8 March 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Edward Carrington

Unsigned, but authorship inferred from handwriting. Discusses Carrington's last letter, in which he reported the winners of the Virginia elections and described his prediction that the electorate would "change their sentiments" to support federalism (see GLC02437.04119). Comments on the New York legislature, specifically the Senate and individual members. Also lists the number of Senators and Representatives from each state present in New York. Lastly, discusses Carrington's query about an appointment with the new government (see GLC02437.04119). Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.04139

9 March 1789

Warren, Mercy Otis, 1728-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent letter from Knox and mentions political events surrounding the "Great Court" which are "too delicate for a lady to touch upon." Reflects upon the new government, which has "long been the wish of every good man & woman in America though they may have varied in opinion relative to some particular points." Rather than discussing the government, she wishes to enquire as to the health of Mrs. Knox and family, and ask Knox to forward the enclosed letter to her friend Mrs. Montgomery. Suggests the Knoxes come for a visit, and discusses her desire to travel to New York.…

GLC02437.04140

13 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Has received Wadsworth's last letter, and so has the Board of Treasury. Hopes he will not delay coming; everything rests on him, as everything stops until he and Mr. [Robert] Morris sign the papers (they are preparing a loan to Congress). Writes, "For Gods sake do not delay a single moment longer than is indispensably necessary." Discusses the Shays insurgents and mentions that he does not believe they will recede. Will write via Mr. [Rufus] King if he hears any more news. Also mentions several people who have been recently elected from Maryland to the national Congress.

GLC02437.03376

15 April 1787

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the allocation of money from the Treasury warrants. Believes the troops "at all hazards" need to be paid. Wants the next warrant to be used to pay the officers or "they...will consider themselves as greatly injured & will give weight to the opposers of a Federal Government ... " Expresses anxiety about the possibility of rebellion if the men are not paid, "this state I am persuaded never was so ripe for rebellion as at present the friends to Chaise [Shays] & his party are increasing & growing bolder every day - they have in general carreid their Elections throughout the…

GLC02437.03522

12 April 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Plans to transmit $29,000 worth of warrants from the Board of the Treasury to Wadsworth within the course of one week to pay for the recruiting service. Discusses Virginia's possible adoption of the Federal Constitution. Writes, "Mr. A[rthur] Lee informs me that by the elections it appears that 63 are against the constitution, and 67 - for These are all the elections excepting the back coun[ties]..." Mentions the attempts of Patrick Henry and Colonel [William] Grayson to influence the "back counties" against the Constitution. Notes that Mr. [James] Madison "seems to be of opinion that the…

GLC02437.03835

2 November 1788

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth comments on an escaped enslaved person or servant: "Mrs. Greene left us last Monday for Charleston Via N York on the night before she went away- her molatto man servant Ham left her & has been heard of on his way to Boston. she wishes to regain him he has been a favorite from his infancy & brot up un the family- as damed a rascal as [ever] was unhanged- & if I could now get him to Georgia she would sell him... I will have some body bring him away privately for I am told to do it publicly is impossible in Boston." Notes that his cousin, James Wadsworth, and other anti-…

GLC02437.04021

January 14, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Writes that he has no access to funds to make payments to a public account, so would like to know whether the state of Connecticut might be able to help contribute. Adds that he has heard about the elections results for Connecticut and is very pleased with the makeup of the Legislature.

GLC02437.04091

1856

Greeley & McElrath, 1841-1866

Pamphlet

Title: The border ruffian code in Kansas.

Published by the Tribune Office in New York City. Includes an examination of the "The character of the Code of pretended Laws enacted by the bogus Territorial Legislature of Kansas- a Legislature notoriously forced upon the people of that territory, at the hands of invading ruffians from Missouri, using the persuasive arguments of the Bowie-Knife and Revolver..." Includes a presentation of the Presidential platforms of 1856 and the acceptance speeches of John C. Frémont, James Buchanan, and Millard Fillmore for their respective nominations. Final page displays a map of the United States…

GLC05116.19

9 January 1860

Duncan, Stephen, 1787-1867

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Instructs the recipient to direct future correspondence by way of New Orleans. Predicts a separation between the Northern and Southern Presbyterian church and a separation in the Methodist church. Writes, "I really think the union cannot hang together long..." Discusses disunion and instructs the recipient to "tend your Ballot Boxes." Mentions items lost during shipment. Contains a postscript including financial information.

