11 September 1895

Manchester, Marietta, fl. 1895-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Mother and Father

This letter written on Japanese scroll paper is concerning Manchester's travels. She mentions seeing the Aleutian Islands after many days at sea, and says a few days later they started to see the coast of Japan. She mentions many volcanos and says she was told that they do not worry about earthquakes when there is smoke. She also describes the "natives" who row out to the boats to help with bringing in cargo as there are no wharves in Japan. Manchester says the Japanese wear little clothes and it shocked them all, but they got used to seeing it. She went to Yokohama for the day and thought…

GLC09585.01

12 September 1895

Manchester, Marietta, fl. 1895-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Wallace and Clara

This letter written on Japanese scroll paper is concerning Manchester's travels. In this letter Manchester writes about her journey to Japan and along the coast. She mentions seeing whales and porpoise. She mentions the native's lack of clothing, and says it is a common sight for children to be running around naked. She also mentions the Dr. telling her to stay out of the sun as it grows hotter for fear of sunstroke. She discusses their stay at Kobe, and says there is a longer description in a letter home, and to get Pa to let her read it. (GLC09585.01) she also mentions learning about…

GLC09585.02

6-7 March 1896

Manchester, Marietta, fl. 1895-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Father

This letter written on Japanese scroll paper is concerning Manchester's new post in China. She writes that she is on her way to her house in Chang Shan in Cheh Kiang Province in the south eastern part of China. She thought it would take two weeks but it is more like 5 weeks of travel. She describes a Chinese man that is helping the group get to their place and mentions that he watches their stuff and is quite nice. She describes the Chinese families along the road and how they live. She was astounded by the amount of boasts and activity when she first arrived. She mentions that she should be…

GLC09585.03

11 May 1810

Monett, Samuel, fl. 1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Williams

Writes to Williams in Ohio that he arrived in Natchez 6 May after a voyage of three weeks and five days. Mentions that he contracted dysentery on the trip but is okay. Reports that there is no produce for sale at the market and that there are 100 or 200 boats trying to sell their cargo. Lists some prices for goods. Observes that the country seems wealthy and there are many enslaved people. He will continue to the settlement of Red Lick near Port Gibson on Cole's Creek. Updates Williams on his relation Mr. Cochran, who lives near Bayou Pierre and is well. Gives regards to family and…

GLC04601.05

7 July 1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Balloch

Writes to his cousin in Cornish, New Hampshire that he has been ill the past few days but is recovering. He believes people traveling to the area (Mississippi) from the north suffer because of the sudden climate change. States he arrived in Natchez 15 December and details his journey to get there. Describes visiting the battlefield of the Battle of New Orleans which occurred December 1814-January 1815. Discusses his business in cotton in detail; who he is working with, how much they are making, the difficulty of getting good workmen, etc. Comments that he would like to hear about friends…

GLC04601.09

23 December 1827

Smith, Calvin, 1768-1840

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smith

Apologizes for not writing sooner but he was suffering from rheumatism in his shoulder. Laments the fact that William's son was left crippled. Reports that he left Philadelphia on the last day of September and arrived in Natchez on 6 November. Tells about his journey. Talks about crops. Updates on his family and gives regards to William's. There is an unsigned, scrawled quotation or poem about the United States on the 4th page.

GLC04601.12

21 December 1835

Krepp, B., fl. 1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathaniel Wordin

Apologizes profusely for not writing sooner. Describes a wagon journey he took to Jackson, Mississippi. Explains that they crossed the river, entered the Choctaw Nation, and reached the prairie where the roads were almost impossible to pass because of rain. Remarks that the prairie was beautiful and called it, "one of the grandest sights in nature." Reports that when they entered the woods, they encountered many problems because of the swamps. They finally arrived at Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. States that Jackson is thriving and describes the railroad being built there.…

GLC04601.14

January 31, 1858

Archer, Robert, fl. 1842-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Archer

