Collection Search

[Collection of two letters to William Phillips] [Decimalized]

Two letters by Heath to General William Phillips. See 4789.01 and 4789.02. Collateral engraving also included.

GLC04789

to Samuel Johnston

Mentions Captain Gilles, who transmitted previous correspondence between Hewes and Johnston. Discusses the Colonies' (specifically North Carolina's) ability to finance and sustain a military conflict. Writes "I fear we shall be obliged [text loss]...

GLC04790

to Colonel Williams

Huntington as a General of Connecticut forces in the Continental Army to a Colonel Williams, whose larger identity could not be ascertained. Says that Williams might have money that was sent to help his father. Sends along information of General...

GLC04791

to Richard Keith Call

Advises Call that on what he must do first if he wishes to succeed in politics, including making a good name for himself. Also counsel's him to mend a feud between Captain Easter and Judge Brekenridge. Then explains that he will never run for...

GLC04792

to Henry Remsen, Jr. re: erratic nature of deliveries, reaction to Jay's Treaty

Concerning delivery of a nail machine, pea planting, newspaper subscriptions and France's reaction to Jay's treaty. He fears France's reaction to the treaty and that they may be silent on "the principle the Count de Vergennes once expressed to me...

GLC04794

to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer

Document certifies that Daniel St. Thomas of Jenifer, a futuer signer of the U.S. Constitution, took the oath called for under the "An Act to resrict the Deleages of this Sate in Congress from enegaging in any Trade either foreign or domestic."...

GLC04795

to William Phillips

Written by Jenkinson as Secretary of War in Lord North's ministry in London to Major General Phillips as the ranking officer of the Convention Army, which consisted of prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign. The army was being barracked in...

GLC04796

to Robert Morris

Jones, Captain of the U.S.S. Ranger, informs Morris, a Continental Congressman, of recent events in France. Reports that in June, a highly esteemed gentleman (who Jones does not name) wrote him a secret letter promising him command of a large ship...

GLC04797

to Timothy Pickering

Written by King as American Ambassador to Britain to Secretary of State Pickering. Written in numeric cipher, probably concerning the implications of XYZ Affair. Letter was unable to be uncoded at this time. Cipher could possibly be in the Rufus...

GLC04798

to Armand-Charles-Augustin de La Croix de Castries [in French]

Memorandum written to de Castries. Manuscript concerning efforts to strengthen the alliance between the United States and France through trade and more substantial means. It was probably written after 15 June 1786, the date Jefferson wrote a letter...

GLC04799

to Charles James Fox [in French]

Lafayette writes to English politician and friend, Charles Fox, regarding his own health. Lafayette had recently broken several bones and torn tendons in a fall, but reports that he is on that mend and will soon be back at La Grange, his country...

GLC04800

to Jeremy Bentham

Lafayette confirms that he has settled on his farm at La Grange and indicates that he is studying Bentham's philosophy. He discusses standing armies and the role of the militia in defending the United States. Also discusses "the impeachment of...

GLC04801

to Wiliam Wilberforce [in French]

Lafayette inquiries on the slave trade in France & America. He alludes to Wilberforce's attempts to have Lafayette freed from prison. Docket is in English, in Wilberforce's hand. Letter has been transcribed in English. Wilberforce as the recipient is...

GLC04802

to Caesar Rodney

Written by Laurens as President of the Continental Congress to Rodney as President of Delaware. Says he sent a packet on 9 May 1778 by General William Smallwood. Says it contains 20 copies of an address by Congress on the regulation of armed vessels...

GLC04804.01

A Proclamation.

This document is a proclamation ordering American ships to act according to an honest code and not take up piratical acts while in American waters. It is a printed broadside approved by Henry Laurens and Charles Thomson as President and Secretary...

GLC04804.02

[Congressional resolution denying the flag of truce to British Peace Commissioners]

Denies the use of flags of truce to "nefarious" British peace commissioners who abused the privilege to disseminate "under the sanction of a Flag certain seditious Papers under the name and title of Manifestoes...with a view to stir up dissentious...

