November 4, 1787

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Mecom

Franklin writes to his sister in Boston about his feelings on his life of public service. Tells her that she should be direct in letting him know what she needs as he is willing to help her in any way. States that he planned to decline serving another year as President (possibly of the Executive Council of Pennsylvania) but that the country demanded him. Informs that he has been in public office for 50 years now. Writes that upon being sent to France, he observed to a friend that " ... the Publick having as it were eaten my Flesh, seem'd now resolv'd to pick my Bones ..." He gently complains…

GLC01721

1858-1869

Header Record

Title: Collection of two letters related to Henry David Thoreau [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC01751

April 4, 1784

Kościuszko, Tadeusz, 1746-1817

Letter signed

Title: to Mary Walton Morris

Letter written by Kościuszko, the great Polish hero of the American Revolution to the wife of Declaration of Independence signer, Lewis Morris. Letter of introduction for a Mr. Bernard, saying he was of high character and discerning judgment. Playfully tells her he will quarrel with her for not writing him. Says General and Mrs. Greene send their compliments to the entire Morris family. Humorously adds "give a K___ to your husband for me."

GLC01767

29 November 1760

Livingston, Philip, 1716-1778

Document signed

Title: [Bill of sale for two enslaved women named Hannah and Jen]

Bill of sale for two enslaved women named Hannah and Jen. The sale documents Philip Livingston as the seller. Jen's age is listed as 24 years old. They were sold for 100 pounds in New York currency to Rieneer Van Giesen. Cosigned by his son Philip Philip Livingston and by Richard Jeffery Jr. as witnesses. Seal is next to Livingston's signature.

GLC01775

1763-1791

Macaulay, Catharine, 1731-1791

Header Record

Title: Catharine Graham Macaulay papers, GLC 1784.01-1800.04 [decimalized]

Includes items between GLC 1784 and 1800.05, totaling approximately 190 items. GLC 1784.01 is a single item.

GLC01784

July 9, 1770

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catharine Macaulay

This letter begins the Adams-Macaulay correspondence. Adams compliments Mrs. Macaulay for stripping "the false Lustre from worthless Princes and Nobles and Selfish Politicians." He refers to Macaulay's History of England.

GLC01784.01

April 19, 1773

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catharine Macaulay

Describes the contest between Massachusetts Governor Hutchinson and the Assembly over the question of Parliament's control. Denies sovereignty of Parliament over American rights.

GLC01785.01

August 1773

Macaulay, Catharine, 1731-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Adams

Catharine Macaulay's retained copy noting that Hutchinson's fall will be an example to others who try to destroy American liberty.

GLC01785.02

June 28, 1773

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catharine Macaulay

Adams also takes the opportunity to thank Macaulay for her help in supporting American interests. He discusses the deteriorating relations with Britain.

GLC01786

December 11, 1773

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catharine Macaulay

Adams predicts a breach between America and Britain and writes that "Nothing, but equal Liberty and kind Treatment can Secure the Attachment of the Colonies to Britain." He argues that London's "Experiments" in public revenue will open trade to the Dutch or "will erect an independent Empire in America."

GLC01787

July 15, 1879

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. M.A. Bosbyshell

Douglass cannot help Mrs. Bosbyshell obtain the postage stamps she asked for. Advises her to apply to the President of the United States, the Secretary of State, the President of Liberia, or the Post Master General of Bolivia.

GLC01467

April 7, 1853

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lizzie Ellicott

Jocular letter where he talks of mutual acquaintances, taking a trip east in June, and other trivial matters. Promises her that when he becomes President, Mr. Pike will receive a diplomatic appointment "and you shall enjoy old world sights for me."

GLC01473

May 1912

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Printed document signed

Title: [Sample ballot card for the 1912 Republican National Convention]

Printed by Allied Printing. Inscribed "to little Miss Mabel" and signed by Roosevelt. The pro-Roosevelt campaign document explains how William H. Taft's managers "denied you the right to vote your preference for president" and instructs how to write in their vote for Roosevelt's nomination.

GLC01487

November 18, 1863

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Brisbin

Complains that he has not received a letter from Jane, his wife, in two weeks. States "If I thought you had been so careless as not to write in all that time I would feel like casting you off- but I think you certainly have written and your letters miscarried." Relates seeing Beaver, Captain Patterson, Bayard Edmunds and other members of the Centre Company. States that he will soon see Major Jack, and encloses a note (not included) from Colonel Murray. Instructs Jane to save the note, revealing that the Colonel owes him money. Informs Jane that her colt is being trained. States "I hope we…

