Collection Search

to William McBlair

Acknowledging his mistake "in refusing to do duty" and requesting that he now be "relieved from suspension."

GLC00722.18

to William McBlair

Reports that on his expedition up the Congo River one of the launch boats was lost. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at the mouth of the Congo River.

GLC00722.19

to William McBlair

Sending a gift of liquor in hopes of good fortune. Kennard is setting off for the United States in command of the "W.G. Servis." For his own "better preservation" on the trip he sends McBlair a gift of several "cases of liquor." Letter written on...

GLC00722.20

to William McBlair

Reporting the events that led to the British capture of the slave trading ship "Clara B. Williams," which had been falsely flying the American flag. The crew is being sent to Sierra Leone to be tried. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," on the...

GLC00722.21

Copy of certificates of Lieuts. Walker & Cummings, regarding the casks left by the "W.G. Lewis"

Copy of Walker's statement certifying that he saw about ten large casks which Captain Fredell said belonged to him "but that he did not want them." Fredell was the captain of the barque "William G. Lewis," a suspected slave ship captured by the U.S...

GLC00722.22

[Copy of a statement regarding capture of a slave ship]

Copy of a statement regarding a captured suspected slave ship. Certifying that "Mr. Curtis, the 1st mate of the barque 'Wm G. Lewis," stated that no one on board the ship had contact with the mainland. With the names of Theodore L. Walker, Hunter...

GLC00722.23

to William McBlair

Unable to furnish information regarding captured slave trading vessels. Letter written on board the H.M.S. "Hecate," off the Congo River. George F. Burgess was a Commander in the British Navy and captain of the "Hecate."

GLC00722.24

to William McBlair

Duggan apologizes for his insubordination and asks to be discharged and left ashore, so that he can earn a living for his family. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale."

GLC00722.25

to William McBlair

Kennard requests McBlair's permission to punish a sailor for insubordination. Letter written before March 1858, on board the U.S.S. "Dale."

GLC00722.26

[Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship] [in Dutch]

Listing ports of call and cargoes of a Dutch ship, with prices in dollars listed as well. Items listed range from January through 2 September 1858.

GLC00722.27

to William McBlair

Regarding the arrest of Charles Campbell, a sailor from the "Dale." Campbell, who had deserted McBlair's ship, had been taken prisoner by Goodridge and his men when he was found hiding on a whaling ship. Written from the United States Consulate on...

GLC00722.28

[Affadavit regarding his imprisonment]

Details events of his imprisonment on the African coast, along with Patrick Kelly and Manoel Ackmore, all sailors in the United States Navy. Affidavit relates the arrest of these three sailors after a scuffle with Portuguese soldiers and discusses...

GLC00722.29

to William McBlair

States reasons for non-fulfillment of an order. Explains that he did not appear on deck earlier in the day, because he believed the order to do so applied only to specific officers, and states he meant no harm with his actions. Apparently McBlair...

GLC00722.30

to William McBlair

John Duggan requests a discharge so that he can return home, his reasons being "the same as stated before." With signed attestation of Stephen G. King, Sail Master, stating Duggan's signature is true. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at...

GLC00722.31

to William McBlair

Requesting a survey of the ship's sails. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." King was the Sail Master on the "Dale."

GLC00722.32

to William McBlair

King reports that the ship's sails have been inspected, and that they are "unfit for further use." Instead he recommends "that they be used for parcelling." Signed by King, Davidson, and Cummings, and signed and approved by McBlair. Letter written on...

GLC00722.33

Copy of letter to William McBlair

Copy of a "survey upon all the important iron-work of this ship." Reports that much of the ship's ironwork is "much worn and appear unsafe." With the names of Davidson, Cummings, and Dixon (all three are clerical signatures). Letter written on board...

GLC00722.34

to William McBlair

Copy of a letter to McBlair, stating that some of the bolts, chains, and ironwork on board the "Dale" are "defective and unsafe." Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at Porto Praya, Cape Verde.

GLC00722.35

to William McBlair

Requesting permission to return to Liberia, John Adams states that he needs to return to personally report a death, or be liable for punishment under the laws of Liberia, of which he is a citizen. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Adams is...

GLC00722.36

Report of prisoners confind on board U S ship Dale

Lists eight prisoners held on board the ship. Two were imprisoned for desertion, the rest for lesser, insubordinate acts. Dozier was Master at Arms for the U.S.S. "Dale."

GLC00722.38

to William McBlair

Relates a conversation with British Naval Commander Wise regarding capture of a slave trading ship. Winder, an American sailor had been stationed on the British ship "Vesuvius," under the command of Wise. Wise told Winder that he had boarded a ship...

