27 December 1862

Saunders, J. C. Jr., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wortham

Written from "Gill's Signal Station." Saunders writes as the Sergeant in command of the Station: "I send…a man who came to my station today. He says he is from Philadelphia and just out of "Castle Thunder" Richmond. I do not think he is altogether right, as contradicted himself several times in his statements." Castle Thunder in Richmond was a tobacco warehouse converted into a prison during the Civil War. Prisoners, many of whom were under sentence of death, were primarily civilians, they included violent criminals, Union sympathizers, and spies, among them Dr. Mary E. Walker.

GLC02233.16

January 17, 1865

Clark, George W., fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father

Relays tale of his difficulty obtaining a pass for entry into town to replace his boots and the fact that he is under arrest and will "stand a Court Martial" for the offense of being absent without leave. Sends this news as a warning of the possible ramifications this event will have on him.

GLC06167.15

January 29, 1865

Clark, George W., fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Informs his mother of the regiment's return to Alabama, tells of life in Winter Quarters where there is no food, and notes that he is still under arrest, but expects to be released in a few days.

GLC06167.16

16 August 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson and Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses land deals and legal agreements. Says he does not believe Mr. [Thomas?] Winthrop can be absolved from the agreement. Quotes part of the clause on the agreement that states the lands will be conveyed to Winthrop once they are located and appraised. Further discusses in great detail Mr. Winthrop's legal obligations concerning the land. Also discusses the current surveys being conducted and stresses that they must continue regardless of troubles that may arise.

GLC02437.07582

30 August 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln and Henry Jackson

Letter is not signed but appears to be Knox's handwriting. Discusses the ongoing conflict among the settlers and Knox's surveyors. Informs the gentlemen he sent his surveyors out armed enough to defend themselves against any attacks from the settlers. Also says he has sent three gentlemen to assemble the people at different settlements on the Plymouth Company land that borders Knox's land. The gentlemen have three goals: the first is to have Knox's land surveyed peaceably, if impractical then the second goal is to give the surveyors notice, the third is to obtain evidence against the…

GLC02437.07598

21 August 1793

Jackson, William, 1759-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Discusses events in Europe, such as a Spanish defeat at Bayonne and that the Queen of France has been moved from a prison. Upper right portion burned or ripped through all pages, creating text loss.

GLC02437.08151

19 October 1800

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson discusses land business with Knox. He also informs Knox that Knox's nephew Francis Flucker "is again in Goal where he has been for several days on two writs for debt." Jackson admonishes Knox for his handling of his nephews: "You cannot be ignorant of the reflections that are made in consequence of those boys being so much at loose in society."

GLC02437.07475

22 July 1801

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Unknown

Mentions a written report has been completed by the gentlemen Knox hired as an effort to deal with settlers located on the northern part of the Waldo patent. Reports the gentlemen spoke to numerous settlers and explained Knox's deed and interlines on the settlement. States, "The idea of a gov[ernment] belonging to the commonwealth was strongly impressed on all." Goes on to further discuss other points made to the settlers by the gentlemen. Notes it appears the majority of the settlers would not oppose the surveying but that there still is a group who are in opposition. Also discredits the…

GLC02437.07573

February 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: [Provisions drawn for Henry Knox]

Lists stores received from Mr. [Robert ]Forsyth during the month of February.

GLC02437.01964

22 December 1786

Weissenfels, Frederick, 1738-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that when he last saw Knox, "at the Door of my present unhappy confinement," he asked for his intercession, and Knox told him that when the time arrived that he needed Knox's help, he should remind him. Believes the time is now, and that Knox can influence "sundry Gentlemen Especially his Excellency the Governor" in his favor. Writes, "I have suffered Eighteen Months imprisonment, under grievous and [necessitious?] Circumstances, reduced to Extream [sic] want in my self and family, nevertheless I Honor the Laws of my Country, neither have I any desingn [sic], to Exculpate my self…

GLC02437.03388

8 January 1822

Holmes, Abraham, 1754-1839

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Discusses the bankruptcy law being considered by Congress. States that his opinion is at odds with Hobart's. Holmes contends that it was a "universal understanding of the people at the time of the ratifying of the Constitution" that a clause authorized the passage of a debtors relief law, but that such a law might "destroy every principle of Justice and equity," it would "destroy every idea that we have of Natural, Civil or political Justice." Comments on problems with the petition for a "new post road." Discusses three capital trials (one for a prison murder and two for highway…

GLC06313.04.132

2 March 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Attributing alternating cold and warm weather as the cause, he writes that he is suffering from a slight touch of rheumatism. He mentions meeting Uncle Jack who looked frozen (from the cold) and John. He supposes they got home safely. He describes how the city was "astir with excitement" when some prominent citizens were arrested for allegedly belonging to a Union association whose object was to restore the old form of government. He asks her to write back on how she and the baby are doing. Lastly, he mentions that he will write to his aunt the following day.

GLC06582.08

22 June 1863

Jones, John, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes from the "rear of Vicksburg." Notes that he is happy to receive a photo from Mary (his wife). Reports on the Civil War. Gives his opinion on African American regiments. Discusses the adventures of a man who went to jail. Mentions how grease was put on the letter.

