8 July 1801

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Letter signed

Title: to port collectors

Circular letter informing port collectors that lists of Americans being detained on British ships are being sent to them. Signed as Secretary of State.

GLC03492

1 October 1803

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Printed letter signed

Title: to Collectors of the Customs of the United States

Circular letter discussing certificates issued to protect American seamen from impressment. Also asking for reports on the other "outrages committed by the cruisers of the belligerent powers." Signed as Secretary of State.

GLC03494

1813

Jeakes, Joseph, fl. 1812-1813

Print

Title: His Majesty's ship Shannon... capturing the American... Frigate Chesapeake

Published G. Webster. War of 1812 print.

GLC03282

13 August 1813

Birch, Thomas, 1779-1851

Print

Title: U.S. Frigate Constitution... capturing... Frigate Guerriere

Hand colored engraving

GLC03284

16 June 1812

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to P.P.F. Degrand

Thanks Degrand for sending Boston newspapers containing "The Message of Govr. Gerry concerning libels, and the Act of Incorporation of the State Bank." Mentions lost correspondence from Degrand. Comments on an anecdote about assassination and discusses the assassination of British Prime Minister Spencer Percival. Also discusses American politics, particularly the pernicious effects of the "prevalence of party spirit among us, and the licentiousness of the press." Written while Adams was the American Minister to Russia shortly before the Declaration of War against Britain.

GLC03299

14 March 1813

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Robert Andrews

Orders provisions from the assistant deputy quarter master for the march of troops from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, during the War of 1812. Signed as Major General.

GLC03316

circa 1850

Engraving Signed

Title: Engraving of Benjamin Whiteman

One engraving of Benjamin Whiteman dated circa 1850. Bust portrait of Whiteman.

GLC08878.0801

circa 1828

Bowen, A., fl. 1828

Print

Title: A View of Col. Johnson's engagement with the savages

Wood block of early engagement in the War of 1812 between American troops and Indians commanded by Tecumseh, near the Moravian town, 10/5/1812. Actual battle took place in 1813, so there is a error in the printed title. Print was published circa 1828.

GLC03798

21 September 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

Personal letter in which Ellery describes a man named Mr. Otis as "a mellifluous, pathetic speaker" and explains his views on the relationship between business activities and intellectual improvement as well as the proverbial saying "laugh and be fat." Discusses the current political climate, the non-importation act, relations with Britain, and duty collection. Mentions the alarm in Newport caused by the presence of three British frigates and the possibility of being attacked. Also concerns Ellery's uncertainty about the upcoming presidential election. Written shortly before the…

GLC03841

1797-1820

Varnum, Joseph B., 1751-1821

Header Record

Title: Letters to Varnum re: military & political, Quasi-War, 1812, patronage [Decimalized .01- .22]

See separate inventory.

GLC03845

1816

Yeager, Joseph, fl. 1792-1859

Engraving

Title: Battle of New Orleans and Death of Major General Packenham

Hand colored engraving shows the battle from the British lines. With black and white bust of Andrew Jackson surrounded by flags in the center of the title. This copy is the first state of this print, showing the officer standing to the right of the recumbent Sir Edward Packenham covering his face with handkerchief. Outgunned, he moved against the city of New Orleans. After being knocked from his horse by a cannonball, Packenham took his aide's mount and was shortly thereafter shot in the chest and throat. He was transported to the rear of the British line, where this depiction…

GLC03529

14 November 1812

Dodge, Richard, 1762-1832

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Major Foot

Brigadier General Dodge writes about a misunderstanding about Major Foot's command and provides advice on disciplinary matters.

GLC03540.01

31 August 1815

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Eustis re: treaty of Ghent, Napoleonic wars, and threat of Barbery

Discusses the Treaty of Ghent, Napoleonic Wars, threat of Barbary pirates, and the new Netherlands consititution. Re: the Napoleonic Wars, Adams writes: "France is a conquest, and as a conquest will be treated."

GLC03626

24 December 1814

Great Britain. Treaties.

Pamphlet

Title: A Treaty of peace and Amity [Treaty of Ghent. Official British printing]

Printed by R. G. Clarke. [duplicate of GLC 3985.18]

GLC03562.34

27 August 1814

Snyder, Simon, 1759-1819

Printed document signed

Title: [General orders for Pennsylvania's troops to be ready defend the state]

In response to the British capture of Washington, D.C., during the War of 1812, the Pennsylvania governor issued this order because of the threat "and probable conflagration of the metropolis of a sister state," particularly an attack initiated from the shores of the Delaware River.

