February 25, 1777

Peters, Richard, 1744-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smallwood

Letter written by Peters as secretary to the Continental Board of War to Brigadier General Smallwood. Says that he is sending a circular letter written by the Board with an enclosed resolve from Congress (the resolve is not included, but the circular letter is on verso). He requests his assistance as the matter is pressing. Says letters have been sent to Colonels Gist and Richardson as a matter of course and are not meant to countermand any orders he may have given them in regard to the Tory expedition. Congress wants to keep its previous promise to assist Maryland with the insurgents, but…

GLC01205.03

March 25, 1774

Adams, Samuel, 1722-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Letter written by Adams, who later signed the Declaration of Independence, as a member and clerk of the colonial assembly in Massachusetts to Gerry, also a future signer of the Declaration, as a member of the assembly. References a letter from Gerry that explained the violence in Marblehead, known as the Smallpox War or the Marblehead Riots, and asked for military intervention. Gerry was one of the leading citizens of the town who wanted to build a hospital to inoculate the populace against smallpox. Once it was built, the populace, fearful that inoculations spread the disease further,…

GLC01213

May 20, 1842

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Letter signed

Title: to Elisha R. Potter

Written at the height of the Dorr controversy, when Thomas W. Dorr's followers who wanted to put a new Rhode Island state constitution in place to expand suffrage, illegally elected Dorr the governor. Tyler explains his response to the affair, his desire for amnesty, peace, and to undercut public sympathy for the Dorrites who invoked the right of rebellion. Concedes that "Dorr's recent proceedings have been so extravagant a character as allmost to extinguish the las hope of a peaceable result." Notes that the developments make it difficult for Rhode Island Governor Samuel Ward King to yield…

GLC01131

29 May 1795

Paterson, William, 1745-1806

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Bench notes on the Whiskey Rebellion trial, United State v. John Barnet]

Supreme Court Justice Paterson's notes prepared while sitting as a judge of U.S. Circuit Court. Paterson's notes contain a detailed record of the rebellion and a discussion of the legal definition of treason, which this case helped to shape. Barnett was among several rebels tried for treason for participating in the Whiskey Rebellion. He was acquitted.

GLC01114

April 11, 1842

Houston, Sam, 1793-1863

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Edward Burleson

Houston, as President of the Republic of Texas, writes to Edward Burleson, the Vice President of Texas, about the security of Austin as Texas's capital. He considers the vulnerability of the archives of the Republic to attack, while they are kept in Austin. Advocates the removal of the Texas government from Austin to Houston, because Houston is much easier to defend, especially in the case of a war with Mexico. He declares that the "Constitution has reserved to the Executive the right to remove the offices when he may deem proper in time of war, for the security of the archives of the…

GLC01171

December 10, 1832

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Broadside

Title: Proclamation by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.

Proclamation attacks the South Carolina Convention that passed the nullification ordinance. Denounces nullification as treason and rebellion, and warns the people of South Carolina to obey the laws. Jackson declares that "the power to annul a law of the United States, assume [sic] by one State, INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE EXISTENCE OF THE UNION ... INCONSISTENT WITH EVERY PRINCIPLE ON WHICH IT WAS FOUNDED AND DESTRUCTIVE ... " Warns that South Carolina cannot stand alone and that seceding from the Union would be a detriment to the state.

GLC01863

29 April 1865

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William T. Sherman

General Meade writes from Headquarters, Army of the Potomac. A previous assessment indicates this letter, directed to "Genl Cmd'g," is written to General William T. Sherman. Marked "Personal" on docket. Meade declines to send the 3rd Cavalry, since he has no other cavalry. His other cavalry units were previously sent to General Sheridan, and even after applying to General Grant, no cavalry returned. In the area (possibly near Appomattox Court House, Virginia), some blacks have been pillaging the homes of their former masters. Meade notes "there is really some danger of an insurrection…

GLC01918

26 December 1799

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Appears to be a retained draft. Written by North as Adjutant General of the Provisional Army with the rank of brigadier general (a position he held 1798-1800) to an unknown recipient. Says if "you are too full, ask Mrs. Duane for a pail of butter." Mentions that he has a sleigh and horses at Duanesburgh doing nothing and that the recipient can use them. Says he is not settled in yet, but says they are doing well. Says they are planning a "great show here on the 31st - funeral honors to the memory of Gen. Washington" (who died on 14 December) on 31 December. Mentions other friends.

GLC02341

5 March 1792

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Document signed

Title: Act for making farther and more effectual provision for the protection of the frontiers of the United States

Signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Decided at the first session of the second Congress held at the city of Philadelphia on 24 October 1791. Lists the salaries and allowances for officers and recruits. Mentions employing Indians for compensation. Printed with names of Jonathan Trumbull as the Speaker of the House, John Adams as the Vice-President, and George Washington as the President.

GLC02342

January 1843 ca.

Mitchell, Nathan, fl. 1843

Autograph document signed

Title: Statement re: capture of Texas archives by Austin vigilantes

Countersigned by Walter Winn.

GLC02145.36

1864-1865

Nicholson, Charles, fl. 1864-1865

Header Record

Title: [Collection of Charles Nicholson, battery L, 5th regiment, Pennsylvania, heavy artillery] [Decimalized .01- .12]

Charles Nicholson was a Private in the 5th Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, Co. L. Other letters were written by another soldier in the same family, to their cousin Alice. Writes about Lincoln's death and a cousin's death in Libby prison. Collection contains 10 items, 5 envelopes, 2 photographs, as well as various clippings.

