10 August 1861

Wright, Miller A., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Miller has heard that there will be "a great battle to Come off soon" and that his brother may be slated to fight in it. "We have no news here all is uneasy as to the results of the coming Contest..." He also expresses some doubts about the war: "Courage fails when there is nothing but suffering no hope of martial triumph. But remember those who fought in the revolution they fought with but little hope of glory...there whole military life was one of suffering ...a man an die with composure perhaps with triumph when there is an eye to admire & a tongue to praise...but to die unknelled…

GLC02691.11.015

5 August 1864

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his friends

Writes to his friends from camp. Expresses his loneliness and boredom with the army. Reports on the fighting in Petersburg, Virginia. Describes soldiering and what a waste war is. Writes, "It is just calling young men from home and Bringing them here for slaughter and fast as they can kill them off call for more. A mans life is value nothing here and is not Respected By any one, is all for himself…" Comments he has not had a change of clothes for two months.

GLC03523.52.63

27 December 1863

Kessler, Thomas J., fl. 1843-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth N. Kessler

Writes to his sister from Camp Douglas. Complains about the rainy weather. Describes a dance that the sharpshooters had with the wash women. Requests that she send him his razor when his father sends him a turkey. Discusses the theater and the women showing their knees. The letter has a watermark on the top left hand corner.

GLC03523.52.27

30 November 1859

Campbell, Thomas, fl. 1859

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes a letter of introduction or recommendation for William Clegg. Declares that for the past two years Clegg has been a boarder in his home, and praises his discipline, honor, and "unexceptionable" morals.

GLC03133.03

13 May 1864

Johnston, Witter H., fl. 1861-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Miss Sue Johnston

Charlie came to visit and he is well. All the things they sent arrived in good condition. The new Colonel arrived. Unfortunately he is profane and drinks too much.

GLC02167.17

5 December 1856

Van Valkenburgh, Robert B., 1821-1888

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh

A letter written to Franklin Butler Van Valkenburgh by brother Robert B. Van Valkenburgh. In this letter, Robert tells Franklin what it means to be a lawyer and the moral obligation he has to be honest with his clients. Robert also provides a list of books, with descriptions, that he believes would be useful to Franklin while he is practicing law. This letter is written on blue paper and has a note written in pencil at the top to the frist page that Franklin is a lawyer at the time this letter was written.

GLC06253.07

27 April 1835

Krepp, B., fl. 1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathaniel Wordin

Describes the area where he lives in Mississippi as a clearing in the middle of an immense forest with a few houses and about 1600 inhabitants, half of them slaves. Reports that they have a Methodist and a Presbyterian church and a temperance society which he has joined. Discusses his hope that temperance will spread and prevail over vice. Gives a description of the crops, the land, and the weather. Mentions that on the other side of the river is the Choctaw and Chickasaw nations. Comments that he believes the Indians are abused by the white men, who con them by getting the Indians drunk…

GLC04601.13

August 7, 1858

Jeffery, Roberta, fl. 1850-1899

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Archer

Astonishment and joy over Sue's marriage to William [Jones], the sentiments of Kate, Sally, and Dr. A., news of family and friends, construction of a new Catholic church, Richard [Jeffery]'s request for Chinese pegs and Edward's bad fortune in love with Miss Tyler: "...[she] is married so you have lost your chance there." Also, writes that she knows he is "...surrounded by temptations [prostitution?] & I pray God you may have strength given you to resist them manfully."

GLC01896.024

1868

Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875

Pamphlet

Title: The republican and democratic parties: what they have done, and what they propose to do

Published by the Union Republican Congressional Committee. Speech given at the Republican Mass meeting at Bangor, Maine on August 27, 1868. Discusses Republican and Democratic parties by comparing their histories, platforms, and candidates. Encourages members of the audience to vote and to hold both parties to the "highest moral standards." Also includes the platform adopted by the National Republican Party Convention in Chicago, 1868.

GLC01265.34

7 September 1864

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Harriet Moore

References her previous letter. Says he has been busy surveying St. Catherine's bar. Says he has found a channel. Praises Farragut's recent victories around Mobile. In reference to the 1864 presidential election says "I should certainly go for 'Old Abe.' He is not exactly the man I would choose, but he is an honest and patriotic man and the most decent of all of them ... Fremont I am afraid is nothing but a scheming politician, and as for McClellan I would rather go for Jeff Davis himself." Landing recently he "found things pretty much as we left them[.] The old darkies are flourishing and…

GLC03836.73

17 November 1864

West, Lewis H., 1829-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary West

References her letter of 17 October. Says he is taking an interest in the election and says "In fact it is the only election that I ever did take any interest in ... since I have turned my attention to politics I am amazed that I was ever anything but a radical abolitionist and it is astonishing how anybody can be anything else, after the charming results of having persisted in sacrificing the right to the expedient for the last 30 years, on the slavery question." Says New York is the only state to give ballots for sailors and that he heard McClellan has a 10 or 11 more votes than Lincoln…

GLC03836.78

circa 1841

Manuscript document

Title: [Resolution regarding the licentious principles of slavery]

"From the Advocate of Moral Reform. Resolution passed at the last meeting of the Parent Society Resolved that the licentious principles & practice which form an inherent part of the system of Slavery wherever it exists, warrant this society in expressing their abhorrence of it & sympathy with the female portion of the population who are exposed to its influence; and especially with the million & a quarter in our own land who have no protection for their virtue." Circa date based on GLC06593.09. Location based on content and GLC06593.10.

