1861-1889

Booth, Thomas R., fl. 1861-1908

Header Record

Title: [Collection of diaries and letters] [decimalized]

Thomas Rogers Booth served as Civil Engineer, Clerk in the office of the Adjutant General (1863-1864) and Captain of Commissary of Subsistence of Volunteers (1864-1865). He was a railroad engineer from New Castle, Delaware. The wartime diaries were written from Washington, D.C., and include that city's reactions to wartime news. The 32 letters include one concerning Zachary Taylor's election, written while a cadet at West Point. Booth left the Academy in 1851 (his resignation was accepted by future General Seth Williams). The letters also include correspondence with wartime acquaintances…

GLC03347

9 January 1834

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Discusses Connecticut politics. Believes that a man named Asa Child will again try to get his name on the Central Committee by the Democratic convention. Warns Holabird to guard against this as Child " ... is an artful fellow, and will make use of means to fortify himself and weaken his opponents that some men would not suspect." Comments on the nullification issue, "Great efforts are making by the nullifiers to alienate the South from the administration. In Virginia I think it likely they have had some success ... " States that the administration must take a firm stance or else "they…

GLC03390.03

January 21,1805 - December 30, 1805

Russell, John, 1764-1831

Newspaper

Title: Boston gazette. [Vol. 17, no. 42 (Jan. 21, 1805) - v. 19, no. 35 (Dec. 30 1805)]

In addition to regular news items like reports from the American states, the Massachusetts legislature, the Congress of the United States, and foreign intelligence, the newspaper features articles on the nomination and re-election of Governor Caleb Strong, the trial of Supreme Court Justice Samuel Chase, the valedictory address of Aaron Burr who was not re-nominated for vice president, peace with Tripoli, the annual message of President Jefferson, and the death of Lord Nelson. Ninety three issues are bound in all. The following issues are missing: 14 March, 6 June, 13 June, 11 July, 26…

GLC03379

11 July 1833

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Writes about Democratic party politics in Connecticut. Discusses an article that accuses the members of the Convention of "procuring their own nominations," and of "incapacity and knavery." Welles believes the article was written by Noah A. Phelps but Phelps denies it. "I know his writings as well as I do his countenance, and I will forfeit everything I am worth if he is not the author. Yet he writes me very gravely that he is not - this is only aggravating the insult." Goes on to say these attacks will not benefit the Democratic Party politically. Believes that their is only one man…

GLC03390.01

12 December 1833

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Welles discusses the appointment of District Attorney for the State of Connecticut. States that Asa Child's term has expired, and "Many of our friends are decidedly opposed to his re-appointment and there are, I believe, very few in his favor... I have very little confidence in him... It is... notorious that he has played a double game as a politician..." About the new appointment, states "I have long been dissatisfied with the policy of turning out one poor devil, to make a place for one that is no better." States that the District of Litchfield must elect a democrat to congress, and it…

GLC03390.02

09 July 1829

Kendall, Amos, 1789-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

Reports on an upcoming duel between Sanders and Hawkins, begun when Hawkins was insulted that Sanders fired him, despite his mediocre performance. Hopes that Hawkins "gets a little hurt" in the duel, since he has acted so inappropriately. Says that Clay is "making himself ridiculous," and is weakly supported, while Jackson, "the old hero," is doing well.

GLC03209.10

19 October 1904

Mosby, John S., 1833-1916

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gaston

Mosby, assistant attorney in the Department of Justice, refers to a journal and pictures which should have been previously transmitted but were not. Refers to Hood and Munsey, who were supposed to have sent the items, and to Miss Julia. Discusses a case before a grand jury (possibly regarding the Ku Klux Klan) in which Thomas Goode Jones, a federal judge on the United States District Court in Alabama, discussed "the protection due to the negro." Referring to Jones, states "I agree with his sentiments but hardly think the Supreme Court will agree with him ... But his charge to the Jury will…

GLC03216

4 January 1874

Spinner, Francis Elias, 1802-1890

Letter

Title: to C[harles]. L[afayette]. MacArthur

Thanks him for a copy of the second series of the Breitmann Ballads since his copy keeps getting stolen. The "Hiram Irvines are largely on the increase just now, and I fear the party has not the right kind of men at the front to lead them off." Feels it is possible that Congress will enact a workable monetary policy: "what is really needed, next to the resumption of specie payments, is a currency, that will at all times adapt itself to the business wants of the country." Written as Secretary of the Treasury.

GLC03224

12 May 1860

Andrews, J. D., fl. 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

Writes about various political matters. Discusses the nominations for the election of 1860. States that the "extreme men" of the Republican party will push the nomination of William Seward but says, "If we take Seward, we have the sectional strife, negro equality, and defeat." Writes "The South is coming together - [Stephen] Douglas will not be nominated but may even stump, if his friends have their own way." Francis P. Blair was a journalist and politician. As editor of various newspapers, he exerted influence over Jackson, Polk, and Van Buren. He later campaigned for and advised Lincoln…

GLC03209.03

8 July 1860

Corwin, Thomas, 1794-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

Writes that he hopes to be able to get to St. Louis before the presidential election in order to campaign. Briefly discusses an early candidate for nomination, Edward Bates from Missouri, and states that he does not believe that Bates's supporters will vote for Barrett, who now supports Breckinridge, the Southern Democratic candidate. Corwin served as governor of Ohio, U.S. congressman and senator, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury (1850-1853), and U.S. minister to Mexico (1861-1864).

GLC03209.08

12 November 1833

Moore, Thomas Patrick, 1797-1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

In a fight for his congressional seat, says of his opponents, "If there is this side of Hell such a gang of low gamblers, depraved sots, and dirty fools as Lancaster furnishes, I have not seen that place." Asks Blair for help against Letcher, who wishes to take his seat.

