3 November 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Knox worries because Lucy has not recently written to him. Reports receipt of a letter from "Harry," (Colonel Henry Jackson, also in Boston). Expresses discontent regarding the high price of goods Jackson reported in Boston. Refers to the "glorious event to the northward," John Burgoyne's surrender at Saratoga, New York. Writes, "We are waiting for some favorable opportunity to give [the British] another blow & if possible to dispossess them of the redoubted city of Philadelphia- The enemy have not yet been able to drive our Gallies away or storm or batter our ports with success..."…

GLC02437.00662

30 September 1864

Jones, Joseph, fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy E. Jones

Traveling to Bridgeport; disrupted communication with Nashville due to Confederate cavalry; Lincoln/McClellan election; private apology to his wife; surrender of Vicksburg; Lee's retreat.

GLC02739.134

6 November 1776

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses her poor health, explains why she did not write for three posts, and laments their separation. Seeks verification of a rumor that General William Howe met the same fate as General John Burgoyne. Letter dated below signature as 6 November. Year inferred from content.

GLC02437.00480

5 September 1864

Epperly, Christian M., 1837-1904

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Epperly

Writes from the Asylum Hospital that he was wounded in the leg, but should return to his regiment in a few days. Notes he was wounded at Jonesborough, Georgia on 31 August 1864. Reports that there were 3,000 wounded at Jonesborough and that Atlanta, Georgia has surrendered.

GLC02715.106

23 April 1863

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: To his wife

Battle letter. Taking the rebel fort (mentioned in #84): "as soon as the boat touched the shore the boys piled off like a flock of sheep and as soon as they got ashore struck a dead run for the fort. Some of the officers asked the officer in command if he wasnt going to form a line and his answer was 'to hell with your line the fort is what we want' and so they strung along every man for himself. They had to run pretty much around the fort on three sides and came in partially in rear on a road.... When the rebels saw them coming they whirled one of the 24 pounder guns around so as to sweep…

GLC04558.085

7 September 1863

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: To his wife

Complains of not receiving letters. Writes that he has been sick and the rest of the regiment on provost duty. Reports of Forts Wagner and Gregg surrendered with Morris Island. Asks sarcastically whether a conscripted acquaintance back home (George Duntley), is "as full of fight as ever[?]

GLC04558.113

19 June 1864

Tittle, George A., fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Written directly after the engagement with the "Alabama." Says one week ago while in Flushing, Holland, Captain Winslow received information of the arrival of the CSS "Alabama" at Cherbourg. Says they left immediately and remained sitting outside Cherbourg until this "forenoon" when the "Alabama" came out to give them battle. At 11:10 a.m. "precisely, the 'Alabama' fired the first gun and just three minutes afterwards the 'Kearsarge' opened her battery and kept up a continuous fire for the space of one hour & two minutes, when the 'Alabama' fired a gun to the leeward and hoisted a white…

GLC02828.17

11 July 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Reports that they entered Vicksburg, Mississippi on July 4th. Describes conquering and entering Vicksburg, Mississippi as being the most glorious fourth he ever had. Reports that 30 to 40 thousand men surrendered and were taken prisoner. Remarks on the layout of Vicksburg, Mississippi and says that is made up of nothing but gulfs and levies. Comments that they are now busy fortifying and performing guard duty. Notes that they have to be on guard duty every other day and sometimes daily. Writes of a man named Burnsam being a scamp and wishes that he would have to…

GLC03523.32.17

28 July 1863

Sayles, Sumner, fl. 1862-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isora Sayles

Writes to his sister. Comments on how happy he and the boys were to learn of General John Pemberton's surrender. Discusses various people and news from back home. Mentions that he is on duty every other day.

GLC03523.32.19

15 August 1945

Forrestal, James, 1892-1949

Typed document

Title: [Naval Dispatch Announcing Victory in Japan]

Typed Naval dispatch concerning the end of World War II. This message was received in the radio room of the USS Vella Gulf CVE-111, an escort carrier, at sea in the Northwest Pacific with 26th carrier division of the 7th fleet (just days before she had been anchored at Okinawa). The message reads "All hands of the United States Navy Marine Corps and Coast Guard may take satisfaction in the conclusion of the war against Japan and pride in the part played by them in accomplishing that result. The demobilization of the Armed Forces of the United States and the return to conditions of peace will…

GLC09649.01

12 May 2017

Jones, Ralph N. Jr., fl. 1944-2017

Typed document

Title: [Affidavit of Ralph N. Jones Jr.]

Typed affidavit of Ralph N. Jones Jr. with a copy of his Navy ID and discharge cards. According to the discharge card he served from September 25, 1944 to June 25, 1946. According to the affidavit, Jones was serving on the USS Vella Gulf CVE III as a radio man and on duty when the ALNAV message came over the wire. This affidavit is signed and notarized.

GLC09649.02

28 May 1865

Boyd, H., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to L. S. Prescott

States that in accordance with the surrender terms entered into between Confederate General E. K. Smith and Union General Edward R. S. Canby at New Orleans on 26 May 1865, the Confederate front line troops will not enter into any hostilities against the United States. Indicates that full orders will follow in a few days. Addressed to Prescott as Captain, Commander of Outpost, Washington.

GLC05987.09.03

18 May 1865

Brent, Joseph Lancaster, 1826-1905

Broadside

Title: [General orders to Confederate soldiers]

Attempts to calm soldiers and citizens. Assures them that there is no base for alarm as the military will ensure public security. Praises Major General Harry T. Hays, who is commanding the military district, and state that he will not involve them in useless sacrifice. Directs that Confederate soldiers at home in areas where there are no Confederate forces must report to the Officers of the Reserve Corps to aid in keeping public order. Printed general orders.