GLC03708

circa February 1817

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Draft of first inaugural address]

First draft of president-elect Monroe's inauguration address. Monroe gave the address, with substantial changes, on 4 March 1817, beginning the Era of Good Feelings. The speech was the first outdoor inauguration since Washington's in 1789. Monroe's draft has a generally positive tone, expressing happiness and confidence with America's present and future prospects. It was written to appeal to everyone and avoids confrontation. Begins by thanking his fellow citizens for their trust in him and says he hopes to be a useful public servant. Following in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson's ideas on…

GLC03880

14 April 1813

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catherine Smith

Writes to her granddaughter that parting with the children was "a weight upon my heart." Mourns the death of a sister, who was not able to say goodbye to her husband and children. Thanks Catherine for her letter and says she is longing to see her new great granddaughter Caroline. She passes on the news that Catherine's spouse, Mr. Smith, will have the option of going to England as Secretary of Legation or returning to America. Forwards some letters from friends at Washington, and wishes her well.

GLC03889

1807

Broadside

Title: Direct Tax

Broadside on New Hampshire taxation regarding the Louisiana Purchase. Concerns the cost of the Louisiana purchase, with a table showing the proportionate cost per county of the $15 million bill, and describing how the Embargo Act makes it difficult if not impossible to pay France without a special tax. The writer, "Americanus," also warns of the threat of European war.

GLC04073

25 December 1814

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Fulton

Adams states that Levett Harris, then handling U.S. affairs in Russia, has learned from the Russian Minister of the Interior that Fulton is in danger of losing his "patent of exclusive privilege for his Steam-Boat invention" in Russia because he has failed to provide the required drawing and description. Adams reports that he has asked Harris to assure the Russian Minister of the Interior that Fulton was not guilty of neglect, but most likely never received Adams's letters on the subject due to "the extreme difficulty of the communications" in the war-torn winter of 1813-1814. He urges Fulton…

GLC04334

23 April 1811

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Monroe shortly after he took office as Secretary of State to unknown recipient. Acknowledges recipient's letter of 15 April 1811. Was pleased with President Madison's offer of the job saying "it was addressed on such fair & liberal principles, proposing a cooperation of our labours & efforts to promote the publick welfare." His only concern about taking the job was leaving the office of Governor of Virginia after three months, but his friends supported his move to Washington. Says relations with Madison have picked up where they left off before. Expects more information…

GLC04453

1812

Seymour, Samuel, fl. 1812

Print

Title: Brilliant Naval Victory [engraving of the USS Constitution]

title continues: "With the U. States Frigate Constitution of 44 Guns, Cap'n. Hull, & the English Frigate Guerriere of 38 Guns, Cap'n. L'acres, in which action Cap'n. Hull lost 7 men killed, & 7 wounded, & his B. M.'s ship was sunk; besides her loss of 15 men killed, 62 wounded, & 24 missing; August 20, 1812. After closing the action was 30 minu[te]s." Depicts one ship flying 4 American flags, surrounded by smaller boats filled with soldiers, and another ship engulfed in flame, smoke billowing above it. Hand colored. Published by J. Pierre & F. Kearney in Philadelphia,…

GLC04523

28 August 1812

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Document signed

Title: Additional Instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States

Printed letter signed by Secretary of State James Monroe. Orders that public and private armed vessels are not to stop American merchant ships coming from British ports with British goods because of the "alledged" repeal of the British Orders in Council. Asks that merchant ships be assisted and says that cargoes can be dealt with on arrival. The Orders in Council were repealed on 16 June 1812, two days before Congress declared war. The news arrived too late to influence events.

GLC04675.03

1799-1835

Header Record

Title: [Collection of 15 items related to the Mississippi territory, the Smith family, and the treason trial of Aaron Burr] Decimalized

GLC04601

1812

Object

Title: [War of 1812 lacquer snuffbox showing victory of United States over Macedonian]

Cylindrical, varnished snuff box from the War of 1812. Lid commemorates the 25 October 1812 capture of the British ship Macedonia by the USS United States, commanded by Stephen Decatur. Bottom depicts the bald eagle seal of the United States surrounded by patriotic sentiments such as "United We Stand. Divided We Fall." Probably made after December 1812, when knowledge of the fight became better known (per Henry Adams, Administration of James Monroe). Image on lid is damaged at center.

GLC04750

1861-1866 ca.

Upson, fl. 1861-1865

Photograph

Title: Portrait of Capt. Champlin of Ship "Scorpion" by J.T. Upson, Buffalo [salt print] [1861-1866 ca.]

Title taken from inscription on recto. Commanded the schooner "Scorpion" in the War of 1812, as well.

GLC05111.01.0306