October 19, 1880

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Gen. John Ramsay

Grant expresses the hope that New Jersey will vote for Garfield and Arthur, and keep the Democrats out. The letter mentions the impending Presidential election in New Jersey.

GLC01416

February 5, 1841

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Stuart

Letter is written in blue ink. Discussing Illinois and Sangamon county politics, Lincoln says he and some others would like Bat Web (Edwin B. Webb) as District Attorney. He concludes by alluding to the "locos" (Democrats) in the upcoming congressional elections.

GLC01210

January 2, 1848

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to B.S. Schoonover

Buchanan discusses his presidential prospects and thanks Schoonover profusely for his support. Describes at length the faithfulness and devotion the people of Pennsylvania have shown him over the years. Mentions that if it was up to him, he would not have sought out the presidency but the support for his nomination was so great that he could not avoid it. He expresses his surprise at learning that Governor Francis Shunk's administration would oppose his nomination since he had exerted all his influence to get the governor elected. Comments that it seems General Lewis Cass and himself will be…

GLC01239

May 14, 1871

Stephens, Alexander Hamilton, 1812-1883

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Haldeman

Discusses an upcoming Pennsylvania Democratic Convention with Haldeman, a United States Representative from Harrisburg. Expresses concern regarding issues which might be addressed at the Convention, stating "Is not the most present and absorbing question ever submitted to the people any where whether ours is a Gov't of Laws or bayonetts ... the Democracy then must array itself against Usurpation -- against Centralism -- against Despotism in any shape and form ..."

GLC01219

January 18, 1866

Wade, B.F., 1800-1878

Manuscript signed

Title: [Extract from a speech regarding Wade's opposition to President Andrew Johnson's reconstruction policies]

Wade elaborates on his unwavering political stance, especially supporting the patriotism and loyal of black Americans who served gallantly in the Civil War. States: "Now Sir I say to President Johnson, to the Democratic party, and to the people of the United States, that I will never yield the controversy -- until all men in America shall stand upon an equal footing -- equal before the law in every respect ... I was one of those who was an early advocate of bringing those colored people into your army invoking their aid to put down the rebellion ... Would I lend my voice and vote to induce…

GLC01407

December 22, 1843

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Francis Hamtramck Claiborne

Advises that he had communicated Claiborne's wishes to A. V. Breur of the House of Representatives and believes he will give the matter proper attention. Comments on the Whig dominance in the state of Tennessee, "...Tennessee cannot long continue to occupy her present false and unnatural political position." Expresses his hopes for the 1844 presidential election, "The Democracy of the state were never more confident of success, and are preparing for the great contest of 1844."

GLC01892

February 3, 1852

Cobb, Howell, 1815-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hart

Marked "Private" at top. Cobb, Governor of Georgia, writes to Hart, possibly a city mayor or official. Notes that he had determined not to appoint more commissioners to Hart's city, but wishes to comply with Hart's request. Discussing politics, declares "...a combination of free soilers.. do not overwhelm the true national democracy- You are upon the watch tower- Do not deceive yourself nor suffer your country, to be deceived with the false cry of 'all is well.'"

GLC02072

15 December 1838

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Harvey

Expresses his optimism for the Democratic party in the upcoming elections. "I think the prospects for the democratic party have rarely been more cheering. We have many great advantages over our opponents." Goes on to say that the Democratic party is united on several principles while the opposition is not. States that, "Under such circumstances I entertain no fears for the result. We must triumph." Written as Senator from New Hampshire.

GLC02327

1863

King, & Baird, 1839-1876

Broadside

Title: The road to peace through Pennsylvania via Washington, As Engineered by Southern Rebels and their Democratic Allies.

Quotes the September 7, 1863 issue of the Richmond Enquirer in order to pillory the South and Jefferson Davis for their belief that the war could be ended by attacking Pennsylvania to get to Washington. Calls the Richmond Enquirer "Jeff. Davis' Organ." Directed at Peace Democrats (Copperheads), particularly in Pennsylvania. Reads "…Jeff. Davis proposes to aid the Democracy of the North in the next Presidential Campaign!...Gen. Meade to be driven back, Washington to be beleaguered, and the Democracy to assail the Administration!...Men of Pennsylvania! Are you prepared for Peace on such terms?…

GLC02421

October 1854

Jay, John, 1817-1894

Broadside

Title: Free Democratic Address to the People of the State of New York.

Anti-slavery broadside signed in type by John P. Hale, Hiram Barney and John Jay, the New York Politician and descendant of the earlier John Jay, as a committee appointed by the State Convention of the Free Democracy. Urges support for anti-Nebraska candidates in forthcoming elections. "The Nebraska bill passed the senate at midnight, amid oaths and drunken insolence desecrating that once august chamber...With the passage of the bill that removed the landmark of freedom, and opened our western territories to the curse of slavery..."

GLC02383

30 October 1863

Broadside

Title: A Traitor's Peace

Broadside signed "A Democratic Workingman." Expresses anger at politicians calling for peace and "the Union as it was." Criticizes Southern peace terms from the "Richmond Enquirer" : including recognition of the Confederacy, withdraw of Union forces from Maryland and a free vote to decide where it wants to go, the federal government giving the Confederate government their portion of the navy that existed at the time of secession, and the withdrawal of federal forces from all Confederate territory including Kentucky and Missouri. In response "A Democratic Workingman" says "Vote for the party…

GLC02389

21 October 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hopes Craig will consider spending future summers in Eastport, if he (Hunt) remains stationed there. Discusses the upcoming presidential election (won by Ulysses S. Grant). "So the October Elections are over and we are beaten on all the fields - This settles the November Election beyond doubt; they may cry fraud as much as they please and I have no doubt that the states all three were carried by fraud - but the result will be to send a host of those who worship success - the great Wobble party in a Mass into the radical ranks. We are only demonstrating the truth of an old American theory. '…

GLC02382.044

15 November 1884

Gibbon, John, 1827-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

He has been asked to write a description of battlefields and monuments. Mentions his approval of Hunt's writing an account of the Battle of Gettysburg. Asks Hunt about writing for "free" or "money." Refers to the Democratic victory. Written at Fort Laramie

GLC02382.052

6 March 1885

Gibbon, John, 1827-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

Refers to military decisions providing post-war funds to soldiers. Comments on Democrat leadership. Invites Hunt to Chicago to see the Gettysburg painting.