Three separate entries [one written by Robert Archer, another by Frances Archer, and the third by an unidentified writer which is incomplete] to their son, Edward, all written on the same date. Mr. Archer writes of his son's arrival in Madina, happenings at home, recent births, Mrs. Archer's return from Norfolk, family news, hard times for business, ship building, and changing of personnel as ship commander and chief, and respectively. Mrs. Archer writes of her two month stay in Norfolk with Edward's sister, a newly acquired housekeeper, his niece, parties in Norfolk, health of family friends…

GLC01896.023

May 21, 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Henry Knox recaps a letter he recently sent to William, in which he urged William to sail directly to Amsterdam instead of stopping in France. He mentions letters of introduction he previously sent for William's voyage to Europe, noting he will also ask the Baron von Steuben for introductory letters. He requests William to send a list of the persons to whom Baron Johann De Kalb's letters of introduction were addressed. Relates that the Winslow sisters will travel to Boston within a fortnight. Comments on the recovery of Lucy, his wife, from a recent illness. He instructs William to ship his…

GLC02437.00763

27 May 1779

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Comments on "the present grandees of our once respected town" (Boston). Criticizes the "mushroom gentry" rising in Boston, referring to those of recently established wealth, such as merchants. Notes that the honest man is scarcely noticed, "unless he can talk of his premiums and per cent..." Remarks that the past winter has been more enjoyable than the winter William spent as a soldier. Refers to the circle of ladies in New Jersey. Describes a dramatic scene at a recent tea party and "social hop," during which a gentleman fell and a girl was thrown from a phaeton. Mentions the Winslow…

GLC02437.00764

4 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Reports that Continental troops are moving toward the British on the North (Hudson) River. Discusses William's upcoming voyage, a mercantile venture to Holland. Declares, "From the high Spirits of our troops, their discipline, and equipments, I think if we come into contact with the Enemy we shall at least do justice to ourselves and Country whatever may be the Event." Mentions Lucy Knox and their daughters (Lucy and Julia). Notes that the Winslow sisters have not yet left for Boston.

GLC02437.00768

14 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Sends his wishes for her improved health. Reports that the enemy in his area have made no new movements. Relates news of General Benjamin Lincoln's victory against the British in South Carolina (Lincoln engaged the British as they retreated from a siege of Charleston, South Carolina). Declares "God Grant it to be time as it will have a very principal influence in happily terminating the War." Relates that his brother William wrote from Hartford, Connecticut, stating he was able to procure bills of exchange, and expects to sail [for Holland] within three weeks. Sends his love to Lucy's…

GLC02437.00769

29 June 1779

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Laments at length that he can not be with his wife and family (both Lucy and their infant daughter, Julia, are extremely sick). Has reason to believe the British have traveled down the river (the Hudson). Remarks that Continental posts near New Windsor are fortified well enough to discourage a British attack. Speculates that the British will try to draw Continental troops away from the more well-fortified areas. Reports that his brother, William may have sailed the previous Thursday [for Holland]. Contains some text loss due to a large central hole. Also contains extensive repair.

GLC02437.00771

8 July 1779

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Makes financial plans before embarking for Holland on a business venture. Encloses an inventory of "the stock on hand, which amounts nearly to as much sterling as it did upon my taking it after returning from the Army ... " Informs Knox he has only one outstanding debt, and William cannot locate the person with the account (William was in charge of much of Knox's business while Knox served in the military). Declares, " ... we are nearly six hundred pounds... richer than we were when I left the army, which I think it doing tolerably well considering the Capitol we had to begin with ... "…

GLC02437.00773

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

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

1770-1790 circa

Header Record

Title: [Collection of items related to Jonathan Clarke] [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC01450.032

June 28, 1780

Shelden, Jeremiah, fl. 1780-1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Shelden thanks Holten for everything he has done for him and states he will always esteem him as a friend, father, and benefactor. He regrets he did not become a master of his field of learning but knows that with Holten's assistance he will distinguish himself. Holten was possibly his mentor. He states he was distressed at leaving Holten when he was unwell. He describes his trip to Danvers and wagon troubles along the way, making the trip take 21 days. He thanks him profusely for his hospitality when he stayed with Holten and praises Mrs. Holten and "the two young ladies." He states that…

GLC01450.020.06

June 30, 1783

Wadsworth, Benjamin, 1750-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Wadsworth begins by expressing thanks for his last letter and for the informative pamphlet on Congress. Mentions that the Continental debt is much lower than people had expected thanks to the "prudence and good economy of Congress." Comments that self interest is of utmost importance to most men and praises extensively the soldiers who fought in the Revolution for the common good. Remarks that Wadsworth's wife said he was taking a journey for his health and gives his wishes that he achieves it. States that his family is healthy, the season is good, and his salary is better than other years.

