October 1859

Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

Pamphlet

Title: Popular Sovereignty in the Territories: Judge Douglas in Reply to Judge Black

Responds at length to the criticisms of his position on popular sovereignty by Attorney General Jeremiah S. Black. Emphasizes that he would "never vote for a slave code in the Territories by Congress." First edition with original free franked envelope Douglas used to send it to Samuel Arnold of Haddam, Connecticut.

GLC08940

17 July 1872

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Pamphlet

Title: U. S. Grant and the colored people

Urging black voters to re-elect President Grant. Subtitled "His wise, just practical, and effective friendship thoroughly vindicated by incontestable facts in his record from 1862-1872." Addressed "To the Colored People of the United States." Defends Grant as a friend of African Americans and cataloges the ways in which he has helped the black race. Two months prior to this letter Douglass declined Victoria Woodhull's offer to run as her Vice-President on the Equal Rights Party ticket.

GLC08950

November 1840

Printed document

Title: [Illinois Poll Book for electors the election of 1840]

Partially printed precinct poll book for presidential electors in New Lessington, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln was listed among those running to be an elector (he lost). The names of registered voters are written (in the same hand) down the left side of the sheet. Lincoln is the tenth potential elector listed across the top, one of five Whig candidates. His name misspelled "Abram Lincoln." On the top of one side a hand-written name is crossed out and "Henry Celtney" is written above it. The Whigs fared poorly in the precinct, although Harrison ultimately won the presidency.

GLC08938

2 September 1843

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Calvin Colton

Suggestions for a pamphlet opposing Abolitionists. "Shew that the agitation of the question in free states will first destroy all harmony and finally lead to disunion. That the consequences of disunion - perpetual War - the extinction of the African race - ultimate military despotism...The slaves being free would be dispersed throughout the union; they wd. enter into competition with the American, the Irish, the German, and the free Colored; reduce his wages; be confounded with him; & affect his moral & social standing...Show...That the object is to unite in marriage the laboring…

GLC08952

6 November 1917 circa

N. Y. State Woman Suffrage Party

Broadside

Title: How to vote for woman suffrage amendment, election day, November 6th, 1917

Instructs voters which box to check on the ballot in order to vote in favor ammending the New York State Constitution to allow women the right to vote.

GLC08961

3 December 1867

Hincks, Edward W., 1830-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Nichols

Sends a draft of $100 and instructs Nichols to pay his life insurance policy with it. Informs that Lillie has a cold that is affecting her eyes so she cannot write. Everyone else is in good health. Thanks him for shipping some items. Comments on the election in South Carolina and states that 70,000 votes have been cast for the Republican ticket which ensures the state for the party. On stationery printed "Headquarters Second Military District, Provost Marshal General's Office."

GLC03212.06

30 August 1860

Breckinridge, John C. (John Cabell), 1821-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ernie and Morton

Vice President and Presidential candidate Breckinridge updates two individuals from New York City on his progress regarding an upcoming speech. States "I have not as yet even made a note ... It would be better, perhaps, if we were more accustomed in the west to carefull written preparation."

GLC05007.01

7 March 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding a successful journey. Encloses public documents that require attention (not included). Is disappointed because Secretary of State William Marcy has not drawn up a Treaty of Extradition. Gadsden feels that his successful work in Mexico will be hailed in Washington. Reports that his recent meetings with Ward, Escandon, and L.S. Hargous, the U.S. Consul in Vera Cruz, have gone well and that he holds the upper hand. Mentions having dealt with the Mexican government regarding a treaty that is honorable to both parties. Asks Cripps to send the minutes of…

GLC03587.01

6 January 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary regarding an upcoming reception at which he does not want to be present. Forwards a letter from J.B. Crocket of San Francisco (not included) who he wants Cripps to assist in deciphering a grant. Is still awaiting the notes from a conference Cripps was to send and explains that he may need to "make war" with Ward, using the notes as leverage. Mentions an upcoming interview with President Pierce and is concerned about his silence on the breach of trust, the center of which Gadsden believes is Ward and his cohorts. Promises that he and his treaty "will stand erect"…

GLC03587.07

February 5, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Annoyed with his Secretary regarding the conference notes he has been expecting since possibly March 1853 (see GLC03587.01 and .07). He has exposed Ward, and President Pierce has taken Gadsden's side. Gadsden is only disappointed that the provision regarding "the grant" has not been struck from the treaty, even after Ward had been outed. Rants about Ward being obtuse and treacherous and includes his thoughts on others' betrayals. Included clipping rebuts the rumor that Cripps became Gadsden's Secretary and Minister to Mexico because they were related. No postmark. Imprint in upper left…

GLC03587.08

February 22, 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary reporting that the treaty is before the Senate Committee of Foreign Relations and expects a favorable decision which he hopes will upset Ward. Recaps the road to their success but adds a few caveats relating to unwanted amendments to the treaty. Discusses the importance of keeping the people involved in the treaty process honest and why it is their duty to do it. Notes that they want to replace Black enslaved people and enslave indigenous and Mexican people. Mentions the inevitable possession of Cuba. Adds personal news. Postmarked 22 February, Washington, DC.,…

GLC03587.09

30 May 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary residing in Napa, California, after receiving Cripps' commission to repair Mexico City from Secretary of State Marcy. Says he will meet with Cripps sometime in July. In case Cripps arrives first, Gadsden instructs him to secure comfortable lodging and together they will find more permanent housing. Suggests obtaining a good cook and translator. Feels inclined to take Cripps' mother along to Mexico as a companion for Mrs. Gadsden, but says that, instead, they will both see him off at the port. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below the word "Paris."…

