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

9 March 1848

Butler, William Orlando, 1791-1880

Document

Title: Orders No. 23

Signed by L. Thomas. Docket reads "Genl. Orders No. 23." Proceedings from a court of inquiry of Captain Justus McKinstry regarding a contract for blankets made with C.P. Garcia, a local Mexican businessman, and subsequent contracts given solely to Garcia's company through McKinstry.

GLC00911.73

24 March 1848

Butler, William Orlando, 1791-1880

Document

Title: Orders No. 38

Signed by L. Thomas. Proceedings from the court martial of Captain Justus McKinstry for bribery and corruption regarding a contract for blankets from C.P. Garcia, a local Mexican businessman. McKinstry was acquitted of charges that he received funds from clothing contracts with Garcia.

GLC00911.76

February 2, 1864

Damuth, Dolphus, fl. 1839-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Damuth

Writes to his sister. His brother, John, has enlisted and is joining Damuth's company. Damuth promises to make him comfortable, but admits that "it was hard enough for me to leave home but it is nothing compared with leaving a wife and five little ones." Confesses that "the war is a very dangerous undertaking." Twenty-seven men from his company have died since the start of the war. The men have been seeing rattlesnakes in Texas, including one which is six feet long. Writes of the hard work of his captain and says he "ought to be Major but others have rich and influential friends to work…

GLC03523.14.48

5 August 1863

Maitland, James M., 1815-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elhanan M. Mast

Reports to his brother-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Mast, that he received word from his son Joseph near in Jackson, Mississippi. Joseph informed him that Confederate General Joseph Johnston evacuated Jackson 17 July. Writes, "I see it stated in the papers that Grant was a going to grant [struck: parole] [inserted: furlough] to one fifth of his army, if such be the case, perhaps Joseph will have a chance to come home awhile." Notes that Benjamin P. Runkle purchased a home in Urbana, commenting that Runkle did not "gain many Laurels" in the pursuit of Confederate General John Morgan during…

GLC03523.10.089

26 July 1787

Morris, John, fl. 1787

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Morris

Writes a very long and detail letter to his wife about the news from the area and his application for half pay. Reports that "Doctor [Mr. Pendergass] had been playing the fool with one of his mades, the consiquances [sic] of which is by the help of malesious [sic] people he and his family is oblidged to leave the country." Mentions the doctor's wife could use a friendly face and asks his wife to call upon her. Says there has been no further news regarding the commissioners. Appears to be discussing a claim for payment he sent to the commissioners. States that if he does not receive…

GLC02437.03623

July 16, 1788

Pendleton, Nathaniel, 1756-1821

Manuscript letter

Title: Extract of a letter from Judge Pendleton

A retained file copy in Henry Knox's hand. Complains of living in "a place where corruption prevades [sic] every public department, and rudeness every private society. I confess I cant find words sufficient to express the indignation I feel at our late proceedings, and still less at the motives of the leaders of them - the legislature has just adjourned after having sold 15,500 000, acres of our western territory to a parcel of jobbers, that it would have disgraced a man of character to have had any dealings with." Discusses his disappointment with the corruption of Congress for selling the…

GLC02437.03747

11 October 1786-21 November 1786

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document signed

Title: to John Green

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes a long narrative regarding a dispute with Captain John Green, who helmed the ship Shaw traveled on during his first visit to China in 1784. The first page contains a letter to John Green from Shaw, in which he declares that he is aware of the "liberties you have taken with my character." Writes, "I know you to be my enemy. I declare myself irreconcileably yours. Yet, although enemies, I will ask a favor of you. Do not, Mr. Green, ever attempt, under any circumstances, to speak to me. I will religiously observe the same rule towards you…

GLC02437.03310

21 November 1786-3 December 1786

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox and Samuel Ogden

Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes a lengthy letter updating his friends Knox and Ogden on the status of his business in China. Says he is pleased to finally be able to write, but is sad to report on the illness and death of their mutual friend Mr. [Isaac] Sears, who had been in China with him. Describes the cool reception he received from the Europeans when he arrived in China, because of the threat of competition the Americans posed. Discusses their business prospects, including the high prices and poor sales for tea and other goods. Includes a detailed…

GLC02437.03311

16 March 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: To The Committee of the State of Jersey for examining the inlistments [sic] of their lines-at Morris Town

In Samuel Shaw's hand, and signed by Shaw for Knox. Discusses an incident where a Captain Hugg gave unauthorized discharges to a number of enlisted men who were his neighbors. Title from docket.