GLC05339.03

2 May 1860

Duncan, Stephen, 1787-1867

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Comments on the lack of comfort and rest he has recently received. Informs the recipient he may travel to New York at the end of May. Discusses Dickinson (possibly Daniel S. Dickinson), John Slidell, and the corruption of New York politicians. Referring to the election of 1860, writes "I would not be at all surprised, if the 'national union party' would be the successful party. I wish it may be so."

GLC05339.08

23 October 1864

Jones, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Explains why he is in "bad humor." Says [Abraham] Lincoln will bring peace.

GLC05981.54

24 December 1821

Sampson, Zabdiel, 1781-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Indicates that he voted against a bankruptcy law when a member of Congress, describing such laws as "one of the great evils that always to be avoided." Also notes that he believes the people of Hobart's district would vote overwhelmingly against a system of bankruptcy laws. Also discusses the election of Philip Barbour as Speaker of the House, explaining that he considers "it a triumph of the republicans over the Clintonians, who I have ever considered and viewed as federalists in disguise."

GLC06313.04.122

January 15, 1822

Weston, Thomas, 1770-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Responding to a request from Hobart, Weston gives his opinion on the uniform System of Bankruptcy (bankruptcy laws being considered by Congress). He reports that he believes "the People of this District...do not wish for it." Indicates that the old system was widely unpopular and "all rejoiced" when it was repealed. Notes that they may favor a new system in commercial centers, but "the People in the country do not require it." Concludes with a warning about the politically divided populace, indicating that one unfavorable law could win the opposing party the next election. Marked "…

GLC06313.04.137

January 18, 1822

Smith, Albert, 1793-1867

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Expresses his support of the Bankruptcy Bill before Congress. Indicates that he has "seen its benefits in all countries except New England." Notes his hope that John Quincy Adams becomes the next president. Notes the coldness of the winter and the happiness of Mr. Winslow's family with the news of his imminent arrival. Indicates that there is a lot of discussion about the death of the widow of Captain William Church, who left a six thousand dollar inheritance to two sisters. Relates family news about his own family and others.

GLC06313.04.139

14 October 1864

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood

Written from Camp Webster to his wife. Describes the movements of his regiment (9th Ohio Cavalry) in pursuit of General Nathan Bedford Forrest and his men. While still ill, hopes to be reunited with his regiment, as "It would be the next thing to getting home to get to the company with the boys that I have soldiered so long with." Mentions the attempts by one of his comrades to obtain a furlough because of illness. Concludes with, "Hurrrah for Lincoln and Jonson! and the union forever, is the sentiment of your soldier boy..."

GLC02176.21

October 27, 1864

Wood, Matthew, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sarah Wood and Lydia Jane Wood

Written from Chattanooga, Tennessee to his wife and daughter. Talks of reuniting with a friend from home named Dempsy. Speculates his regiment will move on to Atlanta. Is too ill to ride, so in free time will have another likeness taken with money obtaining by selling his watch. Says some men took a tour up Lookout Mountain, which presents "a perfect scenery." Discusses the popular conception concerning the 1864 election, saying "I dont think like some of our McCllelan men do that" believe the Confederates "will fight us four year longer if Old Abe is reelected."

