14 October 1826

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles B. Haddock

Replies to a previous inquiry from Haddock, his nephew, regarding the first settlers of New Hampshire. States that Nathaniel Adams' 1825 book, 'The Annals of Portsmouth', adds little to general knowledge on the history of New Hampshire. Offers his opinion on how religion and politics shaped the history of New England.

GLC06641.02

24 April 1832

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to M. Clerc-Lasalle [in French]

Lafayette's letter in French during the reign of Louis Philippe. Partial translation available. Provides advice to a friend of Clerc-Lasalle's on moving to America. Tells him about land policies in America and that his friend should learn English. Expresses anger at Louis Philippe's administration in France. Louis Philippe came to power with Lafayette's approval in 1830, but by 1832 he was claiming the King had broken earlier promises. Despite his waning influence and Louis Philippe's commitment to reform, he continued to fight the King until his death in 1834. Says all benefits of the 1830…

GLC06644

22 November 1885

Herndon, William H., 1818-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Kirk

Gives a friend his perceptions of Abraham Lincoln as a thinker, man, and statesman. He writes in part that Lincoln was "in the best sense of the word..., a deep, thorough and persistent thinker and a great reader of the political history of his country ... he was honest - prudent - far seeing - sagacious - he was cautious - conservative ... " He goes on to say that Lincoln had not reached his full mental maturity as he was assassinated at only 56 years old. Mentions that Lincoln also had negatives as he was not a perfect man, but does not list them.

GLC06648.01

11 July 1865

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893

Letter signed

Title: to F. A. Angell

General Butler writes to Angell in Brooklyn, New York. "A mans right to self government is inherent and inalienable. It does not depend on the degree of his intelligence or on other accident. It is the correlative of self defence. Is the negro a man? But it is said that the negro will vote as his late master directs, and thus increase his master's political power. Be it so... I do not see how he or we are worse off if the negro votes with him [the master]... we gain and can loose nothing by giving the negro the right of suffrage."

GLC06660

27 November 1780

Adams, Samuel, 1722-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

A personal letter by Adams as a Continental Congressman to his friend and protege, Gerry, a former member of Congress who decided to take a seat in the Massachsetts House of Representatives. Writes concerning his plans to retire from Congress and his fears that human nature is "too debased to relish the republican principles" on which the new American government is being founded. He worries about "political idolatry" and the corruption of Americans. Docketed by Elbridge Gerry.

GLC06667

20 May 1829

Marshall, John, 1755-1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Mercer Garnett

Written by Marshall as Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court to Garnett, the well-known Virginia politician and agricultural enthusiast and pamphleteer. Recipient inferred from Marshall's reference to "your" pamphlet "Reply to the Enquiries of a Freeholder," which was written by Garnett. Marshall states his private belief that the right to vote must be tied to land ownership. Says not all rights that Americans speak of are natural rights. Remarks that some "rights exist in a state of nature, but are surrendered, as it seems to me, when he enters into a state of society, in exchange for…

GLC06682

29 December 1837

Johnson, Richard M., 1780-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Roberts

Written as Vice President under Martin Van Buren. Mentions Henry Clay and states that Roberts can discern his feelings toward Clay from their relations. But remarks that he has never broken ties with distinguished men just because of politics. Feels that "We must all act upon our own responsibility & judgment but why feel unkind to others & every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle." Comments on the state of the Union and does not believe that anything can divide the states. "We have always seen disturbing causes vanish like smoke when pushed to an extreme -…

GLC06575

25 April 1836

Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

Letter signed

Title: to C.S. Knapp

Discusses at length the present state of the government and the unconstitutional and monarchal rule of the current president, Andrew Jackson. Quotes Edward Gibbons' "Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire," and George Washington. Expresses his views on democracy, the Constitution, and the principles of government. Ends by accepting the nomination for the presidency from the Anti-Masonic State Committee of Vermont, which Knapp headed.

GLC06614

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

12 December 1832

Hayne, Robert Y., 1791-1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Stephen Decatur Miller]

Informs that he has been elected governor of South Carolina (on December 10, just two days prior), and that nullification will proceed, despite the protests of Unionists in Charleston. Instructs that he should be kept informed as to the course of affairs of the other states and Congress on this matter. Wants the recipient, Senator Stephen Miller, to write to him once a week and give him "the earliest and most authentic information on this subject." Remarks that he has "no doubt that the State [South Carolina] will be nobly sustained in her present position." Notes in a postscript that John C…

GLC06562

25 November 1900

Willett, Grace, fl. 1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvia Willett

Discusses women suffrage in Wyoming in the election of 1900. Comments that turnout among women was high, but "their voting does not help purify politics." Willett supported the candidacy of Williams Jennings Bryan. Also comments on bad weather, money available to send, illness in the family, and playing music professionally.

GLC06594

circa 1864

Scrapbook

Title: [Union autograph and sentiment album]

Includes thirty-five autographed quotations and sentiments, and ten signatures. This collection was possibly prepared for sale by the United States Sanitary Commission at the April 1864 Metropolitan Fair, held in New York City. The sentiments and autographs are written on separate pieces of paper inlaid into the album. Includes signatures and quotations contributed by John Pierpont, J. G. Holland, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Fred A, [Coggins?], Richard Henry Dana, Alfred Billings Street, Thaddeus Stevens, William Lloyd Garrison, Lydia Maria Child, Horace Greeley, John B. [Gerysh?], John G…

GLC06620

1864

Broadside

Title: Who shall be Vice President? George Pendleton vs. Andrew Johnson [1864 election]

GLC06815

29 December 1806

Thompson, Thomas W., 1766-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Congressman Thompson to Langdon as Governor of New Hampshire. Says nothing of interest has occurred since the suspension of the non-importation law. Claims domestic issues take up most of their time. Has hope that negotiations with Britain and France are going well. Says that Aaron Burr's presence in Louisiana gave the Jefferson Administration great anxiety. But the capture of part of his flotilla and the probable capture of the rest, has relieved Jefferson. Jefferson considers Burr's insurrection suppressed. That being said, he reports that General James Wilkinson is…

GLC06545

circa 1860-1865

Cooper, Peter, 1791-1883

Manuscript document

Title: [Draft of speech introducing Lincoln]

Reads in part, "God has made our future peace depend on virtue -- and our national health on wise and temperate use of the blessings entrusted to our care." On page four he begins to introduce Lincoln but does not finish. With cross-outs and corrections.