GLC05987.09.01

26 May 1865

Christensen, Christian Thomsen, 1832-1905

Pamphlet

Title: [General orders no. 61]

Announces the terms of surrender between Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith and Union General Edward Richard Sprigg Canby. Printed general orders. Christensen's rank was Lieutenant Colonel, Assistant Adjutant General.

GLC05987.09.02

November 29, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he was so hurried in his last letter he forgot to mention his promotion in rank which he is happy about. States that he has written to Mr. Moir to get his affairs in order. Discusses his financial state for a bit and his need for credit. States Colonel McLeroth has offered to write on his behalf to help him get credit. Comments that Alexander must have heard of General Cornwallis's fall and says they do not know what the consequences will be. Expects reinforcements if Britain intends to keep the colonies. Gives his love to family…

GLC01450.023.08

December 10, 1781

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Irvine

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he sent a letter with a friend and British soldier George Cumine who went home with General Cornwallis and his unfortunate army. Remarks upon the death of their Uncle Forbes. Discusses letters received and sent to family and friends and the state of the mail. Mentions his promotion in rank again and that he is glad to hear it will not be delayed by lack of money. States he asked Mr. Moir to send him some money. Indicates that Cumine will explain his situation better when he returns home. General Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown…

GLC01450.023.09

1868

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

Pamphlet

Title: Speeches of General U.S. Grant, Republican candidate for the 18th president of the United States, being extracts from speeches, letters, orders, military and state papers

Speeches by Grant pertain to a variety of subjects such as :The extracts chosen vary in subject. Some of the topics included are acceptance of the Republican nomination, feelings toward enslaved people being aided by the military, Black troops, defeat and surrender of General Lee, reconstruction, General Sheridan's and Secretary Stanton's removals, and military control of Western steamboat traffic. Published by the Union Republic Congressional Executive Committee.

GLC01265.29

April 14, 1865

Farmer, George E., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Farmer

George E. Farmer writes to his father that he is in excellent spirits after being present at Confederate General Robert E. Lee's surrender. He discusses the Appomattox Campaign and indicates that he participated in the fighting near Dinwiddie Courthouse and was with the dismounted cavalry at Five Forks. He explains that though the fighting was fierce, the soldiers knew it was the end of the war and that the Confederates could be beaten. He was also present at the battle on Brown's Road and was with the advance the day Confederate General Richard S. Ewell was captured. He describes the events…

GLC00808.01

April 21, 1865

Farmer, George E., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maggie

George E. Farmer gives a day by day account of the movements and engagements of his regiment during the Appomattox campaign. He reports that they left Petersburg on March 29, camped at Dinwiddie Courthouse, and fought a skirmish at Hatcher's Run. After fighting all day on the 30th, they were attacked in strong force on the 31st. He states that they fought in the Battle at Five Forks on the first of April and briefly describes the battle. He says they skirmished near Amelia Courthouse on April 4, then marched 25 miles to Jetersville. He reports fighting at Deatonsville on April 6, and…

GLC00808.02

May 4, 1865

Farmer, George E., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maggie

George E. Farmer writes that Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston did not surrender as soon as anticipated. He remarks that Union General Philip H. Sheridan's "destroying Angels took the war path again." He states that his regiment marched along the Boydton Road and reached the Nottoway River the same night. By Friday, they were 100 miles from Petersburg on the south side of the Staunton River when they heard of Johnston's surrender, halted for the night, and continued on to Petersburg the next day. He comments upon the condition of the city of Petersburg, and laments the assassination of…

GLC00808.03

1865

Thayer, M. Russell (Martin Russell), 1819-1906

Pamphlet

Title: The Great Victory -- Its Cost and Its Value : an Address Delivered at Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, July 4th 1865 by Hon. M. Russell Thayer.

Published by King & Baird, printers. States that through the blessings of God, it has finally been established that the country is one and indivisible. Encourages the congregation to be thankful to the men have who have fought and that peace has finally come to the nation.

GLC01265.39

1865

Goddard, Dighton, 1822-1910

Object

Title: Red wood heart of Dighton Goddard

Small, carved wooden heart painted red with writings in pencil, "Appomattox April 9th, 1865."

GLC03608.02

1865

Goddard, Dighton, 1822-1910

Object

Title: Wooden heart of Dighton Goddard

Small unpainted wooden carved heart with writing in pencil, "Lee surr. at App., Apr. 9, a time of rejoy and shouting."

GLC03608.03

21 May 1863

Bope, Abraham, 1837-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Jane Bope

Bope writes to his sister from a camp near Stafford. Discusses picket duty. Mentions the surrender of Jackson, Mississippi, and comments the war will soon be over. Refers to a coward in his regiment who was willingly taken prisoner by the Confederates. Complains that the weather is too warm. Asks her to write him more often. Envelope has a color emblem with the phrase, "The Union Forever."

GLC03523.03.16

21 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Adams

A detailed account of the siege of Yorktown. Affirms the correctness of Adams' ideas about a need to conduct a major attack against the British in the southern states. Announces the recent surrender of Lord Cornwallis at the Battle of Yorktown. Explains the "harmonious concurrence of circumstances" that made the victory possible, mentioning the fleet from the West Indies commanded by Admiral Comte de Grasse, the American and French troops marching down from the Hudson River, and a fleet from Rhode Island under the command of Compte de Barras. Provides a chronological explanation of the…

GLC02437.01252