GLC02382.055

28 July 1863

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson Hunt

States that his failure to reply to Hunt's former correspondence was due to his lack of faith in the army post office. Instructs Hunt not to give up his command as Chief of the Artillery. Says "I look forward to being back in command, some of these days, perhaps not until March 5 1865….Give my kindest regards to my friends, & remember who they are." Looks forward to being "back in command"(with the date referring to his upcoming campaign for the presidency). Hopes Hunt continues to advance in rank. Writes "I have watched our old Army of the Potomac with a heavy heart... " Has seen F.J. […

GLC02382.060

1864

Democratic Party

Broadside

Title: The real Chicago platform, as expounded by the Democratic orators at Chicago.

Excerpts from orators at the 1864 Democratic convention at Chicago. Issued anonymously by the Copperhead faction of the Democratic Party.

GLC01704

1864

Democratic Party

Broadsheet

Title: The Democratic platform. Gen. McClellan's letter of acceptance.

An official printing of General George McClellan's acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president on first page. The rest of the broadside is a Pro-Democratic comparison of the Democratic and Republican platforms, and military policies. Reprints campaign songs, military policies, and excerpts from letters and quotes of President Abraham Lincoln.

GLC01701

1864

National Union Executive Committee

Broadside

Title: Is the War a Failure?

Pro-Lincoln,Union ticket election broadside defending the Civil War, which the Democratic Convention at Chicago called a failure. Reprints letters of Generals Ulysses S. Grant, Truman Seymour, William T. Sherman and John Adams Dix on the conduct of the war.

GLC01702

1864

War Democratic State Committee, 1864

Broadside

Title: Watch words for War Democrats!

Published by pro-war, pro-Union Democrats in New York. Quotes a speech made by Peter Cooper 20 years ago advocating Union principles. Reprints an article from a Catholic newspaper titled condemning slavery and an article from the impartial Boston Herald on the lack of freedom in the South.

GLC01703

8 August 1860

Stevens, Isaac Ingalls, 1818-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander R. Boteler

On committee letterhead, Stevens, as Chairman of the National Democratic Executive Committee writes to Boteler as Chairman of the National Executive Committee of the Constitutional Union Party. Requests copies of campaign literature circulating. Letterhead of the National Democratic Committee is printed with John C. Breckinridge for President, and Gen. Joseph Lane for Vice President. Boteler was a U.S. congressman from Virginia (1859-1861). During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army as a member of Stonewall Jackson's staff. He was elected from Virginia to the Confederate…

GLC02455.12

2 January 1835

Benton, Thomas Hart, 1782-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Todd Lytle, Henry Hubbard, Ratliff Boon, and Henry A. P. Muhlenberg

Benton, a United States Senator from Missouri, writes to Congressmen Lytle, Hubbard, Boon, and Muhlenberg. Transmits a letter declining the nomination of the Mississippi State Convention for Vice Presidency of the United States. Remarks that the copy is for newspaper publication. Date is obscured by text loss, and is estimated based on content.

GLC02448.01

26 June 1847

Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joshua Leavitt

Birney, an abolitionist, writes to Leavitt, a reformer and minister in Boston. Has been asked to write columns for the Herald, a newspaper, and is allowed by the editor to freely express his opinions. Notes that Dr. Bailey (possibly Gamaliel Bailey) will not agree with what he has written. Writes, "I have but little faith in the constancy of some who stand prominent in this vicinity as abolitionists. I would not be surprised if some went off to the Democratic party before long." Remarks that Mr. Chase also contributes to the Herald (possibly referring to Salmon Portland Chase). In a…

GLC02448.02

14 September 1868

Seymour, Horatio, 1810-1886

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Seymour writes, "I deem the club system of the Union Democracy, now being organized by Mr Spencer & his associates in this & other States, to be very useful & necessary for the success of our cause. I am informed that the work has been sent to your county & I hope you will find it expedient to organize clubs in all your towns & that you will use your influence & energy for that purpose."

GLC02467.23

24 October 1848

Stevens, Thaddeus, 1792-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S. [Gallary ?]

Discusses current politics, noting a tie in the House of Representatives over an unspecified issue. Mentions Democrats, a political struggle, and the standing of the Legislature. Notes that he will be at the Columbia House immediately after the election, and will be glad by that time to leave the State of Ohio. Probably written in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, where Stevens lived. Recipient's name is illegible.

GLC02467.26

10 May 1863

Vallandigham, Clement L., 1820-1871

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Brooks

Two notes written in pencil (one beneath docket) indicate that this letter was written to Brooks, a U.S. Representative from New York and fellow Copperhead. Vallandigham, a former United States Senator from Ohio, had recently been arrested for treasonable remarks, and was held in military custody. Writes, "I have just read your speech as reported, (I believe) in the Journal of Commerce, & thank you ten thousand times for it. The whole country responds to you, & indeed, indeed it is time that it should. Not a moment is to be lost. I am still here 'awaiting orders!'- military…

GLC02467.28