GLC01505.03

March 4, 1864

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Brisbin

Informs Jane, his wife, that he is in great distress due to the fact that he has not received a letter from her in over a month. States "It is now a Month since I stood on the back platform of the car at Milesbury and saw your sweet form vanish from my sight ... it seemed after you were gone as if I had left the world and when I met the snow shoe Cars I could hardly help going back on them ... You are young and sometimes foolish but what you do is done in the innocence of your heart I know you would not wrong your poor husband for the world." Promises to send money, and instructs Jane to…

GLC01505.04

August 27, 1916

Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Treadwell

On his Sagamore Hill letterhead, Roosevelt thanks Treadwell for her letter to him and his wife. Written from, or just after a trip to France during World War I: "your letter brings vividly before my eyes the terrible suffering and high heroism of France, and the joy in service felt by you and the men and women like you. This war has shown that the right type of woman can do her full share of the work of war just as the right kind of man does his." He closes by condemning all pacifists as German collaborationists, and adds, "if I had my way I would disenfranchise all the pacifists of both…

GLC01518

September 8, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter

Title: to Mrs. Elizabeth Powel

Washington thanks her for a reflecting lamp that was apparently a new and unusual European import. Comments, "The benefits which will flow from the general use of such Lamps, are too apparent for the light of them to be long hid from the American World."

GLC01646

July 18, 1831

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard G. Dunlap

Letter written by Jackson as President, upset by the events surrounding the resignation of Major John H. Eaton as the Secretary of War. Jackson praises Eaton, as well as Martin Van Buren and Major William Berkeley Lewis for their loyalty. He attacks Vice President John C. Calhoun for what he sees as his plot to undue his administration in a "wicked depraved conspiracy," and regrets that he ever trusted Calhoun. Also attacks General Duff Green and his newspapers for being slanderous during this whole affair. The events referred to in this letter are all part of the notorious Petticoat Affair.…

GLC01690

February 1, 1815

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Levett Harris

Adams thanks Harris, the United States Charge d'Affaires in Russia, for obtaining and sending Adams' passport while Adams attended peace negotiations in Ghent. He refers to European peace proceedings in Vienna, stating that "The late symptoms of a coalition between France and England are the strongest guaranty of the continuance of Peace." He informs Harris that his wife, Louisa Catherine Adams, is in charge of several financial transactions in Adams' absence.

GLC01644

August 3, 1882

James, Frank, 1844-1915

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anna Ralston James

In pencil, James writes to his wife regarding how much he misses her and their son, Robie. He speaks of a letter from Liv and says "we are all bound to have an opinion on every subject and let Liv have hers, and you, our friend, and myself will have ours." With an added note, he writes "This day is one ever to be remembered by [sic] 4 months ago to day Jesse was foully murdered." He signs the letter as Ben.

GLC01648

December 26, 1864

Tower, Zealous Bates, 1819-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frances Lucretia Thomas

Letter addressed to Mrs. Thomas (possibly Frances Thomas, formerly Kellogg), wife of Union General George H. Thomas. Tower, chief engineer of the defenses of Nashville, describes the December 15-16 Battle of Nashville. Thomas, commanding Union forces at Nashville against Confederate General John Bell Hood. Referring to Thomas, he writes "to inform you how beautifully matters have transpired here since you left & how glorious the Gen has demolished the Rebel Army of Hood who had the presumption to fancy it in his power to besiege Nashville..." Mentions Generals John McAllister Schofield (…

GLC01654

December 29, 1862

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Letter signed

Title: to Ambrose E. Burnside

Lee writes a letter to Burnside discussing the fate of Capt. E. P. Lawton. Captain Lawton, apparently a Confederate being held in Alexandria and probably mortally wounded, had asked to be visited by his wife. Lee's letter acknowledges receipt of Burnside's offer of conveyance for Mrs. Lawton.

GLC01663

September 3, 1882

James, Frank, 1844-1915

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anna Ralston James

Frank James writes to his wife, Anna, about the reward offered for his capture. Mentions Dick Liddil, a member of the same gang, and the way Liddil was treated by the authorities. Comments on turning himself in and states that "... when ever I surrendered up my belt, it would be with the understanding that I was subject to no one for anything." Attempts to comfort her and boost her morale. Mentions that his friends thought him foolish to accept any offers from Thomas Crittenden, the Governor of Missouri. Expresses his view on his situation, "And as for taking tragic revenge on any one, I hold…

GLC01693

December 12, 1863

Polk, Leonidas, 1806-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Thrasher

Confederate General Polk writes to the wife of a man identified as Colonel Thrasher to inform her that he has began an inquiry into the affairs of a man she wrote to Polk about. In an initialed postscript, he comments on the removal of Braxton Bragg from command of Army of Tennessee.

GLC01696

February 18, 1945

Baruch, Bernard M., 1870-1965

Typed letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Mary L. Simon

Letter regarding "human demobilization." Typed on personal stationery.

GLC01592.02