1853

Griffiths, Julia, fl. 1895

Book

Title: Autographs for freedom

An anthology of signed articles, poems, etc., by men and women prominent in the anti-slavery movement. Includes Frederick Douglass's "The Heroic Slave." The signatures are in facsimile. Published by John P. Jewett and Company for the Rochester Anti-Slavery Society as a fund raiser. Edited by Griffiths, who signed (in print) in the preface: "On behalf of 'The Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society,' Julia Griffiths, Secretary."

GLC08949

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

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

16-19 August 1856

Brown, John Jr., 1821-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jason Brown and others

Discusses the fighting between pro-slavey and anti-slavery activists in Kansas. Explains that "Events of the most stirring character are now passing within hearing distance...more than 200 shots have been fired within the past half hour, and within a mile of our Camp. Have just learned that some 80 of our free state men have 'pitched in' to a pro-slavery Camp this side of Lecompton." Provides a rich description of both current events and happenings over the past month, both their own actions and those of the pro-slavey men. Recounts the capture of "The notorious Col Titus who only a day…

GLC08906

February 11, 1866

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Wilson

Replies to a letter Wilson wrote when Garrison discontinued publication of the Liberator, his anti-slavery newspaper. Writes that he so values Wilson's letter, he will ask his children to preserve it with other valuable autographs and memorials. Declares "I have certainly lived to see the most astonishing revolution in the feelings and sentiment of a people, of which history makes any record; breaking the yokes and fetters of millions... abolishing a system of oppression as seemingly impregnable as it was fiendishly cruel, abasing the proud and lifting up the lowly... For the humble share I…

GLC08888

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

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

8 March 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Reports to son about the death of a family friend, Ben Morgan. Writes that "I asked him of his hope of Heaven. He said it was strong, strong enough to bear him over the Jordon of waters." Instructs his son to make himself acquainted with his officers, as it will be helpful later. States, "I am in favor of calling out a sufficient force to end the War at once for we have been having too much of a [temporising] policy. I am in favor also as the War has run into the Negro as strongly drafting every Negro in the North and then let those Ultra abolitionists go with them as officers see what they…

GLC03523.10.061

3 December 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. The men are busy preparing for an inspection, because "they say that the Regt that passes the best inspection will do Provost Guard duty in the city this winter." Damuth has received a pair of suspenders from his family by mail and is glad, reporting that clothing goods are expensive if purchased in camp. Damuth is now receiving twenty-four dollars a month. The night before, Damuth went to the theater to see "the Webb sisters…young but perfect beauties." Going to the theater is a good pastime for soldiers, he argues, because "we see again a little civile life."…

GLC03523.14.77

16 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Asks his son not to "neglect your daily devotions and cast off your Confidence in God: for he is your only shield, and defense in the day of trouble." Continues on to report that he has heard that General Ambrose Burnside's old Corps has returned to Cincinnati and crossed over to Covington, Ohio. Hopes that Joseph will be sent from Black River, his current location, to somewhere closer to home. Recently went to a gathering where he enjoyed himself, despite the fact that the "crowd was so strongly abolition." Discusses local matters extensively, including local elections. Mention John Brough,…

GLC03523.10.091

23 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses a church sermon about religion and the war, during which the preacher stated, "any man be he Whig, Democrat, Republican, abolitionist or even Negro that would help to put down the Rebellion he would take them by they hand." States "I think the Rebellion is on its hind Legs, and if our forces succeed in taking Charlestown [South Carolina], Savannah [Georgia], and Mobile [Alabama], which they are certain ultimately to do, and then concentrate all their forces against [General Robert E.] Lee's Army. They can't stand it much longer unless those new Conscripts which they are pressing…

GLC03523.10.095

6 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes to his son, "I have been frequently asked by your old friends whether it is so that you have turned abolitionist: I have upon all occasions told them that I did not think it could be possible. and, it has even been thrown up in a taunting manner. if so say so, and upon what principal the change has taken place. I presume the grounds from which the report came was that you were not a Vallandingham man... The subject of nominating a War Democrat for Governor is being agitated and on the 19th inst there is a County Convention appointed to nominate a Delegate... I am in for the project for…

GLC03523.10.100

13 September 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Informs his son, "We... have noticed by the papers that Rosencrans [sic] is pushing after the [Rebl] army and has possession of Chattanooga and that Burnside with his army has taken Cumberlan [sic] Gap with 2,000 Prisoners and 19 guns, and had also possession of Knoxville... I think now if Old Abe and his Cabinet would act with direction there are several States which would lay down their Arms and enter into the Union or in other words would signify their intention of submitting to the Constitution as it is, but I know from certain givings out of the Union Speakers in the State of Ohio that…

GLC03523.10.103

15 November 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Discusses a meeting that was held at their house concerning conscription, noting that he hoped to "stir up enough people to volunteer to prevent the draft...Our Township's apportionment is 25 if raised by volunteering but if raised by Draft 38 men. I have no idea that the men will be raised against the 5th of Jany and then there will be a great fluttering among those fighting abolitionists for fear of it striking them..." Remarks, "it has always appeared to me that it was a great injustice to the soldiers in the field not to have force to fill up the decimated Regiments." Notes the railroad…

GLC03523.10.113

6 April 1863

Maitland, John A., fl. 1854-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [James M. Maitland]