GLC04805

to John Page

Lee, a Virginia delegate to the first Continental Congress, reports on the reception and failure of the Olive Branch Petition (an attempt to broker peace with England after the outbreak of the American Revolution but prior to the Declaration of...

GLC04806

to Roger Sherman

Discusses the surrender of John Burgoyne, Cornwallis' movements, and the loss of Red Bank, among other activities in the Revolutionary War. Also mentions international relations and naval activities. Supports the Articles of Confederation, comments...

GLC04808

Bloody Butchery by the British Troops [First printing]

Printed and sold by Ezekial Russell. Printed broadside in three columns with woodcut mourning borders and two rows of forty woodcut coffins (each captioned with the name of an American casualty). Detailed narrative of battles at Lexington and...

GLC04810

[Mortgage indenture taken on 160 acres in Menard County, Illinois by Thomas and Elizabeth Cantrall]

This document is a record of a mortgage indenture filled out and signed by Abraham Lincoln in the state of Illinois by Thomas and Elizabeth Cantrall. The mortgage indenture was taken out for 160 acres in Menard County, Illinois. Lincoln's AES dated 6...

GLC04811

to C.W. Michael and William Proctor

Replies concerning Stephen Douglas, "Judge Douglas considers my presence at his appointments as an intrusion; and so I have concluded to not be present at them." States that if they can assure him an audience at Lewistown on the 17th, he will try to...

GLC04812

Petitions re: separation of church and state in Memphis, Tenn. [decimalized]

1) Second Presbyterian Church of Memphis. DS: [Memphis], [n.d.] Petition to Abraham Lincoln re: returning control of the church to Union clergy. 7 p. With AES of Abraham Lincoln (4 March 1864) re: necessity of separation between church and state...

GLC04813

to John Jay

Livingston, then Secretary of Foreign Affairs, notes on the benefits of the British surrender at Fort St. Phillips. Comments on the "distrusts and jealousies between Spain and the People of the Country," discussing disruptions to the Havana trade...

GLC04814

Receipt for 50 pounds

Partially printed. Provided by South Carolina as legal compensation for an executed slave belonging to Lynch's father, Thomas Sr.

GLC04815

to George Graham re: commercial treaty with Britain; instructions on Florida

Madison gives instructions for forwarding the report on unsettled question of ownership of Florida; and mentions the disposition of pending appointments and commissions. Two black and white bust engravings of Madison included.

GLC04816

A Proclamation for a general fast [Massachusetts Bay Colony]

Printed by Benjamin Edes. References: Evans 14841, MHS Broadsides 1981.

GLC04817

to Lieutenant of Berkeley County, Virginia

Conveying instructions of Virginia Governor Patrick Henry to contribute militia for McIntosh's expedition into Indian Territory. Asks for three hundred fully armed men and requests that they be enlisted for the longest possible duration because...

GLC04818

to Thomas Rodney

In the summer of 1791 enemies of the Rodneys in Delaware were alleging that Caesar Rodney, Thomas Rodney's brother, had misappropriated funds authorized by Congress for an attack on Canada during the American Revolution. Caesar had died in 1784....

GLC04819

to William Henry Drayton

Discusses South Carolina's military preparations for the revolution. Informs that transports and frigates will be at Charleston soon and that Fort Johnson is reinforced and garrisoned. Reports on armed schooners ready for defense and batteries that...

GLC04820

to Lyman Hall

Asks Hall to resolve a debate over ownership of a slave. Mr. Melvin purchased a slave that had belonged to Middleton but had been captured by the British. When Middleton encountered the slave he claimed it as his own, since it had been wrongfully...

GLC04821

[Commission of Captain Daniel Morgan]

Partially printed document signed by Continental Congress President John Hancock and co-signed by Charles Thomson as Secretary to Congress. The writing in the document's body was done by General George Washington. Document appoints Daniel Morgan as...

GLC04825

to John McHenry

Encloses a collection of sermons by Rev. Richard Price that shaped Pickering's faith. Over forty years ago Pickering renounced the "Calvanistic scheme" in which he had been educated as "utterly incompatible with the perfections of the Deity." Price...

GLC04835

to Sharp Delany re: returning equipment used in surveying

Written from the Surveyor's Office. Jackson signed the Constitution as Secretary of the Convention. In one of his last acts as President, Washington appointed Jackson surveyor of customs at Philadelphia.

