17 May 1750

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 1118 (May 17, 1750)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Fable entitled "The Catterpillar and Butterfly" on page one. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 1 through 4. Advertisement for the sale of lottery tickets. The death of John Kinsey, speaker of the assembly of New Jersey, announced. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.142

June 12, 1858

Jeffery, Roberta, fl. 1850-1899

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Jeffery

Regarding his bad headaches and the well being of the children, a party given for them, Archer's handling of the farm, and death of an acquaintance [Sandie Parker] from paralysis of the spine.

GLC01896.015

15-23 September 1863

Jones, Joseph, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy E. Jones

Expectations of battle; taking Chattanooga with the loss of only one man; close proximity to the Confederates; wounding of Cornelius Hanvy. .

GLC02739.070

10 November 1863

Jones, Joseph, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy E. Jones

"It is nothing to a soldier to here of the death of a friend or comrade for he has enough of such…that he cannot mourn for the dead." He describes the Battle of Chickamauga: "For two long days we fought the brave men of longstreets corps from Richmond they having two to our one…many were to be he[a]rd crying for help as we would have to walk over them and turn our ears to their cries." He wants to send her his diary of the past year and is keeping one for this year as well.

GLC02739.084

14 November 1863

Jones, Joseph, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy E. Jones

The Confederates had an internal battle on October 28: "One brigad[e] of them was determined to quit them and ground arms and come to our lines and they was silenced by their trusty troops which terminated in three hours fight killing eight hundred men." He saw two men shot to death for desertion yesterday.

GLC02739.086

December 10, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he sent a letter with a friend and British soldier George Cumine who went home with General Cornwallis and his unfortunate army. Remarks upon the death of their Uncle Forbes. Discusses letters received and sent to family and friends and the state of the mail. Mentions his promotion in rank again and that he is glad to hear it will not be delayed by lack of money. States he asked Mr. Moir to send him some money. Indicates that Cumine will explain his situation better when he returns home. General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown…

GLC01450.023.09

1787

Manuscript document

Title: [Alphabetical member list of the Society of Cincinnati, State of Massachusetts]

Lists member names, and for some, provides the county and town they are from. A tally on the back shows that there were 323 members, and also mentions the number that are living in other states, removed but accounted for, dead, in France, or in the army

GLC04379.19

29 April 1863-10 December 1863

Goddard, Dighton, 1822-1910

Diary

Title: [Diary of Dighton Goddard]

Diary of a soldier in the 34th Massachusetts Volunteers. Written in pencil in a small leather bound planner. Most entries detail the weather, the regiment's movements through Virginia, foraging, rations, and daily occurrences. Entry on 3 May mentions that the cavalry captured 12 Confederates and surrounded and fired at a major who had escaped into the woods. Entries for 14 and 15 May describe an engagement near New Market, Virginia where his regiment suffered losses because they were outnumbered. Reports marching to Harrisburg on 2 June, then on to Port Republic where he describe a…

GLC03608.01

May 4, 1865

Farmer, George E., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maggie

George E. Farmer writes that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston did not surrender as soon as anticipated. He remarks that Union General Philip H. Sheridan's "destroying Angels took the war path again." He states that his regiment marched along the Boydton Road and reached the Nottoway River the same night. By Friday, they were 100 miles from Petersburg on the south side of the Staunton River when they heard of Johnston's surrender, halted for the night, and continued on to Petersburg the next day. He comments upon the condition of the city of Petersburg, and laments the assassination of…

GLC00808.03

July 20, 1865

Ordway, K.G., fl. 1855-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Orlando Kellogg

Ordway explains that the ribbon was designed for members of Congress. Instructions on how to wear the ribbon are also included. A congressional mourning ribbon (GLC01423.01) was originally enclosed with the letter. The letter is also accompanied by an admission card for inauguration day, March 4, 1865. The card, signed by George T. Brown, admitted Kellogg and his family to the inauguration.

GLC01423.02

1865

Header Record

Title: Congressional mourning ribbon for Abraham Lincoln and related letter [Decimalized .01-.03]

Accompanied by a letter of K.G. Ordway, the ribbon's designer and Sergeant at Arms of the House, to Orlando Kellogg, enclosing the ribbon and explaining that it was designed for members of Congress and how to wear it. Also accompanied by a signed card of George T. Brown, Sergeant at Arms of the Senate, permitting Kellogg and family. Dated April 15, 1865 - 29 July 1865.

GLC01423

January 19, 1933

Coolidge, Grace Goodhue, 1879-1957

Autograph note signed

Title: to Mrs. Glessner

Thanks her for her sympathy note about the death of her husband, Calvin Coolidge. "Although Calvin Coolidge can no longer speak to us in his calm, clear way, I feel his influence abides and will still lead us in plain paths." Letter written on mourning stationary.