GLC02437.00909

26 July 1781

Cornell, Ezekiel, 1733-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed "E." Cornell, on the Congressional Board of War, discusses General Nathanael Greene: "Notwithstanding fortune sometimes frowns on our friend Greene I am happy to see by a late resolution of Congress that his conduct meets the approbation of that Honl Body..." (Greene was Commander of the Southern Department). Agrees with Knox, that the present force is insufficient to take on a large military operation. Jokes with Knox about the Board's failure to respond to letters. Also notes that three armed men robbed a mail carrier near Wilmington, Delaware: "I have good reason to believe they…

GLC02437.01088

February 11, 1871

Lee, John F., 1813-1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Declares of courts and commissions organized by Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War 1862-1868, "Couldn't he organize courts & commissions to convict! They would have hung their own innocent mothers." Discussing Senator Charles Sumner, writes "Isn't Sumner a great man! the Master spirit of our age. How he drags along, or kicks up, his recalcitrant radicals... I dare say he is logical & right. I have thought profoundly on it this last week, & have grown wiser than any democrat. If nigger is to be an essential element in our population and government... then we had better mix +…

GLC02382.085

18 March 1871

Lee, John F., 1813-1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Mentions Emily Virginia Mason's biography of Robert E. Lee, for which Hunt supplied information. Discusses a compromise of Hunt's integrity, apparently regarding fabrications published about Hunt's false involvement with the Ku Klux Klan. States that Sherman did not bear false witness against Hunt in the matter. Speculates that Winfield Scott Hancock did not "make much" by the publication of his letters. Referring to the controversy regarding the conduct of Fitz John Porter at Second Manassas, asserts that General Irvin McDowell falsely accused Porter in order to serve Secretary of War…

GLC02382.089

21 March 1872

Lee, John F., 1813-1884

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Possibly created in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Refers to a pamphlet created by Maynadier (possibly William Maynadier). Expresses regret over an unspecified situation regarding General Alexander Brydie Dyer, chief of ordnance in 1864). Notes that Edwin McMasters Stanton loved corruption. Mentions the retirement of many of his former fellow soldiers, as cited in the army register. Jubal Early recently transmitted a discourse on Robert E. Lee to J.F. Lee; J.F. Lee notes that it is disgraceful to the Union army, and that Early cites Hunt as a reference. Declares "Lee beats Hannibal for…

GLC02382.094

17 December 1862

Holden, William Woods, 1818-1892

Newspaper

Title: Weekly standard. [Vol. 28, no. 51, whole no. 1450 (December 17, 1862)]

The Battle at Fredericksburg, Battle of Kinston. An editorial proposes raising state troops. A report of the arrest of Rev. R.J. Graves provokes discussion of the injustice of civil arrest, unlawful seizing of property, and corrupt powers vested in the Confederacy. A list of the North Carolina Methodist Episcopal Conference appointees is included, as are notices and lists of sick, wounded, and dead soldiers in particular campaigns. Letters to the editor cover topics such as support for the Governor, the state's Brigadier General, post office thieves, women's call for peace, and the cotton-…

GLC05959.22.02

24 December 1862

Holden, William Woods, 1818-1892

Newspaper

Title: Weekly standard. [Vol. 28, no. 52, whole no. 1451 (December 24, 1862)]

Battle of Kinston, Skirmish at White Hall, Battle of Goldsborough, Fight at Fredericksburg. The battles of Kinston, White Hall, and Goldsborough are reported, and the latest from Fredericksburg is included. Minutes for a Raleigh public meeting discuss accommodations for the wounded. Extracts from Judge Gholson's charge describe the need to beware of speculators and stop extortion. The remarks of Mr. Beall at the North Carolina House of Commons define the soldiers' Roll of Honor. A lengthy editorial berates the Richmond Enquirer as criticized by the Register about the true nature of the…

GLC05959.22.03

25 September 1861

Syme, John W., fl. 1861

Newspaper

Title: Semi-weekly Raleigh register. [Vol. 61, no. 77 (September 25, 1861)]

Lincoln's Instructions to Fremont, Retreat of the 1st Georgia Regiment, from Carrick's Ford, Speech by President Davis. Several letters from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in regards to the contest for a state convention seat involving Rufus K. Speed reveal slander and lies. Actions and resolutions legislated during the 1861 state General Assembly are printed. Brief notices describe communications cut off by the North.