Tells his brother that he has been happily working at the Rolling Mill, where he has made 900 dollars. He is also in good health. Reports on farm activities and comments that their uncle, James Maitland died two years ago. States, "Conflict has come upon us at last the Fanatics North & South have Cursed our Country and God only knows when it will end. We have had a repetition of the reign of terror that our Forefathers Experienced." Continues on about the war, "Why I hardly know Who I was he says you are going to fight for your Country aint you boy you'll Fight for the Constitution &…

GLC03523.10.062

21 May 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph M. Maitland

Writes, "There is considerable excitement in the Political atmosphere. The Republicans have nominated rather a strong ticket headed by John Brough for Governor and Charlie Anderson of Texas notoriety for Lieut Gov." Recently read a speech by Brough, noting that there were "two ideas advanced which I cannot concur in. That is [inserted: in] regard to arbitrary arrests by the Military, and trying them before a Military Tribunal instead of the civil according to the provisions of the Constitution. And the other idea was that the present war could never be stopped until slavery was entirely…

GLC03523.10.067

circa 1880-1890

Volck, Adalbert John, 1828-1912

Print

Title: Free Negroes in the North

Depicts a scene of urban depravity. Volck is seeking to convey the hypocrisy of the North when it comes to the plight of blacks. The focal point of the sketch is a well-dressed white man who may be Henry Ward Beecher, a leader in the antislavery movement and pastor of a congregation in near Brooklyn, New York. Despite his finery, Beecher does not offer monetary help to the emaciated beggar clothed only in rags: he merely drops a religious "tract" to him with a gloved hand. On the other side of a fence, another white man looks through his purse to pay two grave robbers for a corpse. All of…

GLC00493.26

27 July 1861

Haldeman, Walter N., 1821-1902

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily courier. [ Vol. 33, no. 24 (July 27, 1861)]

Great Battle in Va., Special Accounts From Richmond, Message of President Davis, Dispatch from President Davis - announcing victory, The Abolition of Slavery, A Word to Non-Slave Holders, Details of the Battle.

GLC05959.12.02

11 September 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 33, no. 294 (September 11, 1863)]

Burnside at Cumberland Gap - Unconditional Surrender Thereof, Crittenden Occupies Chattanooga, Glorious News From Charleston, Fall of Fort Wagner & Fort Gregg, Rebels to Make Stand at Rome, Georgia, Rebels Evacuate Little Rock, Arkansas. This issue reports a sword presentation, with printed speeches made by Jacob Tilford and Lieutenant W.H. Brown. A notice to Louisville property owners lists areas for work on pavement, curbs, and sidewalks, and a monthly auditor's report records expenditures for the city for August. An article reports the surrender of Cumberland Gap to loyalist hands.…

GLC05959.14.11

14 October 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 33, no. 327 (October 14, 1863)]

News From Virginia, Fighting Near Culpepper, Federals Evacuate Culpepper, Rebel Army Crosses Rapidan, General Meade Falling Back, Federal Cavalry in Pursuit of Wheeler, News From the Potomac. A report of the destruction of a supply train in Tennessee is printed in this issue. Colonel Richard T. Jacob writes a lengthy letter describing the pursuit and capture of Morgan. An editorial about the election in Tennessee points to abolition as the big problem.

GLC05959.14.20

April 21, 1859

Kagi, John, fl. 1859

Photograph

Title: [Photograph of couple]

Collateral photo accompanied with autograph letter signed (See GLC07235.01).

GLC07235.02

14 November 1862

A.S. Willington & Co., fl. 1861-1864

Newspaper

Title: Charleston daily courier. [Vol. 60, no. 19,315 (November 14, 1862)]

General Forrest's Skirmish with the Abolitionists from Richmond, Removal of McClellan, Extract from Dr. Stiles' Letter from the Army of the Potomac, Yankee Depredations on the Coast, Defenses of Savannah. Illness of General Kirby Smith. Arrival of Lord Lyons. Announcements of the Death of Union General O.M. Mitchell and Other Officers. Tyranny in Memphis.

GLC05959.37.09

1861-1865

Autograph document

Title: [Extract of a letter]

Undated, unsigned letter with a later note in pencil at top declaring, "Extract from Rodman's letter to Nancy Maxwell-." The writer gives her memory of a Friends Meeting where Rachel Howland rose and asked the congregation to pray for those in slavery as well as men fighting on the battlefields of the Civil War. States that it was very emotional scene.

GLC03228.12

12 December 1863

Prentice, George Dennison, 1802-1870

Newspaper

Title: Louisville daily journal. [Vol. 34, no. 19 (December 12, 1863)]

Lovejoy's Bill to Punish Slave Holding, Rebel Losses at Knoxville. The front page of this issue includes the address of Lieutenant General R.T. Jacob upon taking his seat as the presiding officer in the Kentucky Senate, with minutes from the Kentucky Legislature. Minutes from the local Board of Aldermen meeting are included. The Governor of Kentucky responds to Lincoln's request for volunteers, filling the necessary quota.

GLC05959.14.33

23 April 1862

Spelman, John, 1821-1899

Newspaper

Title: Weekly state journal. [Vol. 2, no. 24 (April 23, 1862)]

The Roanoke Island Defeat, News From Corinth, Huntsville & Decatur, Heavy Federal Losses at Shiloh, Death of General Buell, Evacuation of Fredericksburg, Laws of the Confederate States of America, General A.S. Johnston's Battle Order. Editorials discuss current Southern markets and prices, efforts of the Confederacy to raise money, and the lack of fighting. A long article describes the defeat at Roanoke. The laws of the Confederate states are printed. An article reports the passing of an abolition program in D.C.

GLC05959.25.01