GLC03209.14

05 April 1835

Pearce, Dutee J., 1789-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis P. Blair

Discussion of Rhode Island politics, and correction on Rhode Island's election day.

GLC03209.17

circa September 1875

Spinner, Francis Elias, 1802-1890

Header Record

Title: Collection of four letters of Francis Spinner concerning his reluctance to accept the Republican nomination for NY State Comptroller [Decimalized .01-.04]

GLC03225

16 June 1812

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Cutts

Near the beginning of the outbreak of the War of 1812, Gerry describes and criticizes Federalist politics as an attempt "to place in the executive departments of the Nation & States, men devoted to the interest & Government of Great Britain." Written the day after he was notified of his nomination for Vice President. Cutts was a New Hampshire senator.

GLC03240

January 13, 1817

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Letter signed

Title: to Samuel Carswell

Asks Carswell to extend a line of credit to John H. Eaton on Jackson's behalf. Eaton was travelling to Philadelphia in order to publish his Life of Jackson.

GLC03243.01

1860

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: "The Irrepressible Conflict" or the Republican Barge in Danger

Published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Cartoon making reference to the so-called "Irrepressible Conflict" speech given by New York Senator William Seward at Rochester, New York on 25 October 1858. This speech ignited a firestorm of criticism and probably cost Seward the presidency. The cartoon reflects the considerable bitterness among New York Republicans at the party's surprising failure to nominate Seward for president at its May 1860 national convention. The print was probably issued soon after the convention's nomination of Abraham Lincoln. The "Republican Barge…

GLC03489

24 October 1864

Dennison, William, 1815-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Galloway

Writes as Postmaster General regarding a visit to President Lincoln to discuss sick and wounded Confederate prisoners of war. States Lincoln said, " ... that he couldn't see the wisdom of our Keeping and maintaining at the Expense of the Govt. prisoners when we dont Expect to Exchange with the Rebels, and while a certain per centage of all we release will be likely to take up arms against us, still he is not satisfied it would not be better to cure those sick than Keep all the prisoners of the class you refer to." Remarks that he was impressed with Lincoln's views and feels he is in…

GLC03500

1860

Currier & Ives

Print

Title: "Uncle Sam" making new arrangements

Published by Currier & Ives at 152 Nassau Street, New York. Black and white political cartoon related to Abraham Lincoln's 1860 election. Uncle Sam holds a wanted sign which reads, "An honest upright and capable man to take charge of this house for four years. Undoubted testimonials will be required." Portrays Lincoln being hired by Uncle Sam, while John Bell, J.C. Breckinridge, and Stephen Douglas respond to the advertisement but are turned away. James Buchanan is seen inside the establishment packing up his "dirty linen". Lincoln wears plain working clothes and carries an axe, while the…

GLC03488

24 December 1908

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Typed letter signed

Title: to Herbert Parsons re: endorsement of Jacob M. Dickinson for Attorney General

Signed as President-elect. With autograph postscript. Dicksinson served 1909-11 as Taft's Secretary of War.

GLC03509

09 May 1907

Mosby, John S., 1833-1916

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sam Chapman

Written on stationery of the Department of Justice. Discusses Grant's endorsement of Lee's pardon after the war, and Johnson's refusal to grant it. He discusses politics during the Reconstruction era. He comments "there was more vindictiveness shown to me by the Virginia people for my voting for Grant than the North showed to me for fighting four years against him." Various politicians and judges mentioned.

GLC03293

February 23, 1789

Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Comte de Moustier re: thanking for letter of introduction, praise for service

Written by Morris as American Minister to France. Morris also talks about the elections for the Estates General and the optimism which pervaded France at this time.

GLC03275

13 March 1789

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Comte de Moustier re: French fiscal crisis, political affairs, elections

Written as American minister to France. The electioneering was for the gathering of the Estates General. Moderate ink bleedthrough. Published in: Boyd, Papers of TJ, 14: 652-54.

GLC03276

3 August 1833

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Jarvis

Written as Senator from Kentucky. Clay blames the rise of nullification on the "triumph of Gen. [Andrew] Jackson over Mr. [John Quincy] Adams in 1828, alludes to the dangers of the nullification controversy, and highlights his role in effecting a congressional compromise to prevent bloodshed. Clay writes that if he had not compromised he feared the "entire destruction" of the American system of tariffs or a "Civil War." Hopes that manufacturing will not be hurt by the "Compromise" but feels that the bill was fair to both sides of the dispute. Concludes by stating, " ... it should now be…

GLC03307

01 August 1844

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Jackson argues that Tyler must withdraw his candidacy to allow the election of Polk and Dallas. If Tyler remains in the race he will split the Democratic vote, and allow Henry Clay to win election. Is confident that Polk can beat Clay, as long as Tyler does not run. Assures Mason that even though Tyler appointed him to his post, Tyler's resignation would not mean that Mason would have to retire. The letter is in the hand of Major Donelson, Jackson's nephew, but signed by Jackson, who says that he is too weak to write. Though Tyler had been elected as a Whig, he had been thrown out of the…

GLC03319

1-3 May 1770

Wilkie, J., fl. 1757-1823

Newspaper

Title: The London chronicle. [Vol. 27, no. 2088 (May 1-May 3, 1770)]

Reports acts to regulate trials and elections, as well as parliamentary speeches and business. Advertisements include book publications, real estate, and epitaphs. A postscript fills the back page of this London newspaper detailing the Boston Massacre. An editorial insinuates that the Massacre was in fact premeditated, and could have been prevented by a single, active magistrate. In reality, jealousies and misinterpretation ensued.

GLC03126