7 July 1869

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Porter as Superintendent of the Naval Academy to Commander Walker who was just given command of the USS "Sabine." Apologizes for being so busy. Says he has sent him all the orders he asked for and that he should have sailing directions enough to last him on a trip around the world. Hopes Walker got everything he wanted in Boston. Says that Walker probably wants to know his opinion of the new Naval Secretary, George M. Robeson. Porter says Robeson "has a good deal more 'snap' to him than Mr. Borie." Says the Navy will be "straight as a rams' horn" when he gets back. Written on…

GLC03804.13

22 August 1867

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Written by Porter as Superintendent of the Naval Academy to Commander Walker as a member of Porter's staff at the Academy. Tells him to not worry about returning quickly as little is happening. Congratulates him on the birth of his daughter. Makes reference to rumors about him in Annapolis (the handwriting is hard to decipher here), but he hopes Congress will work it out. Written on stationery of the U.S. Naval Academy.

GLC03804.12

February 22, 1853

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Gives advice to his young nephew and relates stories from his travels at sea. Encourages Elbridge to read and learn in coming years to "lay a foundation which will influence all your future prospects." Describes the city of Pensacola, which he is not fond of, and its weather. Mentions his encounters with yellow fever, and inquires how the holidays went in New York.

GLC09099.08

29 April 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Says he has been on important missions recently, including a trip to observe construction of the Panama railroad. Advises his nephew to study hard in college, build towards his future, and warns of what befalls those who do not apply themselves. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" off Pensacola.

GLC09099.11

12 May 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Advises Elbridge to study hard while at college and says this is the best way to assure a bright future. Says he has not been receiving his newspapers, and is having trouble finding good carpenters to repair boats. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at the Navy Yards in Warrington, Florida

GLC09099.12

May 23, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

Includes two letters, one addressed to Mrs. Lucy Knox, and one to her daughter, Miss Lucy Knox. In the first letter, to Mrs. Knox, he comments that he has tried to find out information about her family but was unable to; if he is able to visit England, he will try again there. Declares that he sent along a variety of gifts for herself and Miss Lucy, including hats and sweet meats. Comments that General Lafayette might also travel on the ship which is taking the present letter and the gifts. Mentions that Lafayette is "elevated above I may venture to say all the young noblemen in the kingdom"…

GLC02437.01427

2 April 1864

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point Hospital, City Point, Virginia. Discusses helping to care for the wounded soldiers after a brief illness: "...I am very grateful that I was afflicted in that way. I think it is a great deal better than to have a bullet put through you..." Makes reference to the taking of Petersburg and the possible surrender of the South. Gives advice regarding one of their sick children, the children's schooling and management of household chores. Describes food rations. The letter is slightly faded, especially at the creases. On letterhead of the "United States…

GLC03523.06.05

8 December 1864

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from City Point, Virginia says the siege is progressing slowly. Informs that General William T. Sherman captured Savannah. Discusses his wife joining a sewing society to make clothing for the soldiers and he questions what type of clothes they will make. He misses home and tells his daughters, Eunice and Ally, to work very hard on their writing skills, and promises buy his son Charlie a horse when he returns from the war.

GLC03523.06.09

8 December 1864

Fairchild, Lewis D., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sephronia Fairchild

Fairchild writes to his wife from a camp near City Point, Virginia. Reports that he has been in the hospital with rheumatism and is pleased with his care. Informs he is doing picket duty on the Appomattox River and mentions seeing Rebels. Wishes for a furlough, but knows only wounded men will get one. Advises his daughter Eunice to stay home to study and help her mother. In a postscript, writes he is sending his badge in the letter, "so in case we are wounded or killed they will know to what corps we belong to." A double sided page of the letter is in three pieces. A few lines are missing.

GLC03523.06.10

30 June 1865

Walker, T.A., fl. 1863-1865

Document signed

Title: [Abstract of receipts from various sources on account of City Colored Schools]

Signed by Walker, Captain in the 63rd United States Colored Troops and Superintendent, Freedmen's Department, District of West Tennessee. Lists the names of people who paid the Department, dates the Department received payment, and reason for payment. Notes that a John Moody paid the Department $5 in "Fines for cruel treatment of a Negro." Marked at the top as a duplicate.

GLC08649.12

February 2, 1864

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abby Goold

Writes to his mother thanking her for letters, a photograph, and a box which contained dried fruit, corn, beans, cheese, and tongue. Tells her that when she writes to his brother Theodore she "must encourage him to presevere, also to learn to sing and play chess, anything to keep him out of the city, which I am told is full of wickedness." Discusses his parents' decision to move back to Albany: "In the city there will be better church and school privilages, you will be surrounded by friends, and will have a better chance to obtain help in the house. On the other hand in the country you have…

GLC03523.05.20

28 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at an unkown location to a friend. First, he compares a soldier's occupation to a teacher's and observes that if he is paid no matter the amount of work he does, it is logical that he should be lazy. Is dubious whether they will defeat the rebels. Expresses dislike for Bethel Military Co., hoping they will have to fight in the front ranks. Talks of friends at home. Says furloughs are not being granted, but he would still not like to come home without being able to stay. Talks of Major General John C. Breckinridge's victory at Baton Rouge and gives a detailed description of their…

GLC02165.09

5 September 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could nurse her husband. Contrasts treatment of Mrs. Clark to the treatment of the Union's General Robert Latimer McCook. Talks of letters received from friends, and the death of an L. Smith, who was "prepared [I] think for death" but laments the death of so many men in the "wicked war." Expresses hope that he and friend William will remain far from…

GLC02165.11

January 31, 1945

Dunning, John Ray, 1907-?