GLC02176.22

11 September 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions missing travel connections and seeing Uncle Jack and William. He reported to Colonel Deas but because Deas might have to go the field George may have to find another office. He writes of plans following the departure of Deas. He says that he is starved and has not eaten a mouthful since the day before. He claims to be more and more depressed as the separation from his wife endures. He reflects on how when they first married neither one expected this war. He reports news of the democratic victory in the elections and hopes that the war will end soon. He says that he was upset over…

GLC06582.37

September 3, 1831

Biddle, Nicholas, 1786-1844

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William B. Rochester

Written as President of the Bank of the United States to William B. Rochester, who intended to establish a new branch of the bank in Buffalo, NY. Letter mentions "the late revolution at Washington" (i.e., Jackson's election).

GLC00976.019

1860

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Pamphlet

Title: The Address of the Hon. Abraham Lincoln, in vindication of the policy of the framers of the Constitution and the Principles of the Republica Party, ...

Title continues, " ... Delivered at Cooper Institute, February 27th, 1860, issued by the Young Men's Republican Union, with notes by Charles C. Nott & Cephas Brainerd, Members of the Board of Control." Printed by George F. Nesbitt & Co., Printers and Stationers. Includes a list of the board members of the Young Men's Republican Union. In the speech, Lincoln addresses the most pressing issue of the day, slavery, and attacks the view put forth by Stephen Douglas and others that slavery was founded by the forefathers of the country. He examines the views of the 39 signers of the…

GLC05303.02

3 October 1857

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Discusses the upcoming election in Kansas, i.e. the second election over the Lecompton Constitution, the likelihood of free state supporters' defeat, and the influx of border ruffians from Missouri. Was against going into the election. Foresees that the results will lead to violence. Requests for brother to send "degerrotype" of brother and wife. Reminds of taking name of C Whipple.

GLC07231.07

9 September 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Would have sent the earlier letter sooner, but had to march the next day and therefore did not have time to mail it. Is now on picket for three days starting from last night. Elisha has not arrived yet. "The Johnnies are a not very great distance from us." Most of the fighting has involved cavalry, but was involved in "a little fight for 3 or 4 hours." Asks them to say hello to Mrs. Phillips for him. Does not need them to send him a new pen. News has been nothing but good for a couple of weeks now. Hopes the war will be over by winter. Would like to be at home for the election.

GLC09355.089

13 September 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

Received his first letter from them in over two weeks. "I think this department is the worst we have ever been in for mail arrangements." Has started to drill twice a day. "The weather is variable." It often rains without warning, and nights can be very cold. Has gotten much better at carrying heavy loads on marches. Will not have to spend any extra money on clothing this fall and winter. Will not write a letter to Johnny Banks' mother. "I am not capable of writing such a letter as I should wish to send to her under the existing circumstances, and again E.P.B. wrote immediately to her."…

GLC09355.090

15 September 1864

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Parents

The supply train is here; will be able to send a letter tonight. Is "as well as usual." The weather has been very strange; it has alternated very quickly between sun and rain. Heard a rumor last night that Petersburg was taken but does not know if it was true. Does not have good access to reputable news. Hopes he will receive a letter with the next mail call. Got a letter from Charlie in the last mail, but not one from them. They should tell Charlie he should write as many letters as he likes. Is "quite indifferent" about the upcoming presidential election, but believes that a change in…

GLC09355.091

February 17, 1863

Ward, Edward K., 1837-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Ward writes that he's heard from a member of his company, Dave Poston, who was wounded in Perryville. Also writes that he has gotten fatter and has never enjoyed better health. He reports that federal troops are constantly getting secesh families out of Shelbyville and escorting them inside confederate lines. Writes that the men have learned to not get their hopes up for peace any time soon and states that "now we have concluded to place the limit of our trials to the end of Lincoln's administration." However, he writes "our boys are willing to suffer this and more, sooner than give up…

GLC02232.14

February 6, 1944

Weiner, Sylvia, 1912-2008

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Morris "Moe" Weiner

Sylvia recounts her lazy day, and reports on friends. Says her Dad received a telegram from her brother Alvin [in Air Force training], that says he has soloed. Her sister Mad is finally getting her divorce. Discusses the ability of the soldiers to vote and arguments in Congress.

GLC09414.0151