Search | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History

Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Start New Search

Displaying results for Topic "War of 1812"

719 search results

Filter:

Only return results with full-sized images

Sort by

Advanced search

Keyword

Author

Subjects

Place written

Year

Sub-era

August 21, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery reprimands his grandson for the delay in sending his last letter. Channing asked for aid regarding a bank in which Ellery owned stock. Ellery replies that he will help his grandson and uses a shipping metaphor to preach moderation. Ellery considers nations with intemperate rulers as being punished by God. He thinks it highly unlikely that there will be a President of the United States from the North. He writes that though enslaved people increase Southern representation he believes that enslaved people would side with the North if given a chance. He thanks…

GLC00108.04

December 5, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery writes to his grandson that he is happy Channing has gained a business partner and inquires as to who drew up the legal documents executing the partnership. He believes theological differences in the world will persist, and that everyone would get along if they treated each other morally. He comments that a religious war would be much worse than the War of 1812. He discusses a preacher and his success with parishioners. He comments on the Channing family moving from Newport, Rhode Island, to Boston. He sends his love to all the members of the family.

GLC00108.05

May 14, 1814

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In his letter, William Ellery agrees with his grandson that evils have resulted from commercial regulations brought on by the War of 1812. He does not think Congress will enact an embargo and believes the British have a right to blockade their enemy's ports. He advises moderation in expenses and pleasures when he marries. He refers to the Book of Ruth in a discussion of marriage customs as they relate to the impending nuptials between Channing's mother and William. He discusses a possible visit and family news, and mentions the good character of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Writing one…

GLC00108.07

July 18, 1814

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

William Ellery writes to his grandson discussing his daily routine. He hopes Channing will have enough business so he can marry soon. He declines the offer to add to his stock of wine because he wants to reserve his money during the uncertain times of the War of 1812. In the letter: he comments on several orations, discusses the British blockade, and President Madison's call to raise troops.

GLC00108.08

March 13, 1813

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William B. Lewis

The letter mentions concern with supply problems to Lewis, who was quartermaster in Nashville, government inefficiency, the national debt and heavy taxes. Includes complaints of his own inactivity when his troops are needed in the Northwest, but will continue to obey his orders. Worries that the whole governmental system is not functioning properly. Written in Camp Jackson, also known as Fort Jackson

GLC00113

January 29, 1813

Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Morrison

William Henry Harrison writes to the deputy quartermaster in Franklinton, Ohio regarding matters of money, supplies, and ordnance. Optimistically describes his plans for the upcoming battle of Fort George. Notes that the cold is impeding his writing.

GLC00127

19 March 1823

Crowninshield, Benjamin Williams, 1772-1851

Broadside

Title: Nomination and Address of the Essex Republican Convention held at Ipswich

Large campaign broadside for delegates to the Republican Party convention of Essex County, Massachusetts for the election to be held on the first Monday in April 1823. Says at a meeting of delegates held on the 19th of March in Ipswich it was decided to support William Eustis for Governor and Levi Lincoln for Lieutenant Governor. Also supports the following men for State Senators from Essex: Nathaniel Silsbee, John Prince, Nathan Noyes, William Parrot, Aaron Lummus,and Moses Wingate. Printed address by the Chairman Benjamin W. Crowninshield. Contrasts Eustis's career to the "mad ambition" of…

GLC00246.02

1890

Kurz & Allison

Title: Battle of New Orleans

Published by Kurz & Allison at 76 & 78 Wabash Avenue in Chicago. Depicts General Andrew Jackson, on a white horse, leading his troops in the defense of New Orleans on 8 January 1815, the last major battle of the War of 1812. The American troops are a ragtag group of soldiers, some in uniform, others in frontier garb, and still others in civilian clothes. They crouch behind bales of cotton as neat rows of British troops, under Major General Edward Pakenham, charge to their death. A sword-wielding officer is struck by a round leading the British charge (this is probably not Pakenham…

GLC00249.01

1841

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

Pamphlet

Title: [House Document 36 on Daniel Webster's Retirement and "Mr. Webster and His Revilers"]

The first part of this document includes Webster's statement of resignation from Senate, written 10 February 1841. The second part contains an article first published 24 April [1840?] in the Washington, D.C. newspaper The National Intelligencer defending Webster against public attacks on his character. Also includes items printed 2 April [1840?] in the newspaper The New York Express regarding Webster's highly debated opinion on the War of 1812, and an extract from Webster's 22 March 1838 reply to South Carolina Senator John C. Calhoun on the topic of war.