GLC06593.13

circa 1841

Bliss, J. F., fl. 1841

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Bliss's opinion on slavery]

Bliss offers his opinion on slavery: "Slavery, being a most extensive tyranny by some over the rights of others interferes against the same exclusive rights in Christ to govern us all; as well as licences the tyrant extensively to enforce sin & immorality & therefore the laws of the Bible positively forbid the sin of Slavery; & require us the subjects under the King to labor according to the rules of the Bible & devoutly to pray for its removal & to have no fellowship with it anywhere." Marked as "A Copy." Circa date based on GLC06593.09. Location based on content and…

GLC06593.15

circa 29 April 1858

Burritt, Elihu, 1810-1879

Printed document signed

Title: Prospectus of "The North and South."

Transmitted by Burritt to Reverend Dr. Murray with a letter (GLC 2448.03.01). Advertises the publication of a weekly newspaper, "The North and South," with Burritt as editor. The paper's objective is to "unite the millions of all sections and parties who deprecate the existence of Slavery, from moral, political, or economical considerations, in a plan of co-operation for its peaceful and gradual extinction, by which the Southern States shall receive a fair and honorable compensation..."

GLC02448.03.02

21 June 1839

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Newspaper

Title: The Liberator. [Vol. 9, no. 25 (June 21, 1839)]

With previous owner's signature ([I.] Stearns) in top margin of first page. Garrison serves as editor, Isaac Knapp as printer, and Oliver Johnson as general agent. Contains an article on the moral effects of slavery on the master. Includes miscellaneous other reports. Discolored in creases. Fragile.

GLC08875.48

circa 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: [Report on relations between the United States and Native Americans]

Circa date previously estimated. "The measure adopted by the general government, relative to the Indian tribes within the lands of the United States, are replete with moderation... and humanity. Philosophers and the intelligent part of humankind will approve the wisdom of such conduct... Instead of an oppressive system having for its object the extirpation of a race of men more sinned against, than sinning, it appears to be the design of the [general] government, to impart to the Indians, who were the original lords of the soil, all the blessings of Life of which their situation will admit…

GLC02437.09446

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

February 2, 1863

Goold, James, 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother

Writes to his brother (possibly Johnny, based on content) about his tent and the people he shares it with: "They are both good natured, and willing to do their share towards making the tent comfortable, but neither of them are such men as I should choose for companions any where else, they both swear, and they are both very vulgar, and in fact these are the two most common vices in the army, there is hardly a man, that I have any acquaintance with, at all, in the army, who is not wholly given up to them." Tells his brother that he prays for "strength to enable me to resist every temptation…

GLC03523.05.10

20 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written "out on picket" near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The officers are becoming familiar with her hand writing. He is glad to receive letters as it makes him feel that everyone at home cares for and remembers him. Sergeant Potter was recently discharged and is headed home today. He has received some mail from his brother-in-law Henry Stark and notes that the envelope was completely covered with directions. Asks if she can make him a few cotton shirts and send one through the mail. If she is unable to make the shirts she should get the material and ask Sarah to make them for him. He does not…

GLC03523.42.23

27 April 1862

Hogeland, Sally W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to her brother

She is glad the war has taken so favorable a turn as it will keep her brother home. There is plenty of work to do at home and she would rather have him do that then take the lives of our "fellow beings." Writes that Milton's wife is sick. Describes how the Howes feel about Milton's wife and her sickness. Amanda felt that the letter he had written her was "queer." She suggests that if he sent something to Amanda to "wound, you must send something to heal." Writes how everyone has changed. She writes that he can feel his bachelorship "oozing" out of him. The man who lived in their old house,…

GLC03523.42.10

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

24 July 1778

Macomb, John, fl. 1778

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Burgoyne

Written by Macomb, a Royalist in Burgoyne's army during the Saratoga campaign, to Burgoyne in London. Writes that he wants to affirm his character with Burgoyne after General Haldiman believes he deserted the army with 1500 pounds after the defeat at Saratoga. Says Brigadier General Fraser, who died at Saratoga, said he would have a 50 pound-a-year salary, which he has not received. Says he only left the army before the Convention because he dreaded what the "Rebels" would do to him for helping his son-in-law raise a battalion for Burgoyne. Hopes Burgoyne will recommend establishing his…

GLC04764.75

February 23, 1863

Ewing, Philemon, 1820-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William T. Sherman

Addressed to "My dear Bro." Attempts to convince Sherman not to resign over critical reports being printed in the press. "I am sorry to hear that you are so much concerned at the mischief making reports of the correspondents as to think of resigning ... I am very sure it would be a false step which you would always regret." Informs Sherman that knowing that one has performed one's duty is much more important than public approval. Assures Sherman, "I know that you enjoy the highest appreciation & estimate at the hands of those throughout the country whose good opinion you would…

GLC03601.04

March 25, 1777

Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Catharine Macaulay

Bowdoin requests assistance in writing a history of the present disputes. Reports the American people "continue spirited & determined." Complains "the English now in America seem to have lost all that humanity for which they were justly famed."

GLC01791.02

12 May 1867

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mollie [Kelly]

He describes his past experience in Vicksburg, where he and Grant lived with a local family. Because he did not steal silver, as they "supposed all 'Yanks' were in the habit of doing, they have always felt very grateful" for the protection and whiskey he provided them, and they agreed to act as benefactors for Mollie, Moore's niece, in her musical study. Written from Gramercy Park House.

GLC04195.45