GLC05981.28

20 May 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Mentions that the end of the war will "require strict economy and management in all affairs." Predicts that after the war is over, money will be harder to get and taxes will be "mountain high." He warns wife to treat servants kindly but to not "approach intimacy" as that would cause a loss of respect. As an example he provides his Cousin James who gets ill at the Penitentiary because he talks so often with convicts who no longer fear or respect him. He informs her that Mr. Shields has returned. He says that his health is improving with the only exception being his continuing side pain.

GLC06582.16

6 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Writes that the day before was one of the worse days of the season. He mentions that at approximately four o'clock the guard cried out that some prisoners were escaping. He writes that it was later discovered that three prisoners escaped and that one used a rope made out of their bedclothes. While three made it out safely the fourth prisoner fell from the ripped rope thirty or forty feet downward. He thinks that the prison guards will be fired on Col. Pendleton's return. He is anxious to get home, as this has been the biggest separation yet. He writes in haste and will have to stop to go out…

GLC06582.58

16 November 1993

Atkins, Susan, 1948-2009

Typed letter signed

Title: to Kregg Sanders

Atkins writes to Sanders from prison while serving time for her part in the Tate-LaBianca murders committed while a member of the Manson family. She discusses making a birthday present for her sister-in-law, her typewriter, a new sewing project, and the 3-D computer generated image she wants for Christmas. She likes reading Christian books, and would like copies of "Flying Closer to the Flame" and "Divine Romance." She answers Kregg's question about Pat Krenwinkel--remarking that she has only contempt for "what's his name [Manson]." She hope's Pat's anger will subside so she can be…

GLC05508.024.01

1977

Atkins, Susan, 1948-2009

Book

Title: Child of Satan, Child of God

Paperback copy of Atkins' book and book plate.

GLC05508.024.04

3 July 1864

Brunt, William, fl. 1863-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Martha Weir

Writes that he has been sent to Clarkesville again in order to command the "Contraband Camp." Describes the work he has been doing to get the camp of "900 Men Women & Children" running smoothly, and the compliments he has received from his superiors for his hard work. Martha is leaving Hawesville soon, and Brunt asks her to "please write as soon as you receive this & I will send you my Photograph." Describes the arrival of a Kentucky slave owner at his camp who offers Brunt $250 dollars in bribe money for the return of his family's slaves. Brunt has the man arrested. "Our camp is…

GLC07006.08

January 18, 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister

Tells of his upcoming trial and predicts that he will "receive a free pass to the Spirit world." Mentions receiving many presents and aid, including from Mrs. Spring and Miss Watkins. Expresses his desire to tell her more on his views of religion. Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.10

January 30, 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Describes his wounds at Harpers Ferry: "I received six wounds there [his chest], three in my head, two in my brest and one through my left arm two in my head were the worst." Claims he is enjoying his time in jail, with the help of his jailer Captain Avis and the variety of gifts sent to him by friends, some of whom he lists: "Mrs. R.B. Spring Mrs. L Maria Child, Miss Watkins, Mr. James Redpath and others." Mrs. Spring nursed John Brown, "Capt. B." Discusses his views on spiritualism and his doubt of the Bible, mentioning two books, one by Professor "Robbrt" Hare, the other entitled "Studies…

GLC07231.11

February 23, 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Ponders his sentence and the prospect of death. Hopes for mercy so that he may continue to live, but is doubtful and accepts death calmly. Discusses spiritualism. Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.12

13 March 1860

Stevens, Aaron D., 1831-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother Henry

Bids his brother farewell, with knowledge of his upcoming death. Encourages Henry to explore spiritiualism and to live rightly: "as you love yourself as you love man as you love woman, as you love god, work with your head heart and hands for the happiness of yourself and all the world." Written from Charlestown jail.

GLC07231.13

21 September 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

Returned to the camp "unmolested;" no one gave him any trouble. Spoke to captain Hayden about the charges against him, and Hayden "says he will make it all right. Of course I must be punished but he might make it as easy as possible for me." His company is not with its regiment but is instead stationed in the city itself. Bliss did not have a chance to arrest him because he turned himself in. Does not know what his punishment will be. Managed to get onto a train in Springfield and eventually made it back into the city. Stayed with Uncle William one night. His wife is in Boston now and is…

GLC09355.019

27 September 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

It is the eighth day of his confinement. There are 12 other soldiers there "for company." Has a 20 foot by 50 foot guarded space to stay in. Has "nothing but bread and water" to eat. "We managed to smuggle in most anything we want to eat." Luke Day, a friend of his, lets him help himself to whatever he needs from the cook house. Captain Hayden saw him a few days ago to inform him that he would have a court martial in a day or two. Looks like "it will come out all well minus a few months pay and a little while longer under arrest." Hayden says that he "has not got a man in his own company he…

GLC09355.020

4 October 1863

Clapp, George, fl. 1839-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to parents

Is still under guard. Has waited for a letter from them for a week but has not heard from them. Met with the colonel who asked them a few questions including how long they had been locked up for. Not sure if he will receive a court martial at all. "If Captain Moody was here… things would be straightened out pretty quick." Three people left the guard house last night. "We shall never see them again." Got a letter from Sid, who is sympathetic to the situation. Knows that he would have just gotten a furlough if he had been in the field. Has put a picture for an album in the envelope with this…

GLC09355.021