GLC00722.39

to William McBlair

Ordering that William Ford, a Landsman on board the "Dale" be sent home to the United States, because he has been "condemned by Medical Survey." Letter written on board the "Cumberland" at Porto Praya, Cape Verde. Conover was commander of the African...

GLC00722.40

Report of target practice on board the U.S.S. Dale

Reporting the outcomes of three target practice sessions, for cannons, muskets and rifles, on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Docketed in clerical hand, with note: "Sent to Chief of Bureau"

GLC00722.41

to William McBlair

Reports that the water being taken on board the ship is "undesirable" for drinking and should not be used by the crew. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" near Quittah, Ghana. Engels was an assistant surgeon.

GLC00722.42

to William McBlair

John S. Cunningham reports on the capture of the American schooner "Angeline" by a British ship. Relates a conversation he had with William Kerr, a sailor on the "Angeline," regarding its capture. States that forces from the British steamer "Conflict...

GLC00722.43

to William McBlair

Informs McBlair that he is "in debt to the United States for six months provisions" due to a change in rules governing rations. The rule reads "'The Rule' in regard to the change in keeping the accounts of Provisions issued to officer's messes from...

GLC00722.44

to William McBlair

Reporting Samuel Brown, a boy, for disobedience and abusive language, "for threatening to revenge himself upon my person should it be five years hence." Docket notes that Hasker "slapped the boy." Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale." Charles H...

GLC00722.45

to William McBlair

Requesting a survey of the ship's sails, with an autograph endorsement signed by McBlair at the bottom of the page, ordering his lieutenants to conduct the survey. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," while at sea. King was the sailmaker on...

GLC00722.46

to William McBlair

Reporting, at McBlair's request, that $1,568 is "on board to the credit of the government" and $1,450 is due to the "Kroomen" (native crewmen from Liberia) of the ship. Also notes that he requested $6,000 from the flag ship, but received $4,000...

GLC00722.47

to Thomas A. Conover

Secretary of the Navy Toucey orders Conover to direct the U.S.S. "Dale" to "proceed to the Navy Yard at Portsmouth, N.H." Marked "Duplicate" at top of page. Written at the "Navy Department."

GLC00722.48

to William McBlair

Report against Clement Brooke for drunken behavior. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" off Goree Island, Senegal.

GLC00722.49

to William McBlair

Letter with McBlair's autograph endorsement signed at the bottom, regarding the injury caused by confinement at sea. Letter reports that Henry O. Jennings and William Bainbridge have been ordered by a court martial to be confined in cells for eight...

GLC00722.50

to William McBlair

Letter to McBlair listing the provisions on board the U.S.S. "Dale." The letter is a "Statement of provisions required for 116 person for sixty days and the quantity now on hand." Notes how many pounds of bread, beef, coffee, whiskey and other...

GLC00722.51

to William McBlair

Conover orders McBlair to receive two prisoners for transport to the United States. McBlair is to transport Thomas Connor and Frederick Breckendorf back to the United States. Both were discharged from the Navy for "Bad Conduct." Letter written on...

GLC00722.52

to William McBlair

Forwarding papers describing the sentences of Thomas Connor and Frederick Breckendorf. Both men had been discharged from the Navy for bad conduct. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Vincennes" at Porto Praya. Benjamin J. Totten, the commander of the...

GLC00722.53

Case of Fredk Breckendorf, seaman

Breckendorf was court-martialed and dishonorably discharged after being found with marine drummer boy Edwin Donnohoe "under improper and suspicious circumstance." He was also placed in solitary confinement for thirty days for his "scandalous conduct...

GLC00722.54

to William McBlair

Totten ordering McBlair to receive two prisoners, and to exchange drummer boys. He informs McBlair that he will receive on his ship "the men Connor and Breckendorf, sentenced by Summary Court Martial to be discharged from the Naval Services." He also...

GLC00722.55

to William McBlair

Transmitting the "Size Roll, & Clothing Account of Drummer" Edwin Donnohoe. Donnohoe was being transferred to McBlair's ship because of his improper involvement with a sailor on board his previous ship. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Vincennes"...

GLC00722.56

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, discusses attempts to catch a slave trader, life at sea, family matters, and religion. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" at sea.

GLC00722.58

to V. McBlair

Letter to his wife discussing life at sea and his visit to Liberia. Upon arrival in Liberia, McBlair's ship "Dale" gives the young nation a twenty-one gun salute. In Monrovia, the Liberian capital, McBlair meets with President Benson and former...