GLC05959.26.07

December 30, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

In this letter, Porter discusses his case. Notes that Adams's friend, Thomas Church Haskell Smith, testified against him. Relates that Major Gardiner requested documents from the War Department regarding Generals George McClellan, William Buel Franklin, and Henry Wager Halleck to use against Porter in trial. Remarks that his lawyer, Joseph Hodges Choate, proved Smith a failure on the stand. Attests that Smith is "after revenge and is now trying to prove that McClellan & Franklin & I were in league to defeat [John] Pope, even at the risk of ruining the army & the loss of the…

GLC00214.02.14

April 11, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Fitz-John Porter remarks that he recently traveled to Washington, D.C. for business. Discusses the board evaluating his conduct in the Battle of Second Manassas. Remarks that Major Gardiner plans to attempt to gain support from the Secretary of War, George Washington McCrary. Insists that Gardiner's aim is to "get the Republican party to take the sins of Pope & McDowell on their shoulders or to kick up such a dust as to hide the evils of these men... " Attests that Gardiner hopes to persuade the board that the case is an attempt to place General George Brinton McClellan in the presidency…

GLC00214.02.03

June 9, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Refers to his lawyers John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate. Mentions General Irvin McDowell, dispatches pertaining to his case from 1862, and a letter he (Porter) sent to Adjutant General Edward Davis Townsend concerning the testimony McDowell gave before the board. Sent the letter to Townsend under cover to Senator Randolph (possibly Theodore Fitz Randolph). Expresses disgust regarding collaboration between Major Gardiner, Thomas Churchill Haskell Smith, and Bowers, a witness against Porter. Notes that "your 'siege of Washington' was sent...to greet [John] Pope at West Point. That…

GLC00214.02.07

October 26, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Julius Walker Adams

The year for the date is inferred from the letter's content. The letter mentions Generals Irvin McDowell and David Hunter, in reference to an investigation called to reevaluate Porter's actions at the Battle of Second Manassas. He remarks, "There is evidently a war to be raised by those fellows- & Sherman is to give aid- has done so." He suggests that Pope and Sheridan are working against his case in conjunction with McDowell, who had previously criticized Porter's actions at Second Manassas. He also suggests that following the battle, Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton used several…

GLC00214.02.13

September 17, 1878

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Julius Walker Adams

Discusses convening of the military commission to reevaluate Porter's actions during Second Manassas. Notes that Asa Gardiner, the lawyer opposing Porter in the trial "has notified 'McDowell & Pope that he will take care of their honor.' before the Board." Generals Irvin McDowell and John Pope, participants in the Battle of Second Manassas, upheld accusations of Porter's insubordination the battle. Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery. Adams was a noted engineer and cousin of President John Quincy Adams.

GLC00214.02.01

February 27, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses a delay in the meeting of the board. Mentions the arguments of John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels during hearings. Writes "I know nothing of the Board. My relations with it have been entirely of a formal character & I know nothing of their views. I know what they ought to be." Refers to Pope and McDowell, among others. Notes that he has attempted to keep politics and his case separate, so as to allow the case to stand on its own merit. Remarks that Major Gardiner, the lawyer opposing Porter, "made an ass of himself from the time he and Smith met" (Thomas…

GLC00214.02.02

April 19, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses whether President Rutherford B. Hayes will support his case, which had been before a military board, concerning his conduct during the Battle of Second Manassas. Discusses his desire to keep the case separate from politics, and remarks that Republicans are defensive about the case. Praises the political practices of James Garfield (Representative 1863-1880). Notes that Mr. Chandler should have taken Garfield's course (Senator Zachariah Chandler). Requests that the recipient send John C. Bullitt and Joseph Hodges Choate, his counsels, a copy of the Express. Written on Central…

GLC00214.02.04

May 7, 1879

Porter, Fitz-John, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Julius Walker Adams

Discusses President Rutherford B. Hayes actions concerning his case. Remarks "I had not heard of any efforts to prevent the President acting on my matter... nor do I believe that any such efforts would have any influence even if made." Wonders whether Senators Zachariah Chandler and Roscoe Conkling will oppose congressional action regarding his case. Relates that the board's report is in print and "will go forward this week." Written on Central Railroad Co. of New Jersey stationery.

GLC00214.02.05