GLC02171

21 March 1880

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Brinton McClellan

Mentions an article re the Battle of Antietam advertised in the 'North American Review.' Hunt discusses his conspiracy theory involving Stanton, McClellan and the Emancipation Proclamation. "…if you had lost Antietam you would have been shot [a hury?] - if a court could be packed for the purpose, and after a defeat such a court could have been got - After a victory, they were able to remove you and pack a court almost sufficient to shoot [a hurry?] Porter, and the spirit that prescripted it, is as then proceeding, in the Senate …as malignant an virulent as ever. You ran a terrible risk in…

GLC02382.068

1 April 1880

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

McClellan, governor of New Jersey, writes on the 18th anniversary of the Peninsular Campaign. Discusses plotting against him in Peninsular Campaign, further to Hunt's prior discussion. States that the campaign was affected by "the ill[?] impression that I had political aspirations in those days, & the intention to prevent any [illegible] success until the Emancipation proclamation had been issued & gone into effect." Recalls hearing that in July 1862 Lincoln discussed McClellan's "Harrison Bar" letter with General Francis Preston Blair. Lincoln said, 'I'll tell you what I think of it…

GLC02382.069

1836-1869

Header Record

Title: Texana: documents, many relating to Thomas Ward & archives war [decimalized]

Note that some letters are written to "William" Ward, i.e., Thomas William Ward, the person who assembled this archive as archivist of the Republic of Texas.

GLC02145

2 March 1790

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses his affidavit (not present) upon the circumstances of private merchant John Bank's contract with Nathanael Greene to supply the southern army with provisions in 1783. It later came to light that Banks was involved in disreputable business dealings and Greene wanted to renounce any involvement with him. Both Carrington and General Anthony Wayne were asked by Greene to provide affidavits disclaiming any financial connection between Banks and Greene. Carrington asks Knox to withdraw his old affidavit and send this new one to Congress in its place. Encloses a copy of a letter (not…

GLC02437.04525

5 December 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks the Knoxes for their hospitality toward his daughter. Reports that things in Boston are quiet and wishes the same for Virginia "but unfortunately Resolutions [regarding federal assumption of state debts] breath another Spirit. it is to be hoped their disorder will not become epidemical." The Congress is meeting the next day. Says Congress "cannot fail since no question of permanent residence will disturbe them."

GLC02437.04791

5 December 1792

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an extensive description of "French affairs" in relation to the French Revolution which he states is occupying all of Europe. "That their Republic seems so firmly established, they bid defiance to all the neighbouring powers to shake it. Since the retreat of the Prussians and Austrians, their successes continue in the most uninterrupted series. Nothing stops their victorious career ... Wherever their victorious Generals go, they are sure to succeed; they offer the people liberty, and invite them to shake off the yoke of despotism, and form a constitution agreeable to their own…

GLC02437.05724

26 September 1796

Little, Joshua, fl. 1796

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Deposition of Captain Joshua Little and Lieutenant Samuel Carleton]

Written from "Lincoln County." Includes questions put to Little and Carleton, and their answers, about Samuel Ely's attempts to start an insurrection on Knox's land in Maine.

GLC02437.06827

13 August 1800

Bingham, William, 1752-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bingham discusses in great detail contract issues with Knox that also concern Bingham. Mentions how outraged he is that Knox's surveyors on the Waldo Patent were attacked. Bingham thinks that it is good that Knox is going to be a member of the legislature, "where you may under essential services to the Property in Maine."

GLC02437.07443

14 July 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Sterrit, Samuel Brown and Josiah Reed

Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox handwriting. Discusses the ongoing conflict with the settlers on the north part of the Waldo patent. Describes the issues of the conflict and the danger the surveyors are in. Requests the gentlemen show and explain the legal title of Brigadier Waldo and the heirs of that title to the settlers. Explains how the title and map will show who the land legally belongs too. Requests they also explain and show how Knox's lands are separate from the Plymouth Company lands, and that they have been surveyed and delivered by the Commonwealth to Knox.

GLC02437.07568

7 October 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Captain Hunter's information regarding the insurgents]

Document is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Appears to be information that Knox gathered from a Captain Hunter respecting Thomas's (possibly Walterman Thomas) information. It was reported the insurgent threaten to kill the settlers if they went out again. Also was reported that the settlers on the Plymouth Company lands stated they were willing to give a dollar for their lands and were encouraging Knox's settlers to do the same.

GLC02437.07635

6 October 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Secretary of War Knox informs the president of his arrival in Philadelphia, and also for permission to join Washington in Carlisle, Pennsylvania "until the painful task upon which you are, shall be settled." The "painful task" was the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion by government troops, headed by Washington, Alexander Hamilton, and Virginia Governor Henry Lee. Knox's retained draft.

GLC02437.06219

8 September 1794

Ames, Fisher, 1758-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recommends Captain Moses Wallah for an appointment to command in the national service of the military line. Lists Wallah's accomplishments, including the militia he raised in Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.06199

13 September 1794

Brooks, John, 1752-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recommends a captain for a position in the national army. Notes the gentleman has distinguished himself as an officer and is currently in the Boston, Massachusetts regiment of militia.

GLC02437.06207

September 23, 1843

Rusk, Thomas J. (Thomas Jefferson), 1803-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Col. Thomas William Ward

Letter written to Ward, Commissioner of the General Land Office. Rusk looks forward to a settlement of the "archive war" and the question of a capital. Also, discusses the location of the seat of government.

GLC01780