GLC04842.25

to [George Washington] re: explaining his absence from the Convention

Misdated May. McHenry writes the Convention's president, Washington, that he was unable to attend the opening sessions because his brother lay ill. He did attend in August and kept a private record of proceedings.

GLC04842.29

Land grant transferring land from Capt. Gallohill Minnis to Richard Means

Signed by George Washington as President and countersigned by Timothy Pickering as Secretary of State. Includes handwritten description of the boundaries of the property. Docket on verso signed by James McHenry as Secretary of War on January 16, 1797...

GLC04842.39

to Edwin M. Stanton re: (support for Stanton over President Johnson) "Stick!"

A one word letter dated Senate Chamber, meant to encourage Stanton to remain as Secretary of War in spite of President Johnson's opposition.

GLC04846

to Nathaniel Greene re: victory at Cowpens, SC

Written as Secretary of Congress.

GLC04848

to Joseph Palmer

Washington discusses supply and armament of the Army, strategic locations for placing artillery, how best to prosecute the war, and his public image. Asks Palmer for his advice on strategy for defending Boston and the surrounding area, and has...

GLC04858

to Anthony Walton White

Washington writes that the recipient should scrutinize the characters of his men and immediately dismount any suspicious ones since "the loss of a worthless soldier will occasion less regret when it is not accompanied with that of a Horse and...

GLC04859

to James Mercer

Written one month before taking his oath of office as the first United States President, Washington attempts to collect a debt owed by the estate of James' father John Mercer. States that he was formerly promised repayment by James' brother, Colonel...

GLC04860

to Oliver Wolcott

Responds to a previous letter from Wolcott announcing the death of Samuel Huntington, Governor of Connecticut. Informs Wolcott that "At the same time that I regret the loss of so worthy a character, I cannot but feel consoled; that the...

GLC04861

Proclamation for day of Thanksgiving and prayer

Setting aside the nineteenth of February as a day of "Public Thanksgiving and Prayer." Compare to other Thanksgiving broadsides: Adams, GLC00270 and GLC01947.

GLC04862

to George Washington

Expresses frustration with contradictory accounts from New York. Updates Washington on the movements of the British fleet and states that Benedict Arnold boarded one of the vessels. Reports that he does not know if they have sailed yet. Gives...

GLC04863

to John Langdon

Written by Whipple to Langdon. Both were members of the Continental Congress from New Hampshire. Whipple would sign the Declaration of Independence in July 1776, while Langdon would leave Congress in June 1776. References Langdon's letter of 19...

GLC04866

to John Charles Frémont

President Lincoln informs Major General Frémont that Dr. Godfrey Aigner was appointed by the United States Sanitary Commission to visit soldiers stationed at a camp under Frémont's command "to report upon circumstances affecting their health, and to...

GLC04874

to John Jay re: prospects for ratification of Constitution

Forwarding some enclosed letters to Europe (not included) and discussing ratification of the Constitution. Mentions decisions of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, and Virginia in adopting the Constitution. Fitzpatrick publishes...

GLC04876

to William C.C. Claiborne

Thanks him for his "favourable sentiments," noting that "If all our Citizens were actuated by the principles you profess, it would much promote the happiness and prosperity of our Country." In regard to some papers Claiborne requested, Washington...

GLC04877

to Elbridge Gerry

Very detailed and highly critical discussion of the Continental Congress's new financial plans passed 18 March 1780. Comments on payments, currency, taxation, and banking. Also comments on military aid from the French. Docketed by Gerry.

GLC04826

to Benjamin Harrison

Accepts the appointment as governor of Virginia. States that first he must settle some matters relating to the army with Major General Marquis de La Fayette. Reports that they are in pursuit of the British army which is moving down the James River...

GLC04827

to Lieutenant of Berkeley County, Virginia

Note written on the bottom of a signed printed circular letter that discusses the importance of meeting Cornwallis, the arrival of French fleet, and the need for supplies. Virginia Governor Nelson's note mentions the receipt of "Intelligence from...