GLC01522.01

11 December 1801

Smith, Calvin, 1768-1840

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jedediah Smith

Begins by saying how happy he is to know Jedediah is alive. Tries to convince him to move to the Mississippi territory where the soil is so much more fertile than the stony ground of Massachusetts. Describes in detail all the advantages he would have if he moved. Gives him instructions and directions for the best way to make the journey. Talks about the mail for a bit. Mentions that the wife of Philander Smith, their brother, has died. Calvin informs that he and his wife have had a daughter. Discusses another brother named Luther who lives within the boundaries of Spanish territory and…

GLC04601.02

3 March 1743

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 742 (March 3, 1743)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Letter from the Cardinal de Fleury to the Marshal Count Koningsegg of the Hague regarding the latter's distributing of a private letter from the Cardinal. Includes King George II's speech to Parliament on 16 November 1742 and an account of the abduction of Joseph Guy by a Spanish privateer. Also, an obituary of Francis Pardigo, aged 114 years old. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents and the return of runaway slaves.

GLC06670.007

30 June 1743

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 759 (June 30, 1743)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Announces the death of the Dutchess of Buckingham. Prints the speech by King George II ending the Sessions of Parliament. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Critique of Count Zinzendorff's interview from issue number 753. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents and the return of runaway slaves.

GLC06670.021

28 July 1743

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 763 (July 28, 1743)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Announces the death of Don Joseph de Campillo, Prime Minister of Spain, from an epileptic seizure. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents and the return of runaway slaves.

GLC06670.025

4 August 1743

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 764 (August 4, 1743)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Announces the death of England's Princess Teresa Benedictina Maria Barbara of smallpox, and her sister's contraction of the same disease. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents and the return of runaway slaves.

GLC06670.026

8 November 1767-1785

Sylvester, Deborah, fl. 1760-1785

Diary

Title: [Deborah Sylvester's Journal]

Most entries are recorded in Scituate, Massachusetts. Records accounts and thoughts as well as biblical readings, sermons and family births and deaths. On 19 April 1775, states "the Regulars march out of Bouston and march to Lexington whare the massecre furst begun and Killd six men taking over peopel at [?] but thay mustered and rove thum back to Charleston thay killd...one black and sum befor thare wos 500 of the enemy wonded and Slain." On 20 April, she writes "all the towns mustered and march the 21 [?] Scituate companis march for Marshfield one turned back one kompanis the other march…

GLC01144.01

1770-1802

Header Record

Title: [Collection of two Bromfield family books] [Decimalized .01- .02]

GLC01450.030

May 12, 1776

Noyes, John, 1740-1784

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary Noyes

Letter written from Horn's Hook fort at Hells Gate, East River, New York to his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts. States they are seven miles from the city. Reports that there are many Tories in the city. He describes the evils of the city and remarks that there are whores everywhere trying to entice the soldiers. Some soldiers have been robbed. Reports that four or five men have been killed in the night. He describes in detail how he misses her and that he cannot wait to see her. "I hope that you & I shall see Each other & enjoy those Nuptuall Delights of Venis." He wants her to write…

GLC01450.056.07

circa November- December 1776

Noyes, John, 1740-1784

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary Noyes

John Noyes writes to his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts. He discusses battles or skirmishes in New York but it is not clear which ones because the letter is incomplete and not dated. He reports on how many wounded or killed on each side. States that deserters from the British army are coming to them every week. Relays that the British have landed near Throg's Neck and have advanced over the river at Dobb's Ferry. They moved again on November 12 and are expected to go to Kings Bridge where there might be a bloody battle since the Americans have a strong fort there with five months of…

GLC01450.056.09

circa September-December 1776

Noyes, John, 1740-1784

Autograph letter

Title: to Mary Noyes

John Noyes writes to his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts. States that 130 British vessels have landed at Staten Island and they have not more than 10,000 troops. Reports that the British are going up to Albany. Mentions the execution and jailing of some Tories. He remarks that six of their men were killed by their own cannon fire. Informs that there are 30 to 40 thousand men in the American army. First page and last page or pages are missing so there is no date or signature. Both are inferred from context and from other letters in the collection. Noyes was a soldier in the Continental army…

GLC01450.056.11

28 November 1918

Flynn, Russell S., fl. 1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to M.J. Flynn

Writes to his mother on Thanksgiving Day. Says that he is thankful to be alive as his company has lost 125 soldiers. Reports that he has not been paid in five months and could not afford to go into Lyon for the day. Written on a postcard of the Pont de la Guillotiere in Lyon.

GLC07810.014

14 December 1918

Galt, Mary Meares, fl. 1918-1939

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susie Duane

Condolence letter to her aunt regarding the death of her cousin Alex who died in the service of his country. Promises to visit his grave in the north of France when she is granted leave. Includes information about Christmas gifts to be mailed home. Written on American Expeditionary Forces letterhead, with "American Expeditionary Forces" struck and replaced with "French Army."

GLC07810.016

14 October 1918

Hopkins, Lawrence L., fl. 1918-1919

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. and Mrs. A.W. Hopkins

Writes to his parents apologizing for not having written. Encloses a Christmas package permit (not included) and a reminder of what he would like sent. Replies to local news sent from home. Reports the outbreak of lice (cooties) in his camp. Intimates that he is optimistic about the peace negotiations. Written on paper taken from a fallen German soldier.

GLC07810.031