GLC01450.020.20

24 September 1863

Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878

Document signed

Title: to Lewis West

Printed document signed by Welles. Orders that West is now detached from the USS "Ladona" and that he is to proceed to New York without delay. He is to report to Rear Admiral Paulding for passage to Charleston, South Carolina and to report to Rear Admiral Dahlgren for duty on an ironclad under his command. Stamp dated 28 September says West was paid 9 dollars in mileage fees. Countersigned by Rear Admiral Hiram Paulding. He noted that West reported for duty on 28 September. Commodore Cornelius Kinchilo Stribling had served in the War of 1812 and the Mexican War before the Civil War. Verso is…

GLC03836.56

18 June 1780

Harrison, Richard, 1750-1841

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Jarvis

Mentions a difficult trip to Cadiz, Spain and discusses possible business ventures with produce, fabric, and other goods. Address leaf also contains several calculations.

GLC02437.00811

23 May 1898

Walker, John G., 1835-1907

Document signed

Title: [Subpoena for John G. Walker to appear before the General Court in the case of A. G. Menocal]

Partially printed document signed by C.H. Lauetler as Judge Advocate. Co-signed by Secretary of the Navy, John D. Long, marking that the document was approved by the Navy Department on 27 May 1898. Summons Walker before a General Court at the Navy Yard in New York on 23 May 1898 to testify in the case of A. G. Menocal, a civil engineer in the U.S. Navy. Docket on verso says Walker reported and was discharged and is signed by Rear Admiral Andrew Benham. Stamp below Benham's signature provides information on the mileage payment given to Walker. He received $36.48 on 28 May 1898 for his trip…

GLC03804.26

19 August 1898

Allen, Charles Herbert, 1848-1934

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Typed letter on office letterhead of the Secretary of the Navy John D. Long. Written by Allen as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (on the letter his title is noted as "Acting Secretary") to Walker as a retired Rear Admiral. Asks him to go to Washington D.C. for further instructions in connection with his duties as a "Senior Member of a Board for the location of a bridge across the Niagara River." Docket signed by Walker saying he completed the journey from Wilton, New Hampshire to Washington. Stamp on verso from the U.S. Navy Pay Office says Walker received a mileage payment of $38.64 on 10…

GLC03804.28

3 September 1898

Allen, Charles Herbert, 1848-1934

Typed letter signed

Title: to John G. Walker

Typed letter on office letterhead of the Secretary of the Navy John D. Long. Written by Allen as Assistant Secretary of the Navy (on the letter his title is noted as "Acting Secretary") to Walker as a retired Rear Admiral. Asks Walker to proceed to Buffalo, New York for special temporary duty in connection to assignment as a Senior Member of the Niagara River Bridge Commission. Is authorized to preform necessary travel around Buffalo. Must keep a memorandum of the travel and submit it for approval to the War Department from time to time. After his duties are up, he is ordered to return to…

GLC03804.29

7 November 1860

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R. West [incomplete]

Says he arrived in Foochow on 26 October after a 14 day voyage from Hong Kong. Ran into a northeast monsoon along the way. Says "Foochow is one of the few places I have never visited before on the coast of China." Goes on to describe the city, saying it only recently became an important city in the tea trade and that the Min River, which empties at Foochow, is very dangerous. Says the first thing he did upon arriving in port was a "regular house cleaning," and says the ship now looks like "a pretty girl rigged up for a ball, the handsomest craft, here!" Has taken on 200 tons of tea after…

GLC03836.01