5 November 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses the barbarism and immorality of dueling. Ellery is not sure he will become involved with the North Kingston Bank. Corrects George's spelling errors. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820. Signature clipped from letter.

GLC02300.13

February 23, 1778

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Timothy Pickering, Sr.

Colonel Pickering writes a poignant letter to his loyalist father, Deacon Pickering, who he recently learned was gravely ill. Expresses happiness over an improvement in his father's health and regret over their political differences. Thanks his father for his "example & instructions in all the duties to God, and my neighbor." Also states that "altho' the line of action I have pursued has not always been such as you would have chosen...in regard to religion and morality, I hope you have never repented that I was your son." The "prospect for recovery" mentioned was not realized; Deacon…

GLC02325

16 August 1867

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to dear General

Signs with the letter "H." Addressee is likely Hunt's father-in-law, Henry K. Craig. Hunt.discusses President Andrew Johnson's attempt to force the resignation of Secretary of War Edwin McMasters Stanton. Refers to newspaper editorials discussing Stanton's successor. "So S. [Stanton] is at last kicked out - and what a precious scene of buttering and licking each other is presented by him and his successor." Writes that Johnson "would be sure to select the worst possible man" for the position. Declares that the Republican party always turns to Ulysses S. Grant. Discusses various letters/…

GLC02382.034

21 October 1868

Hunt, Henry Jackson, 1819-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox Craig

Hopes Craig will consider spending future summers in Eastport, if he (Hunt) remains stationed there. Discusses the upcoming presidential election (won by Ulysses S. Grant). "So the October Elections are over and we are beaten on all the fields - This settles the November Election beyond doubt; they may cry fraud as much as they please and I have no doubt that the states all three were carried by fraud - but the result will be to send a host of those who worship success - the great Wobble party in a Mass into the radical ranks. We are only demonstrating the truth of an old American theory. '…

GLC02382.044

15 December 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to George Washington

In the hand of John Stagg Jr. Forwards papers relating to a Captain Scott, stating that his"discretion for the object proposed cannot be depended upon." Retained copy.

GLC02437.05737

30 April 1797

Beaumez, Sarah Lyons Flucker, fl. 1784-1801

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Flucker

Encourages her son Thomas with his studies and to maintain a good character and habits throughout life.

GLC02437.06958

20 November 1800

Barron, James, 1769-1851

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Captain Barron informs Knox that he will monitor Thomas Flucker and believes that Knox's "advice (admonition) had the desired affect."

GLC02437.07485

20 November 1800

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to James Barron

Knox thanks Captain Barron for taking Thomas Flucker on as a midshipman. Knox hopes Flucker behaves, but if he does not, Barron should feel free to admonish Flucker.

GLC02437.07486

6 March 1801

Beaumez, Sarah Lyons Flucker, fl. 1784-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to her sister-in-law. Inquires after her god-daughter and the rest of Lucy Knox's family. Appears to express her disappointment in [Henry] Knox's silence regarding her children (likely Francis and Thomas Flucker). Comments on Knox's responsibility as their guardian and of her childrens' "Natural Claims" to the family property. Also appears to express her regret over her sons' "youthful" behavior but does not believe it reflects poorly upon their feeling towards Lucy Knox and Henry…

GLC02437.07510

4 October 1802

Clark, John Innes, 1745-1808

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the safe arrival of Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox. Notes he was happy to assist Knox in delivering Henry Jackson Knox into his family's protection. Writes, "That the future conduct of your son may be such as to meet the approbation of his Parents and become a useful member to society is the sincere wish of [Clark]." Date taken from docket.

GLC02437.07756

February 6, 1792

Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Ward

Letter written by Massachusetts Congressman Ward to his daughter Maria. Says he should write more often, but he is old and his hand shakes. Remarks that he finds the situation in Philadelphia is not to his liking saying "I can enjoy but little pleasure in this place, it is unhealthy, the people immoral and disagreeable. There is more pleasure to be had in New England by far than in this part of the Union." Complains the common people are ignorant and carry only for money. Says parents in Philadelphia need to be better guides for their children. On recto is a note in a different hand that says…

GLC01782

December 4, 1786

Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Refers to Washington's resignation as head of the Order of the Cincinnati. Describes a settlement he left after receiving a request to take command of the Massachusetts state militia, which was needed to suppress Shays' Rebellion. In response to a question from Washington, Lincoln discusses Shays' Rebellion in detail: the anger it is arousing, its causes, his expectation of bloodshed, the role of debt, and the rebellions current advantages. He writes that "In Short the want of industry economy & common honesty Seem to be the causes of the present commotions." Includes a postscript note…

GLC01478

March 4, 1864

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Brisbin

Informs Jane, his wife, that he is in great distress due to the fact that he has not received a letter from her in over a month. States "It is now a Month since I stood on the back platform of the car at Milesbury and saw your sweet form vanish from my sight ... it seemed after you were gone as if I had left the world and when I met the snow shoe Cars I could hardly help going back on them ... You are young and sometimes foolish but what you do is done in the innocence of your heart I know you would not wrong your poor husband for the world." Promises to send money, and instructs Jane to…

GLC01505.04

November 27, 1830

Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Heaton

Harrison thanks Heaton for his continued support. He describes at length a "project" by "political friends" and others to denounce him so as to destroy his chances for election to the Senate. States that, "There is no one I believe who knows me that can for a moment entertain the opinion that I would change my political principles for personal advantage." Letter addressed to Heaton in Butler County, Ohio.