Typed letter

Title: [To staff members of Columbia University, S.A.M. Laboratories, Division 1]

Dunning, a physicist working on the Manhattan Project, tenders his resignation as Director of Division I (at the Nash building, where Columbia University's Substitute or Special Alloy Metals Laboratory was located). Writes, "The work to which we are all giving our best efforts has progressed a great distance since the early days of 1939 and 1940. The loyal cooperation, the brilliant ideas and the sound practical realism which have been welded together in this work have been virtually unparalleled. A miracle of development and production has been wrought." Marked "restricted" with a red…

GLC03152.07

19 March 1864

Stark, Herbert, fl. 1864-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that this afternoon the family is going to the gallery to have their photographs taken. He states that the school is very good as is their principal, Mr French. He wishes that he could see him or be down there with him so he could "wear the United States uniform." Writes of the festival at Union Hall.

GLC03523.42.41

22 August 1864

Fuller, James W., fl. 1863-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

Writes that his family is doing well and apologizes for not writing for such a long time. States that his father is so busy he has not had time to have his picture taken. He did go down to the picture gallery and have his photograph taken. The picture did not "suit" his mother and father. Wishes that he could be with his uncle as he thinks he would like the sound of the artillery. His father is running a grocery store where he works as a clerk. Writes that he has kept the domino and rebel script his uncle gave him. Writes that because his family moved around during the summer he was unable to…

GLC03523.42.52

24 November 1855

Scherinebaum, John, fl. 1855

Autograph document

Title: [Contract]

The document appears to be a teacher's contract between teachers and the director of a school. The contract applies to the townships of Eckford, Clarendon, and Fredonia, Michigan. The contract is between Franklin W. Fuller and the school districts: Fuller agrees to teach at the primary school for four months starting 26 November 1855. He will be paid 23 dollars a month according to the contract. The contract also details on what days he will teach and which holidays he will receive.

GLC03523.42.67

circa 1861-1865

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes that during the holidays he was very busy and had a lot of work to do around the farm. He has received a book from his class and an album with a photograph in it came to him in a "mysterious" way. He has also received several smaller presents from some children and is very grateful that they think so highly of him. He discusses some of the politics going on in Washington, D.C. and in Congress. Thinks that it was "naughty" not to have a letter of recommendation written for his friend. Writes of the good qualities his friend has and why she should be recommended.

GLC07460.122

February 23, 1862 - February 26, 1862

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

Written in Granby, with no state listed. She apologizes for not writing him in over three months. Just as she was making preparations to visit him their brother Milton arrived with his child and new wife. She was also glad to hear that Milton has visited him. She is happy that he did not go to war yet and she hopes that it will end soon. Comments on the sad death of friend who was married about two years ago. Writes about the health and news of their family. The "school-marn" she told him about is now married. On two smaller pieces of paper she apologizes for the short letter and then…

GLC03523.42.07

30 June 1785

Smith & Loring, fl. 1785

Autograph document signed

Title: [List]

Sales of sundry equipment on William Knox's account from October 1781 to July 1782. Includes prayer books, spelling books, hinges, brass knob locks, and various other items.

GLC02437.10615

19 June 1863

Wilkinson, Frederick W., fl. 1861-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Amanda Wilkinson

Written at camp of the 2nd Michigan Infantry near Haines Bluff, Mississippi to his wife. He is outside of the city of Vicksburg, Mississippi. General Ulysses S. Grant is laying siege to the city because attempting to storm it would most likely cause a great loss of life and would most likely fail. There have been reports that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston is somewhere on the Black River near Vicksburg, Mississippi. A Confederate deserter reported that there are 24,000 troops in Vicksburg, Mississippi but only 15,000 are fit for duty and that the troops in the city have very little to…

GLC03523.13.102

22 September 1864

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister Kate

Sarcastically informs his sister that he has stopped writing weekly letters because his sisters never reply. Is happy that his sister has decided to attend school and advises against reading "wishy-washy" novels, which do not enlighten people or make them wise. Was surprised to hear that N.F. Lightner, Esq. had joined the Grand Army of the Union. Reports that Grant is receiving reinforcements daily and in large numbers. Recounts a brief interaction between a Confederate and a Union soldier regarding some stray cattle. Reports that there is no news from the Army of the James.

GLC02016.058

1901

Kletzing, Henry F., 1850-?

Book

Title: Progress of a race or the remarkable advancement of the Afro-American...

Full title is: "Progress of a race or the remarkable advancement of the Afro-American from the bondage of slavery, ignorance and poverty to the freedom of citizenship, intelligence, affluence, honor and trust." Published by J. L. Nichols & Co. Co-authored by William Henry Crogman, a professor at Clark University in Atlanta, Georgia. Includes an introduction by Booker T. Washington, horticulturist and president of the Tuskegee Institute, who states that "while the authors record in these pages the progress of the Negro within the past generation, let us hope that when another quarter…

GLC06126.01

19 April 1861

Evans, W. L., fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Achsah M. Level

Discusses the Civil War with Level, stating "I have nothing of importance to write. onley the disturbance in our contry which is caused by the hot headed Northerans. who are working every day contrary to their own welfair if they only know it. but let them go it. we have as meny brave men as they have ..." Reports that he does not wish to quit school and go to war, but will join a local company if necessary. States "our hilth is very good. and we are as ugly as ever ... " Signs the letter as "your unworthy friend." Written in Summerfield, (possibly North Carolina or Louisiana).…

GLC06452.05.01

circa 1864

Ephemera

Title: [Ticket for "The War for the Union"]

Admits one school scholar to "Brady & Gardner's Gorgeous Tableaux of 'The War for the Union,' " (a photography exhibition compiled by noted Civil War photographers Alexander Gardner and Mathew Brady). Contains positive quotations reviewing the exhibition offered by Generals George(sic) A. Butterfield and Nathaniel Prentiss Banks.

GLC06452.05.07