6 November 1772

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Survey for distribution of land among Virginia veterans of French and Indian War]

Crawford's survey of lands west of the Ohio and Great Kanawha Rivers. Signed by William Crawford. At the bottom, Crawford writes the names of five "sworn Chairmen and Markers." Washington adds his faded seven line autograph note on verso.

GLC06346

1 August 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Laws of Northwest Territory

Sargent also signed the names of John Cleves Symmes and Rufus Putnam, as judges of the North West Territory. Details three acts establishing laws for the territory. The first act concerns granting licenses to merchants, traders, and tavern keepers. The second act covers opening and regulating highways, and the third act examines taxes.

GLC06050

circa 1870

Child, Lydia Maria Francis, 1802-1880

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Incomplete essay on religious tolerance on verso of letter fragments from Edmonia Lewis and Samuel J. May]

Contains an incomplete essay (pages five, six, and seven) discussing religious tolerance written by Child, an author, scholar, and abolitionist. Child discusses religious tolerance, stating "People who are educated under one system of religion can never perhaps quite realize how another faith appears to those who have grown up under its influence; but sincere efforts to do this are among the most hopeful signs of the times." Discusses books of different religions and differentiation between religious symbolism and language. In pencil below her signature, Child invites the recipient to…

GLC06114

1861

Black, Samuel W., 1818-1862

Pamphlet

Title: Territory of Nebraska Council Documents no. 2

Begins with an act prohibiting slavery in the Territory of Nebraska. Black, Governor of the Nebraska Territory, returns the act unsigned with a message to the House of Representatives: "You have assumed the power and asserted the policy of an unqualified and immediate interdiction of slavery within this Territory. I dissent both as to the power assumed and the policy of the prohibition. My objections to your power to prohibit slavery or to abolish it, which were submitted a year ago, are strengthened, in my own mind by reflection, and remain unchanged." "Gov: Blacks Vote" written in ink…

GLC06178

1838

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Pamphlet

Title: Speech... upon the right of people ... relating to the annexation of Texas

Full title: "Speech... upon the right of the people ... to petition; on the freedom of speech and of debate in the House of Representatives of the United States... relating to the annexation of Texas." Printed by Gales and Seaton.

GLC05934

11 March 1850

Seward, William Henry, 1801-1872

Pamphlet

Title: California, union, and freedom. Speech of William H. Seward, on the admission of California.

Printed by Buell & Blanchard. Uncut. Argues for the admission of California into the Union (as a free state).

GLC05938

1843

Allen, George, 1792-1883

Pamphlet

Title: The Complaint of Mexico, and conspiracy against liberty [Texas]

Anti-Texas annexation tract. Printed by J. W. Alden.

GLC05935

circa 1837

Southard, Nathaniel, fl. 1837

Pamphlet

Title: The American Anti-Slavery Almanac, for 1838, being the second after Bissextile or Leap-Year, and the 62nd of American Independence. Adapted to most parts of the United States.

Labeled Vol. 1 no. 3. Southard serves as editor. Published by D. K. Hitchcock. With front paper engraving depicting William [Lloyd] Garrison attempting to chop down a tree labeled "Slavery" while a minister, soldier, businessman and President Van Buren attempt to support the tree. Contains many illustrations showing the injustices of slavery. Closes with Garrison's address opposing the annexation of Texas to the Union as a "slaveholding country." Edges are extremely delicate.

GLC05939

1857

Abbot, Henry Larcom, 1831-1927

Pamphlet signed

Title: Article upon the determination of altitudes from observations taken with the barometer...