GLC01645

August 7, 1882

James, Frank, 1844-1915

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John N. Edwards

James expresses concern that Edwards has not written to him. Worries about his reputation while evading authorities, stating: " ... it is harder still to rest content beneath the harrowing reflection that ones character, his mind, his heart, his entire nature is misunderstood- misconstrued ... " Refuses to accept Missouri Governor Thomas Crittenden's offer of turning "State's Evidence" against comrades. Feels that stooping "so low as to place a comrades life....in jeopardy" was "beneath the dignity of a man or the principles of a Christian." Postscript mentions concern for the welfare of his…

GLC01649

September 3, 1882

James, Frank, 1844-1915

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anna Ralston James

Frank James writes to his wife, Anna, about the reward offered for his capture. Mentions Dick Liddil, a member of the same gang, and the way Liddil was treated by the authorities. Comments on turning himself in and states that "... when ever I surrendered up my belt, it would be with the understanding that I was subject to no one for anything." Attempts to comfort her and boost her morale. Mentions that his friends thought him foolish to accept any offers from Thomas Crittenden, the Governor of Missouri. Expresses his view on his situation, "And as for taking tragic revenge on any one, I hold…

GLC01693

October 16, 1775

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holton

Letter written to fellow jurist Samuel Holton discussing the qualifications of a justice, the readiness of the American forces, and George Washington's opinion of his own army. Satirizes another judge who thinks all judges should have "the prime qualities of an executioner." He believes "the proper qualifications of a judge" are "integrity, ability, & knowledge of the law...a discerner between truth & falsehood, right and wrong." Believes that the colonies were not ready for war, and are still unprepared now, but insists in his full patriotism despite these doubts. Says Washington "…

GLC01579.01

16 December 1782

Blair, Samuel, 1741-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Reverend Blair to Major General Knox. Asked Colonel John Lamb to inform Knox of his impending retirement and his reasons for leaving the service. Says he would have written sooner but had problems with "the extreme weakness and disorder of my Nerves." Has recovered but says "I question much whether ever I shall be able to do effectual service to my fellow men in any line hereafter." Still praises God. Says he is leaving because "of many uncomfortable reflections during my connection with ye Army - to retain that connection therefore, when unable to do any thing, would have been…

GLC02437.01747

28 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Christopher Bancker

Replies to Bancker's request to obtain an open position in the War Office (see GLC02437.03948). Notes that the position, formerly occupied by Mr. [Robert] Pemberton, will not be presently filled. Writes, "If an appointment should hereafter take place it must be of a person peculiarly qualified in several particulars, one of what must be writing a masterly official hand. I wish for the power of serving every unfortunate person of the human race but I am unconscious of being under the obligation of any specific principles of providing for you or any other person whatever-"

GLC02437.03949

10 September 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Broome & Platt

Discusses the details of his financial arrangements with the firm of Broome & Platt. Explains that he appreciates the candor with which they explained their financial distress to Samuel Shaw, Knox's representative at their meeting. Does have concerns about an arrangement they made regarding delivery of the goods they are using to pay Knox. Hopes they can make a better plan, in order to satisfy the other firm involved, Webber, Addington, & Birhnall. Adds that Mr. [James] Webber is a very honorable man, and explains how generous he was in caring for Knox's brother William during…

GLC02437.03191

1 June 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter (not included) and asks Knox's advice regarding the Society of the Cincinnati. Notes that all papers of the Society are in the care of the Society's Secretary General, thus he cannot answer Mr. Jefferson's questions (possibly Thomas Jefferson, who was critical of the Society). Notes that some Society members obtained badges from Major [Pierre Charles] L'Enfant's Agency. Criticizes the badges L'Enfant created, noting that L'Enfant overcharged for the badges and misused the money he received. Has not seen L'Enfant since a Society meeting in 1784.

GLC02437.09396

7 June 1750

Oliver, Andrew, fl. 1750

Document signed

Title: to Messrs. Williams & Hopkins s

Discusses the principles and moral character of Mr. Stiles, possibly Ezra Stiles, President of Yale College.

GLC02505.33

16 April 1857

Brown, John, 1800-1859

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Brown

Has "been more prospered within a very few days than I had before been," thanks to a $7,000 loan from George L. Stearns to be used towards a free Kansas. Hears "that one of 'Uncle Sam's Hounds was at Cleavland on my track;' and I have been hiding a little so as to let my track get cold." However has "no great fear of being caught" and says "I trust that God will send me back with Irons in rather than uppon my hands." Hopes to return home soon. Brown hid for a week in Boston to avoid the rumored United States Marshall.

GLC02519

24 November 1778

Laurens, Henry, 1724-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Alexander

Laurens, as president of congress, writes to the Earl of Stirling about the distribution of "the Treaties of Amity & Commerce & of Alliance" with France and trade relations with the United Provinces. He also bemoans the loss of virtue and unity which America had in 1775, decrying avarice and profiteering.

GLC02532

23 March 1798

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Broadside

Title: [Presidential proclamation for a national day of prayer]

Proclamation declaring national "day of Solemn Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer," with Timothy Pickering's free frank on verso. Adams wants Americans to pray for the protection of their country. Proclamation states that America is in a "hazardous and afflictive situation" and therefore asks all citizens to "offer their devout Addresses to the Father of Mercies." Prayer is needed because "the safety and prosperity of nations ultimately and essentially depend on the protection and the blessing of Almighty God...the national acknowledgement of this truth is not only an indispensable duty which…

GLC02542.14