GLC00722.59

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, he discusses British pressure regarding American suppression of the slave trade, as well as his daily operations at sea, family affairs, and religion. He hopes to return to the United States by the first of December and believes...

GLC00722.60

to V. McBlair

Writing to his wife, he discusses the route for his voyage to the Canary Islands, his thoughts on religion and scripture, and the future of their children. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" at sea.

GLC00722.61

to V. McBlair

To his wife discussing naval life and family matters. He discusses his movements and activities at sea. He notes that some Liberians misspell their names, including a young boy he has taken on board the ship to help for a time. He states that he is...

GLC00722.62

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing family and life at sea. He has received small gifts of gold jewelry for his family from a local governor and a native chief. He hopes he will return home in May, and says the weather has cooled recently. Letter written on...

GLC00722.63

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing attendance at state dinners and a Liberian church service. He enjoys the state dinners, and does his best to create good will with other nations. He enjoys the church service, though much of it feels very foreign to him. He...

GLC00722.64

to V. McBlair

To his wife, discussing his dislike of the British, the death of a United States Consul in Sierra Leone by "homicide," and the island of Goree, a former center of the African slave trade. He states he is "Anti-Anglais," calling the British "National...

GLC00722.65

English account of the capture of the H. M. Brig Alacrity

A handwritten excerpt from William James' "Naval History of Great Britain, Volume V," giving an account of the capture of the British brig "Alacrity" by the French brig "Abeille," which occurred on 26 May 1811 near Corsica. James describes the...

GLC00722.66

to William McBlair

Thanking the officers of the "Dale" for help acquiring "a situation," thanks to "a friendly recommendation." Irving, according to the docket, was a sailmaker. Docket may be in McBlair's hand. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at sea.

GLC00722.67

to William McBlair

Barclay recommends finding a harbor as soon as possible. He says the crew is worn down by a long voyage and inclement weather, and there are not enough supplies to provide for them. Letter written on board the U.S.S. "Dale," at sea. Barclay was the...

GLC00722.68

to William McBlair

Discussing events at Saint Helena since McBlair left. A friendly letter, sent via Captain Goodridge of the U.S.S. "Hazard." Name of the signer is illegible.

GLC00722.69

to William McBlair

Sends letters and information, and thanks McBlair for a dog given as a gift. Letter written from Saint George's Castle, also known as Elmina Castle, a former prison and center of the African slave trade. Name of signer is illegible.

GLC00722.70

to Edward L. Winder

Stating that Captain McBlair has given permission for a sick man to be given medical treatment aboard the ship. Offers to pay for anything the man requires. Appears to be signed with the name "Mace." Written on half sheet. Probably written after June...

GLC00722.71

Commanders Stationery for the U. S. Sloop War "Dale"

A list of the stationery items belonging to the captain of the U.S.S. "Dale," including envelopes, letters and other items.

GLC00722.72

Check and three prints pertaining to Gerrit Smith [Decimalized .01-.04]

GLC00723

To the People of Hardy County.

Created by Hardy County, Virginia, citizens and officials including S. H. Alexander, J. W. F. Allen, George Fisher, A. A. Inskeep, Samuel McMechen, George McNeill, John C. B. Mullin, A. H. Scott, Alfred Taylor, Joseph Vanmeter, William C. Vanmeter, F...

GLC00724

Journal of the Convention of 1860-61.

Proceedings of South Carolina's secession convention issued only to the members of the convention. Concerns the secession of other states, General G. T. Beauregard's proposed defense of Charleston, and the roll call of all the delegates. Printed...

GLC00726

ANS to Gen. Seth Williams with large photograph

GLC00731

[Albumen portrait of Winfield Scott Hancock]

One undated half-length portrait of Union General Winfield Scott Hancock in Union uniform.

GLC00731.01

To the governor of the state of Nebraska

A printed a letter to the governors of Nebraska transmitting the Fifteenth Amendment.

GLC00788.02

to Gen. Rufus Saxton

"If Banks reaches Martinsburg is he any the better for it?" The letter mentions Gen. Banks's retreat before Jackson.

GLC00790

to John Henry Eaton

Andrew Jackson writes to Secretary of War Eaton about arranging the removal of the Brothertown Indians of New York to a reservation in Wisconsin. He comments on a recent meeting he had with the New York Indians. Informs him that the Menominee of the...

GLC00791

[Promotion of Edward O.C. Ord to Major General of Volunteers]

Partially printed form from an engraving signed by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. With a docket signed by Adjutant General Lorenzo. Thomas indicating the commission was recorded on 3 May 1862 in "Volume 17...