GLC04828

to Lewis Morris

Written by Captain North as Inspector General in Virginia to Morris, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New York State Senator. References Morris's letter of 1 January 1781. Sends his opinions on Virginia at the beginning of the...

GLC04829

to Jacques Renee de la Villebrune

Seeking assistance in ridding Chesapeake bay of British barges. Written after the last battle of the American revolution has taken place, after hostilities have ceased, and after the British have already signed a preliminary peace treaty.

GLC04830

to Jeremiah Wadsworth

Discusses the "many just complaints" of Continental officers regarding pay and the depreciation of Continental bonds.

GLC04831

to Jethro Sumner

Expects General William Smallwood to move westward in a few days to take command of the militia of North Carolina. Reports that in the meantime, Sumner will have command of the troops. Advises him to avoid a general action against the British as...

GLC04832

to Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben

Written by Peters, a former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, to von Steuben in retirement. Peters is trying to put Von Steuben at ease after he was denied a large part of the inflated expense account he sumbitted to Congress and the rejection of...

GLC04833

to William Heath

Written by British General Phillips as commanding officer of the Convention Army, which consisted of prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign to Heath as American commander in charge of the Convention Army. Phillips wants to know if Heath will...

GLC04834

to John Dunlap

Written by Read, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a member of the Delaware Assembly to Dunlap as editor and publisher of the "Pennsylvania Packet, or General Advertiser." Read was asking Dunlap to publish a letter. Read was responding...

GLC04836

Items pertaining to General Jean Rochambeau [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC04837

to David Ramsay re: new Constitution is a "masterpiece of human wisdom"

GLC04838

[Tariff resolution of North Carolina Constitutional Convention]

Signed as president of the convention, countersigned by John Hunt as secretary. States that the North Carolina Convention decided to neither ratify nor reject the new Constitution, and resolved to impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States if...

GLC04839

Freshest Advices from the Northern Army [battle of Freeman's Farm at Saratoga]

Report on the battle of Freeman's Farm at Saratoga which made obvious to Burgoyne that he would have to surrender. References: Bristol B4441; Ford 2055.

GLC04840

to Samuel Huntington

Reports on legislative debates and progress in a number of areas, including using western lands to lower the national debt, honoring government securities, Alexander Hamilton's report on Public Credit, and the relationships between state and federal...

GLC04841

Complete set of documents of 39 signers of the U.S. Constitution [decimalized]

GLC04842

to Nathaniel Huntington re: honesty and law [Not the signer of the Constitution]

GLC04842.01

Giving power of attorney to Edward Tilghman (c/s Clement Biddle)

GLC04842.02

to Gen. Assembly of NC re: negotiations over Miss. Navigation, threats to Union

Discusses negotiations over Mississippi navigation, threats to the national Union, finance, convention (for ratifying the Constitution)

GLC04842.03

to Mr. Allibane? re: business, announcing election to Constitutional Convention

GLC04842.04

to Edward Telfair re: condemning the import of Black enslaved people into Georgia

Written as former delegate from Georgia to the current Governor, condemning the importation of Black enslaved people into Georgia as a ploy to increase the state's congressional representation. Portion of embossed tax stamp on bottom of paper. Few...

GLC04842.05

to William Irvine re: finance, opposition to Constitution, Kentucky statehood

GLC04842.06

to unknown re: state's finances, plans to raise money from taxes and Congress

GLC04842.07

[Treasury Department circular].

Discusses payment of public debt and Department of the Treasury matters, including a procedural change aimed at reducing fraud. Accompanied by engraving (GLC04842.08.02).

GLC04842.08.01

to [Timothy Pickering] re: expulsion of American minister Pinckney from France

Written as American ambassador to Great Britain, to the Sec. of State.

GLC04842.09

to unknown re: sale of a slave, who would be fit for "waiting on a gentleman"

Livingston writes that he parts with the slave who was temperate and good natured because "while I lived in New York he would be abroad at nights after the Family was a bed, & we could never find by which avenue he went or return'd...." Livingston...

GLC04842.10

to David Parish re: Embargo Act: "Our President... seems to be out of his wits"

Morris writes of Jefferson: "Our President (to judge his Message) seems to be out of his wits. If I am not much mistaken, this session will, according to the vulgar phrase do him over."

