580

1 January 1861-21 October 1861

Averell, William W., 1832-1900

Diary

Title: [William Averell Civil War diary]

One of three of Union General Averell's Civil War-era diaries (see GLC06581.02-.03). The entries are highly detailed with a great deal of battle content, particularly cavalry actions. Also contains content related to his conversations with military and political figures, including Abraham Lincoln, that offer insight into many significant events of the war. Averell also jotted down small snatches of poetry and made several drawings. Memoranda sheets at ends have notes on them as well. Accompanied by three war-era notes from 1862 and three pressed flowers, originally contained in the…

GLC06581.01

August 1862- July 1865

Elmore, Bruce, fl. 1862-1865

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Bruce Elmore, C company, 143rd regiment, New York, infantry] [decimalized]

Over 200 letters from Sergeant Elmore to his wife, with an additional 60 from his wife. Highlights include pursuit of Lee's army after Gettysburg, the siege of Atlanta, Sherman's march to the sea, and other campaigns. Also includes several loose pages of an informal diary kept by Elmore during the March to the Sea, which he mailed home to his wife upon reaching Savannah. Elmore was discharged in July 1865.

GLC06588

18 November 1863- October 1864

Woodlin, William P., fl. 1863-1864

Diary

Title: [Diary of an African American soldier in 8th Regiment United States Colored Troops, Company G]

Woodlin's brief entries describe camp life, his service with the regimental band as a horn player, several battles, the weather, equal pay with white soldiers, and the famous 54th Massachusetts Regiment, among many other topics. He describes his part in the siege of Petersburg, Virginia, where his regiment arrived two months after fighting began. The middle section of this journal includes blank leaves, followed by several pages of notes and lists. The diary was rebound, but includes the separated original cover.

GLC06599

16 June 1863

Swords, J. M., fl. 1863

Newspaper

Title: The Daily citizen. [June 16, 1863]

News at Vicksburg, (false) reports of victory at Port Hudson. Support for General Pemberton. Geometric red and gray pattern.

GLC06812

11 April 1865

Newspaper

Title: Richmond Whig. [Vol. 1, no. 7 (April 11, 1865)]

Union-occupation issue, covering the fall of Richmond shortly before and the surrender of Robert E. Lee two days before. The front page contains biographical sketches of Confederate generals killed at Richmond or Petersburg, or who played an important role, including A.P. Hill, William H. Fitzhugh Lee, Gen. Pegram. On page 8 appears the correspondence between Lee and Grant, giving the terms of surrender at Appomatox. An article "The Duty of the North" by Henry Ward Beecher pleads pardon for the rebels. INK BLURRING from poor registry of the printer's forms. UNOPENED.

GLC06843

14 June 1864

F.T. Cooper & A.N. Kimball

Newspaper

Title: Daily Mississippian. [Vol. 3, no. 39 (June 14, 1864)]

re: Genl Sheridan's defeat by Hampton's cavalry near Richmond, Death of Genl Ambrose Burnside; printed in exile in Selma, AL. Lamination repairs at edges and center

GLC06870

1 April 1865

Selby, Julian A., 1833-?

Newspaper

Title: Columbia phoenix. [Vol. 1, no. 5 (April 1, 1865)]

Capture, sack, and destruction of the city of Columbia. Evacuation of Charleston.

GLC06872