GLC00267.101

June 7, 1813

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James T. Austin

Elbridge Gerry remarks that the governor of Massachusetts, Caleb Strong, "displayed his british colours," referring to Strong not allowing the Federal Government to recruit troops for the War of 1812 in his state. He notes that President Madison recovered from an illness and praises the president and his wife. He mentions that he cannot send a document that Austin wants. In response to Strong, President Madison withdrew all protection from Massachusetts. Gerry was then vice president.

GLC00239

March 9, 1820

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Letter signed

Title: to William C. Bradley

Written as Secretary of State. The letter discusses not complying with a request and the Treaty of Ghent

GLC00496.004

February 23, 1820

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Letter signed

Title: to James Ronaldson

Character of General Jackson.

GLC00496.002

February 19, 1813

Bainbridge, William, 1774-1833

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Secretary of the Navy William Jones; Report of the Officers of the U.S. Frigate Constitution

Addressed to Secretary of the Navy William Jones. Written on board the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) in Boston Harbor. Evaluates the qualities and misgivings of the ship's officers and civilian crew during the War of 1812.

GLC00496.006

January 13, 1813

Bainbridge, William, 1774-1833

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Jones

Written on board the homeward bound USS Constitution to Secretary of the Navy Jones regarding damages incurred during battle with the HMS Java as well as Bainbridge's own injuries. It was after this battle that the Constitution got the name "Old Ironsides."

GLC00496.007

December 29, 1812

Bainbridge, William, 1774-1833

Manuscript

Title: Extracts from Commodore William Bainbridge's Journal

Transcribed journal entry written aboard the USS Constitution (later transcribed, not in Bainbridge's hand) recounting the ship's battle with HMS Java off the coast of Brazil. The account is recorded as the fighting occurs. Includes a casualty and injury count as well as the names of British officers taken aboard.

GLC00496.009

December 17, 1816

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Endorsement securing naval commission]

Initial letter was written by Francis Taliaferro Brooke, a judge on the Virginia Supreme Court to Monroe as Secretary of State requesting a recommendation for a naval position for Dr. Benjamin D. Russel. Brooke said Russel's health was damaged during his work as a surgeon of militia in the War of 1812 and that he was ordered to breathe sea air to recover it. Asks Monroe to oblige this experiment. On verso over address, Monroe endorses the request to the Secretary of the Navy. Initialed "JM" after his endorsement.

GLC00496.195

9 April 1803

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Printed document signed

Title: [Circular letter about an act to protect U.S. seamen]

Printed circular letter, labeled "Duplicate" at top, regarding an act to further protect American seamen. Mentions the slave trade. Addressed to Thomas Aborn, Commercial Agent of the U.S. at Cayenne. Signed in type by Thomas Jefferson as president and Aaron Burr as vice president.

GLC00515

January 28, 1844

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James T. Armstrong

Advice to West Point Cadet James Trooper Armstrong concerning studies and subordination. He hopes that Armstrong will follow after his father General Robert Armstrong, and his grandfather, John Armstrong Jr.

GLC00520

May 13, 1812

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Plumer

Discusses his isolation and the lack of fresh news, his criticisms the writings of a man named Walsh (probably Robert Walsh), his opposition to War of 1812, and his inability to write openly because his letters are opened and read in transit. Adams was then minister to St. Petersburg. Plumer was then Governor of New Hampshire. Document paginated 285-88 at top center.

GLC00529.03