GLC00792

to O. S. Rapp

Harding acknowledges how the "railroad situation" affects Rapp's business and indicates that he wants "the government policy to be one leading to the railway restoration" but admits a current discouraging outlook. Letter signed 18 days after his...

GLC00800

Extracts of letters written by the Secretary of War, to the Governor of Virginia, upon the defensive protection of the frontiers of that State

Contemporary clerical copy signed by chief clerk of the War Department, John Stagg, Jr. The letters concern protection of the Virginia frontier against Indians, emphasizing President Washington's view "that all parts of the union ought to be...

GLC00813

to Richard Varick

Letter discusses several wartime matters: George Washington's desire for Varick to build an unspecified fortification, a lack of intelligence from Nathanael Greene and the Marquis de Lafayette, and reports of "a partial action between the Marquis and...

GLC00816

to James Blood

Stevens, chairman of the National Democratic Executive Committee, garners support for the Democratic Party prior to the 1860 Presidential election. He informs Blood, a customs collector at Newburyport, Massachusetts, that the organizers of an...

GLC00817

[An act to establish the Judicial Courts of the United States]

Printed document signed by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Signed in type by Jonathan Trumbull as Speaker of the House, John Langdon as President pro tempore of the Senate, and George Washington as President. Results of the second session of the...

GLC00818

to James Wilson

Colonel Gibson writes from the Headquarters of General Daniel Weisiger Adams's Brigade. He informs Wilson, Assistant Adjutant General of John Cabell Breckinridge's Division, of the details of the recent Battle of Chickamauga. He reports that Adams's...

GLC00821

to unknown

Wilson, a Republican Senator from Massachusetts, replies to a previous note sent by an unknown recipient. Provides a list of Republicans who might be interested in anti-Democratic Party ideas, including Maine Governor Israel Washburn, Jr. Reports...

GLC00789

to Peggy Fabian

He writes to a young lady with his "hope that you grow up a staunch American woman - and a lady." Letter written on personal stationary.

GLC00793

[George H. Butler's Diary for 1865]

Autograph manuscript signed of George H. Butler, who served in G Company, 12th Wisconsin Infantry, 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 17th Army Corps. Signed and dated 28 January 1865 on free front endpaper. Discusses the march through the Carolinas and the...

GLC00794

[Order to pay troops protecting the southwest frontier]

Issues William Rickard, paymaster pro tem for the territory south of the Ohio River, $279 for payment "of a Detachment of Mounted Infantry" in Colonel Isaac Roberts' regiment, under the command of Sergeant John Childress. Pay was for work from 11...

GLC00795

The Negro forget-me-not songster, the only work published, containing all the Negro songs, that have ever appeared.

Signed on free front endpaper by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, "H. W. Longfellow." Original cloth spine laid onto modern leather. Title on spine: "Nigga forget-me-not songster." Published by Turner & Fisher. Songs written in "dialect," and some are...

GLC00796

[Certification of duty payment on rum]

Partly printed document signed by Clymer as Supervisor of the Revenue for the district of Pennsylvania attests that the duties had been paid on "one Puncheon of Rum containing one hundred & fifteen gallons..." Marked "No. 3294." Clymer served as...

GLC00797

to Gideon Pillow

Letter written on patriotic Confederate stationery featuring a portrait of Jefferson Davis. Charles E. Cassitt, Captain of the "Shelby Rifles" under Colonel J. Knox Walker, writes about the incompetence and lying of his commanding office. Noted at...

GLC00798

to Daniel Adams

Writes to his father about opposing the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Daniel Adams, Jr. was town clerk and his father was a delegate at the state convention.

GLC00799

to Levi Woodbury

The letter is introducing Henry Lee to the recipient, and requesting that Woodbury offer any possible assistance on his research of a recent war.

GLC00801

to J.B. Allen

McKinley appoints Allen to the Commission appointed by Congress to indicate the position of Ohio regiments in the battle of Antietam. Allen, 19 years old in the battle, fought with the 23rd Ohio Regiment. Letter written on State of Ohio, Executive...

GLC00802

[Veto of New York State Assembly Bill Introductory Number 833, Printed Number 875]

Veto of "an ACT to amend the penal law, in relation to punishment for receiving deposits in insolvent banks." Roosevelt vetoes the bill commenting, "I am unwilling to accept a bill that lessens the penalty for this peculiarly outrageous breach of...

GLC00803

to Robert E. Lee

Stuart informs Lee of the results of a parry by Colonel Martin intended to disclose the line of the Union retreat after the Battle of Malvern Hill. Tells him the direction of Union movement and recommends the route Lee should take. After being...