GLC04842.11

to Mathew Carey re: proposal to give federal government veto over state laws

Asking for a bound copy of Carey's "Museum" and saying that he cannot provide a copy of his "System" [CP's draft proposals for a constitution] because one copy was laid before the Convention and the other is on-loan. He writes that the proposals...

GLC04842.12

to Samuel Johnstone re: reporting on absent delegate, citing strength of Union

Williamson mentions a French pirate as an example of the states coming together in a Federal Union. Written as a delegate to the governor of North Carolina.

GLC04842.13

Pay order for $15 on Bank of United States

GLC04842.14

Promissory note between Isaac Cooper & John Bagley signed as witness

GLC04842.15

Land lease from Brearley to Benjamin Smith, also signed by his wife Elizabeth

GLC04842.16

to Eleazer McComb re: adjustments to state taxes, as commitee member

Signed as member of a committee to adjust taxes, with Geo. Craghead, Jn James, Wm McMechan and John Thompson. 1 black and white engraving of right profile of Jacob Broom included.

GLC04842.17

to John Fitzgerald? re: sale of linen and tobacco

GLC04842.18

to Gov. [Thomas Sim] Lee re: flour for army, banking (c/s John Nixon)

Co-signed with John Nixon as Directors of the Bank.

GLC04842.19

to Gen. Elias Dayton (his father) re: business, a military trial

Written to his father, Elias Dayton, who had declined election to the Constitutional Convention in favor of his son, because he himself was serving in Congress. Jonathan Dayton was the youngest member of the convention.

GLC04842.20

Pay order addressed to David Rittenhouse for Sebastian Levan

GLC04842.21

Printed pay order addressed to David Rittenhouse for Lewis Farmer (soldier)

Partly printed document directing payment to Farmer, "state Lieutenant Colonel of the 13th Regiment of the Pennsylvania Line ... the sum of two shillings eight pence, being one year's interest on his depreciation certificate...."

GLC04842.22

Pay order for Daniel Gilman & Co. to Nathaniel Gilman (brother)

GLC04842.23

to Jasper Yeates re: inquiry as to legal practices in Orphans Court

GLC04842.24

Legal bond of naval officer Richard Lee, Daniel Dulany & Benedict Calvert

Signing as Justice of the Peace. Lee was to assume the position of Maryland's Naval Officer of the port and district of the North Potowmack [isc].

GLC04842.26

to Dudley Woodbridge re: offering assistance in a legal matter

Johnson offers to provide assistance in the case of Mr. Backus of Norwich "relative to certain Orders."

GLC04842.27

Pay order to Andreas Colburn for military service

Signed as Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives

GLC04842.28

to unknown re: transmitting a sample of Patrick Henry's handwriting

Madison notes that Henry "must, it would appear, have been in early life when the letter was written."

GLC04842.30

[Land grant for Benjamin Rush in Mifflin Co., Pa. and Thomas Mifflin] [Decimalized .01- .02]

Land grant signed by Thomas Mifflin as Governor of Pennsylvania and portrait engraving of Thomas Mifflin.

GLC04842.31

to Thomas Hall re: land deals, expecting land office closure and rising prices

GLC04842.32

to Jonathan Dean re: legal case in which they were on opposing sides

Probably signed as prosecuting attorney.

GLC04842.33

Case. [Legal opinion on a bankruptcy case]

A closely reasoned opinion in a bankruptcy case which considers English and common law.

GLC04842.34

Legal document, accepting a judgment against his client in Laforge v. Goforth

Date from docket.

GLC04842.35

Pay order for a minister's salary for William P. Graham of Prince Wm. Parish

Signed as a member of a committee. On verso the minister has asked that money be paid to another party.

GLC04842.36

Receipt for monies received, as ordered by the Committee of Pay

GLC04842.37

Certificate certifying William Blair as clerk of Edenton, signed as Governor

Signed vertically in left magin and lacking state seal. This document appears to have been issued on paper similar to the pardon form.

GLC04842.38

to Arthur St. Clair re: being considered for President of Pennsylvania

GLC04842.40