Title continues "being Chapter VI and Appendix E of the Report of Lieut. Henry L. Abbot, Corps of Topographical Engineers, upon Explorations for a Railroad Route from the Sacramento Valley to the Columbia River made by Lieut. L.S. Williamson, Corps of Topographical Engineers, assisted by Lieut. Henry L. Abbot, Corps of Topographical Engineers." Presentation copy signed on cover with an inscription by Henry L. Abbot to Edwin Hale Abbot. Part of the series, "Explorations and survey for a railroad route from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. War Department." Original yellow…

GLC05761

1848

Adams, John Calvin, 1810-1885

Pamphlet

Title: General Taylor and the Wilmot Proviso

Published by Wilson and Damrell. Imprint from advertisement on back cover. Library of Congress attributes this pamphlet to Adams. Contains multiple notes written in brown ink throughout text.

GLC05769

10 September 1867

Smet, Pierre-Jean de, 1801-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Orville H. Browning

Writes to Secretary of the Interior Browning a detailed description of diplomatic activities among the Indian tribes in the Missouri River country during the Sioux wars of the 1860s. Outlines his expenses and outlays during his visit with the Indians. Discusses his visit with the Tanton tribe of the upper Missouri, who he describes as "in a prosperous condition." Describes visits with several other and diplomatic maneuvering related to establishing reservations. Written from St. Louis University.

GLC05788.01

1856

Object

Title: [Campaign ribbon on silk: "Old buck is coming"]

Faded pink silk ribbon with black ink images and text. Begins with an image of a buck (male dear), and the statement "Old Buck is Coming," referring to 1856 presidential candidate James Buchanan. Below the buck, the ribbon depicts blacks with knapsacks and a bear, apparently fleeing westward, with the exclamation "Fremont! Free Niggers! Off for the Rocky Mountains" (Buchanan's opponent, Senator John C. Fremont, argued that the government should prevent the spread of slavery into the new western territories). The next image on the ribbon portrays a pistol, and the exclamation "'National…

GLC05877

14 September 1870

Hearn, J.A., fl. 1870

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Annual report on the Grand River Agency in South Dakota]

Addressed to Ely S. Parker, the Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Comments on different tribes, their numbers and their willingness to farm. Recommends providing government assistance to the friendly Indians, who "are fully convinced that the Government will not always provide for them, if they do not by and help themselves." Describing a meeting with Father Pierre-Jean de Smet, a Jesuit missionary, who planned to start a mission school. Describes the Agency's location as poor. Mentions the military presence. Lists the buildings constructed. Commends the Indians good conduct over…

GLC05893

19 October 1793

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he sent several letters to Knox since arriving in Europe. Tells Knox he is leaving Europe sometime in the spring when his affairs are wrapped up. Mentions "there are various expectations about the part America will take in the present War, but I am fully persuaded that she will - that she must remain quite neutral." Is surprised to hear the government is quibbling on the terms of the treaty respecting the admission of prizes. Comments he is "astonished & mortified" to hear that the courts have adopted the President's Proclamation as the law of the land and have prosecuted certain…

GLC02437.05948

22 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Higginson

Knox writes to Higginson, a former Congressman, to discuss Congress' opinions on amassing more troops in the frontier. Asks for his financial help, since Congress has good intentions in trying to fill the treasury, but there is not enough money now for emergencies. Writes, "Knowing your zeal for the public welfare, and your knowledge of our [brave] Boston patriots," he hopes Higginson will help him make arrangements to encourage others to help as well. See GLC02437.03336 and .03343 for related information.

GLC02437.03317

21 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Discusses the recent problems Hodgdon has had during the Indian campaigns in the Northwest Territory. Expresses sympathy with his situation and relates how the public seems to feel about the subject. Mentions that Congress may make a new opening for a position of Commissary General of Military Stores for the army. Touches on several other military topics.

GLC02437.05421

January 13, 1788

Freeman, Constant, 1757-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox whether he has the right, based on his military service, to two or three hundred acres of Ohio Company land. Adds that Mrs. [Mary] McNeil[l] thanks Knox for settling her husband's accounts. Knox has noted his answer beneath the docket.