GLC06474

7 April 1794

Edwards, John, 1748-1837

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Edwards, a United States Senator from Kentucky covers issues pertaining to Kentucky politics with Langdon, a Senator from New Hampshire. Discusses establishing posts on the wilderness road, navigation of an unspecified river (possibly the Mississippi or Ohio), establishing government for western people, and "firmly deciding in favour of Every resolution to oppose the insults and exhortations of Great Britain."

GLC06541

14 March 1832

Van Buren, Martin, 1782-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William L. Marcy

Describes his resentment at the Senate's failure, for political reasons, to confirm him for a diplomatic post, and his reluctant agreement to stand for election as candidate for Jackson's Vice-President, despite his "strong aversion" to doing so and its expected negative impact on his "happiness and welfare."

GLC06689

December 1, 1787

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs that he has debts in Jersey and is willing to have his pay applied to discharge the debt. Writes about the new constitution and the western territory, "I am much obliged to you for the new constitution & for the plan of Government for the Western Territory, they are both much wanted - it is hoped some kind of order will be introduced in this country by the latter, I never saw a country in which Licentiousness political & religious so much prevailed as in the Infant Settlements in this western World ... it wants a Government peculiarly adopted to the circumstances of the…

GLC02437.03718

24 April 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Doughty

Discusses warrants and [military] pay in New Jersey for the year 1787. Comments on the postponement of New Hampshire's convention to ratify the Constitution. Predicts that Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina will adopt the Constitution, while Rhode Island is likely not to adopt. Writes, "If the New Constitution takes place, strong hopes may be entertained of our being a respectable nation- If it does not, we have no hope of being united & happy- It is to be apprehended in this case that we shall be torn by factions... But I confess I have no doubt respecting the adoption of the…

GLC02437.03855

5 July 1788

Doughty, John, 1754-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Pitt. Thanks Knox for his assistance: "...it has extricated me from a Difficulty which all men must feel who are in Debt, & fail in their resources for payment." Congratulates Knox on Virginia's adoption of the Constitution, writing "I am in Hopes Health & Vigour will soon be restored to our Body politic- This happy circumstance must cheer the Hearts of our Countrymen, particularly those of our military Brethren, who have been struggling through the late Revolution, & who to their immortal Honor appear to feel so much for the Honor and Dignity of their Country…

GLC02437.03927

10 May 1791

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter from his brother Bradford, who is "much alarmed at the appearance of a rival candidate in the person of [a] mutual friend Harry Jackson." Expresses no wish to sway Knox's opinion, but does ask for his "Opinion of the requisite Qualities of the two Candidates ... conclude that [he] will ... Support the pretensions of the man [he has]... esteemed." Goes on to discuss Patrick Henry and his resignation from the Virginia government since "there is every reason to believe this State will no longer oppose the assumption of their debt, but quietly acquiesce in the funding system…

GLC02437.10229

17 October 1781

Wigglesworth, Edward, 1732-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Indicates that he has enclosed copies of a vote of thanks from Harvard College to Granville Sharp for a donation to the library that was conveyed through Knox (see GLC02437.01220). Asks that when Knox arrives in France he send thanks to Sharp, who lives in London. Requests that the communication be sent in way that does not expose Sharp "to political resentment." Also mentions that Harvard has not acquired any British publications since 1774 and asks that Knox attempt to procure some while in Europe. Wigglesworth was president of Harvard College.

GLC02437.01236

13 March 1788

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Carrington, a Continental Congressman from Virginia, reflects on Massachusetts' adoption of the Constitution (in February 1788) and what it will mean for Virginia: "The decision of Massachusetts is perhaps the most important event that ever took place in America, as upon her in all probability depended the fate of the Constitution- had she rejected I am certain there would not have been the most remote chance for its adoption in Virginia- the demoniac spirit has within a few weeks passed from the few in whom it was generated, to the mass of the people & rages in such a manner as to give…

GLC02437.03821

13 August 1800

Bradford, Alden, 1765-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions he was gratified that Miss [Lucy] Knox (Henry Knox's daughter) had a nice visit with them. Discusses the upcoming presidential election. Says he hopes the "Essex Jesuits" are unable to raise General [Charles Cotesworth?] [Pinckney] to the presidency. Comments the [Jesuits] party is not popular or influential. Expresses his desire for John Adams to be reelected and says Thomas Jefferson is the most dreaded candidate. Also discusses foreign politics and the issues with France and Britain.

GLC02437.09866

29 May 1800

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Williams writes Knox about his son Henry Jackson Knox and hopes that his son intends to return to his ship. Williams comments on the changes in the administration "which I think forebodes a settlement of some sort or other with France." Williams says it is assumed that Adams will lose the next election. Talks about a meeting of Federalists who want to run Pinckney and Adams "equally", which Adams will see as abandonment. "He wishes rather to take the chance of being second to Jeff than to P." Relates a letter James McHenry sent to him saying that he wished Williams to have a post in the…

GLC02437.07418