GLC00804

to B. Rush Stoddard

Signs a letter with his title as "Brig. Genl. C.S.A. Prisoner of War on Parole," in compliance with Stoddard's request, possibly for an autograph.

GLC00805

Copy of telegram in cipher to Jefferson Davis

Recipient's copy of a telegram to Confederate President Jefferson Davis written in Confederate cipher, decoded above each line of the message in pencil. The telegram concerns military strategy and Beauregard's advice not to divide the Army of...

GLC00806

[Special requisition for bounty money]

Special requisition for bounty money for the one hundred and twenty six recruits. Lists names of soldiers of the 32nd Regiment, Mississippi Volunteers. Created by Colonel M. P. Laury and approved by Confederate Brigadier General Sterling A. M. Wood...

GLC00807

Collection of three letters of George E. Farmer [Decimalized .01- .03]

April 14, 1865 - May 4, 1865

GLC00808

Unconditional Union Ticket

Union ticket for Abraham Lincoln for President and Andrew Johnson for Vice President. Printed in blue and red inks. Lists presidential electors from Indiana for the Lincoln-Johnson ticket for the 1864. Printed with image of a canon and flag....

GLC00809

Cabinet portrait of Daniel Butterfield, signed

Signed and dated on mount. 3/4 bust profile

GLC00810

Subscription to create a trust fund for the Garfield family

Written and signed after Garfield's assassination. Also signed by businessmen Junius S. Morgan, Collis P. Huntington, J. Seligman, Henry M. Flagler, William Rockefellar (also John D. by Flagler), Russell Sage and Jay Gould, and others.

GLC00811

to George Clinton

Hamilton writes to Clinton in Poughkeepsie, New York to inform him that he wants to return to private occupations and will resign his office as a New York member of the Continental Congress within ten days.

GLC00812

Maritime license for American ship to trade in Bordeaux (in French)

Maritime license issued in Bourdeaux, France. These types of licenses were dispatched to the French consuls in Charleston, New York, Boston, and Baltimore. They were issued to an American ship to authorize trade directly with France. This one...

GLC00814

[Two letters to Thomas T. Craven] [Decimalized .01 and .02]

GLC00815

to Thomas T. Craven

Perry, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces on the western coast of Africa, writes from the U.S.S. Macedonia (off the coast of Monrovia) to Lieutenant Commodore Craven of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. He directs Craven to survey anchorage at Fish Town, near Cape...

GLC00815.01

to Thomas T. Craven

Canot writes to Lieutenant Commodore Craven about the building and rigging of ship to be named 'Le Pauvre Diable.' He asks to borrow a book on shipbuilding if possible, and asks for advice on how to rig his ship in "the American stile."

GLC00815.02

Constitution and Constitutional Convention archive [decimalized]

This collection of Pierce Butler's papers from the Constitutional Convention of 1787 provides unique views of the various conflicts that permeated the Constitutional Convention, while bringing to life the process of creating the United States...

GLC00819

Constitution [printing of first draft] [Committee of Detail]

Report of the Committee of Detail, the first draft of the Constitution, signed by Pierce Butler with his annotations. The leaves are printed recto only. Uncut and unbound, sealed in Plexiglas string mat. "We the People of the States of New-Hampshire...

GLC00819.01

Constitution [First printing of second draft] [Committee of Style]

Second draft of the Constitution, by the Committee of Style, printed on recto of each leaf and tied (leaves 1-2 only) with a ribbon, uncut and unbound. With the notes of Pierce Butler. Originally bound with blue ribbon. Document has creasemarks along...

GLC00819.02

Convention papers

Butler's wrapper and titlepage for these papers.

GLC00819.03

[Pierce Butler: Notebook from the Constitutional Convention]

Four pages of text with 12 blank pages and extensive doodles and calculations on the last page of the conjugate sheet. The notebook contains resolutions of May 30, and comments of Gerry, Wilson and Madison from June 6 to June 16. Continued by 819.09...

GLC00819.04

Quota of tax and delegates by States

Written on recto of first leaf only, a list beginning "Virginia," that indicates its population and ratio of delegates (for representation in Congress).

GLC00819.05

[State of the resolutions submitted by... Mr. Randolph...]

Changes to the Virginia Plan as agreed to by "a committee of the Whole House." In Secretary to the Convention William Jackson's hand per CH. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.06

[New Jersey plan]: Resolved that the Articles of Confederation....

"Jersey" -docket on p.8. Full transcript of the New Jersey Plan in hand of Robert Lansing, Jr.. Charles Hamilton thought this document might be written in the hand of Spaight, but SK identified later as John Lansing, Jr.

GLC00819.07