GLC02437.03760

4 May 1793

Gunn, James, 1753-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says that the Indians have committed several murders in Washington County, with two murders committed on the frontier of South Carolina. Reports they refuse to return property or give up the offenders. Mentions the hunters have returned to the towns, which indicates a coming attack on the frontier. Believes war is inevitable and that the militia will have to be called out in the western counties of South Carolina and Georgia. Wants a commander of "Rank and Ability who has a Talent for employing Militia to an Advantage in the field..." If war is avoided, wants a man of talent to be a resident…

GLC02437.05887

10 June 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Gunn

Thanks Gunn for his letters of 26 April and 4 May. Says the idea of the "commanding officer" being a speculator is news to him. Hopes Gunn can send some confirmed information. Believes the situation with the Indian agent can be rectified, as President Washington has always wanted the agent to live among the Creeks. Tells Gunn that Washington has seen all the information on the situation in Georgia, but that troops cannot be sent to the South because of the situation in Europe. Notes militia will have to suffice to protect the frontier. Says the governor has permission to raise more…

GLC02437.05898

26 April 1793

Gunn, James, 1753-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Georgia Senator Gunn writes to Knox to inform him of problems with the Indians in the Southeast. References a previous conversation they had where Knox pledged two companies of troops would arrive in Georgia by April. Says "The death of General McGillivray and the late murders committed by a party of Indians headed by John Galphin makes it necessary that Troops be sent to protect the low country and I am persuaded you will find on inquiry the Troops are badly posted." Reports that if the troops were more strategically placed, Georgia would be better protected. Believes General Thomas Posey…

GLC02437.05880

10 June 1793

Gunn, James, 1753-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he returned from a tour of St. Mary's on 24 May. Describes the situation in Georgia after Alexander McGillivray's death. Says James Seagrove, the U.S. Indian agent amongst the Creeks, has done all he can to prevent war. Reports that Panton's party prevailed amongst the Creeks after McGillivray's death and determined on war. Panton's Indians attacked a group of Indians friendly to the U.S. who were on their way to attack the Chickasaws. Panton stopped them and convinced them to turn back and attack the U.S. Says complaints against the agent (as mentioned in a previous letter to Knox) stem…

GLC02437.05899

29 September 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the difficulties he is having in finding an agent. Mentions asking Rufus Putnam, but he "is so taken up with his Ohio concerns that I cannot prevail on him to undertake it." Has also tried to ask the surveyor, a Mr. DeWit, but he also cannot do the job. Is attempting to contact others to be present "at the runing [sic] the line" (perhaps drawing of land boundaries) in order to prevent any future land disputes. Asks Knox to help and "inform the President of the steps I have taken - As I came from home with only two shirts & very little money in my pocket & without the…

GLC02437.04371

27 October 1789

Glasbeech, Baron de, fl. 1781-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the payment of debts and the possibility of traveling to the Ohio region.

GLC02437.04398

17 October 1791

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

This is a letter requesting information for President George Washington's address to Congress. Hamilton seeks material on the expeditions against the Indians and specifically requests items describing "Every pacific measure" that was tried to produce an accommodation and avoid expense. Hamilton also asks for information on the "More pointed laws with penalties to rest[r]ain our own people." Also requests information on the treaties with the Cherokee and Six Nations, and the reasons for making them. Asks him to include anything else he thinks pertinent. Refer to GLC02437.05210 for Knox's…

GLC02437.05199

3 July 1786

Harmar, Josiah, 1753-1813

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Pitt, the location of present-day Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Discusses his arrival at the fort the month before, and describes which officers and companies are there, or are on their way. Includes returns of personnel and stores, and complains that the stores have not been well-maintained. Also indicates the high rate of desertion from the fort. Provides intelligence he has received from a Moravian Indian called "John Bull" (who is called "Sheebo" by other Indians), which consists of the movements of local Indian groups (including Moravian, Chippewa and Ottowa Indians)…

GLC02437.03280