GLC03587.02

12 October 1853

Green, Thomas J., 1802-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Gadsden

Introduces Mr. Robert Rose, who is hand delivering this letter, as a businessman connected with building the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, of which Gadsden is an advocate. Writes that if Gadsden is successful in securing a treaty with Mexico for Sonora, he should insist upon 30 degrees north latitude from the Rio Grande to the Gulf of California. He says that the land is rich in silver, is closer to a Chinese trading post, and will be accessible by railroad. Encloses a letter for Hon. Robert J. Walker regarding the "Pacific road" (not included). Imprint in the upper left corner reads "O…

GLC03587.05

25 November 1860

Muggins, Pete, fl. 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abraham Lincoln

Intensely vitriolic letter sent to President Lincoln shortly after his election: "God damn your god damned old Hellfired soul to hell god damn you...Now you God damned old Abolition son of a bitch God damn you..." Attached to a board with a transcription and description dubbing this the "Hot stove" letter.

GLC08904

20 November 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that in Knox's letter from 14 November, Knox had reported that his brother William Knox had not yet arrived from England, but believes Knox is mistaken since he heard that the ship had in fact arrived. Discusses the political prospects of Mr. [John] Hancock, who "attends the General Court every Tuesday" but has not yet confirmed whether or not he will take his seat in Congress. Some have suggested Hancock will be appointed to the "chair" of the government, and that taking a seat in Congress will damage his prospects. Discusses debates in court over the Refugee Act, which passed by a…

GLC02437.03218

20 October 1855

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James M. Maitland

Informs his brother that his nine year old daughter recently died, and many friends as well. Discusses the high price of corn. Also speaks of political matters, writing "I can feel as much for suffering humanity as any abolitionist at least, but I think we should be just before we are mercifull and ought not to degrade twenty five milion white men for the purpose of elevating three million blacks, God the creator has for some wise purpose placed unmistakeable marks of distinction between the two races, and we have not right to try to alter what he has done, again Bretheren who hold slaves (…

GLC03523.10.014

4 March 1857

Maitland, J.G., fl. 1837-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J.M. Maitland

Letter is addressed "to cousin," (either Joseph M. or James M.). Gives updates on family. Notes that Newcastle, where he is writing from, is 12 miles from the Ohio and Pennsylvania Railroad Station. Notes that "Politically I am a National Republican with Real Democratic Principles. American Rules America."

GLC03523.10.017

19 December 1859

Maitland, William G., 1846-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James M. Maitland

Informs his brother that he has purchased a farm 300 acres from Blair County. States, "Now in regards to Politics: I am an administration Democrat Squatter...Sovernty I care nothing about...any political doctrine that will not suit East west north & South is not the National or Union doctrine...I believe the territory of the United States to be common..." Continues on to discuss the question of slavery and state rights, writing "I believe James Buchanan done just what any honest man would have done who regarded his oath to carry out the laws of the constitution Douglass, Garney, Hickman…

GLC03523.10.023

9 August 1861

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Reports to his brother-in-law that he has heard of the defeat at Manassas Junction, which took place on 21-22 July 1861, professing that the version of the story that he heard was much exaggerated. Informs him that Captain Baldwin's company has returned. Discusses the fall Democratic political campaign and how it relates to the war, the Constitution, and Abraham Lincoln's "course on the Habeas Corpus."

GLC03523.10.033

28 August 1861

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Relays to his brother that Hugh Jewett has accepted the Democratic nomination. Remarks that "the opposition is making great Lamentation over the Nominations and are endeavoring to make Capital by saying that the Democrats are opposed to the war, when it is known that they were the foremost to enlist, and spend their money to sustain the Constitution..." Location listed as "Salem Mills;" possibly former West Salem Mills, Ohio.

GLC03523.10.034

8 September 1861

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Discusses "Harrison's" health, mentioning that he has had many "fits" lately. Reports that there was a meeting at the Court House that was comprised mostly of Republicans, and gives him a detailed list of who attended. Location listed as "Salem Mills" possibly former West Salem Mills, Ohio.

GLC03523.10.035

10 November 1862

Maitland, J.G., fl. 1837-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [James M.] Maitland

Discusses the recent elections with his cousin, writing "I gave my opinion when you said that I was not with the Democratick Party Democracy - a pure Government offered by the Servants of the People. Is there any such Party - if so I have not found it in a Search of Twenty years."

GLC03523.10.050

7 November 1862

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Damuth

Writes to let his family know that he arrived safely in Helena, Arkansas, and that the army has crossed the Mississippi River. Gives detailed description of setting up camp, pitching tents and preparing for guard duty along the river. Damuth is in command of twenty-seven men on the look out for guerrilla Rebel soldiers. Tells a story about a Black mule driver who was forced to give up his team and wagon to Damuth's colonel. Mentions that there are "20000 more [men] across the river at Helena and more coming every day." There are few other troops from Wisconsin. Rumors have been…

GLC03523.14.02

17 March 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Damuth

Writes to his brother with little war news. Asks John if he is a member of the Democratic Club and warns him that "I would shoot my own brother as soon as I would a snake if I should see him in the ranks of such a Good forsaken set of trators." Says that any Democrat who speaks or writes to him will be purposefully trying to insult him. Takes pride in enlisting and opines, "thear can be but two parties engaged in it [the war] Patriots & Trators." More of the men are dying of typhoid fever.

GLC03523.14.16

4 April 1863

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Discusses the hurt feelings of a friend and Democrat from back home. Mentions that there is not "much drunkenness down here" since "Gen Prentiss is a temperance man." Asks for packages with items like dried fruit, silk handkerchiefs and cayenne pepper.

GLC03523.14.19