Collection Search

to Alexander M. Ross

Encloses a letter from Franklin Sanborn, to see if he knows anything about "the Dr. McLain mentioned therein."

GLC03007.43

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses her family's well being, and wonders about their place in God's larger plan.

GLC03007.44

to Alexander M. Ross

Discusses declining health of herself and Ross. Wonders if they will meet in the next life, and if they will recognize each other. Tells him to ignore those who slander him, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and say all manner of evil...

GLC03007.45

to Alexander M. Ross

Praises Ross, thanks him for his friendship, and wishes they could see each other. Talks of beautiful California weather and geography. Worries that her husband, Henry Thompson, may not have long to live.

GLC03007.46

to Alexander M. Ross

Wishes to know the cause of his grief, which he mentioned in a previous letter. Hopes he will visit California, and that they can finally meet. Wishes to introduce him to her grandson, who also has a strong love of nature. Discusses other family...

GLC03007.47

to Alexander M. Ross

She and all of her family hope that Ross will come to visit them. Praises him for his tireless work for others. Says she never met Lucretia Mott, nor Harriet Tubman, but admires them both and says of Tubman "what an old soldier she has been....

GLC03007.48

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Discusses events at Kennedy Farm while preparing to raid Harpers Ferry. Anne Brown was there to help cook and clean. Author and recipient inferred from content. Only the last four pages remain.

GLC03007.49

to Alexander M. Ross [Incomplete]

Defending her father, John Brown, against what appear to be statements that he took money and used it for personal needs. Concludes that Mary Stearns' "mind must be disordered" with age due to statements that she made. The statements seem to imply...

GLC03007.50

to Alexander M. Ross [Fragment]

Wonders why so much evil exists in the world and about the nature of good and bad and the inequality of rich and poor. Recipient inferred from content. Only the last two pages remain.

GLC03007.51

to Alexander M. Ross

"The struggle for a married woman's rights will be a longer and a harder fought battle than any other that the world has ever known." Preaches rights for married women, and catalogs the abuses of husbands. Also supports temperance. Wonders why God...

GLC03007.53

[Names and addresses of John Brown collector and two others]

Lists the names and addresses of Dr. C. W. Olsen, Boyd Stutler, and Mrs. M. Winchester. Boyd Stutler, 1889-1970, was a famous collector of John Brown documents, the other two are unknown.

GLC03007.54

to [brother and sister]

He writes from a hospital, describing it as a "regular palice," where "evry thing is so clean." He had an ambrotype made but it turned out poorly, especially because he's been sick.

GLC03523.15.01

to sister

He has been sick and finally saw the doctor, who gave him some pills but did not excuse him from duty. Comments on the list of drafted men in the newspaper (Enrollment Act of July 1863).

GLC03523.15.02

to [sister]

He asks her to write more often. Comments on her adopted son. "Every day makes one less for me to be in uncle Sams grand Army that is all the comfort I have."

GLC03523.15.03

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Tells them never to let Jed enlist, even if a high sum of money is offered. "Helth is worth more than money." Describes the effects of the war on him physically: "only 22 years from my looks you would say I was 40." Written from the 5th Maine...

GLC03523.15.04

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

He is afraid that Jed will enlist. Receives weekly letters from his friend James, but John does not write very often. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.05

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Reminisces about going down to Presket Point in heavy winds and how the boat sank. "Danger seems to be my lot for I am always in it." Expresses hope in Grant's leadership. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.06

to Emily Brown

He recounts the various notes and items he has sent recently, including a pipe for Jed. Their march slowly progresses, but "be of good cheer at home and we will try to do the best we can in the field." Includes a photo of Aggness's daughter (not...

GLC03523.15.07

to Emily Brown

Reports a slight wound on his left leg. They have been in fighting position for over 50 hours but are doing well under Grant. "Oh when I come home I shall have plenty to tell you that I cannot now." Sends a belt buckle from a dead Rebel for Jed....

GLC03523.15.08

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Asks them to send stamps and a red pepper. It would be more expensive to send blankets than for his mother to buy them at home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.10

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Expresses confidence in Grant, then complains that Congress insults the poor man with low pay.

GLC03523.15.11

to friend Brown

Apologizes for not visiting him while he was at home due to sickness. Although they have had hard times, Jesse visited. They all hope this summer would see the end of fighting. While Jesse has not reenlisted, he has; he wants to see the end of the...

GLC03523.15.12

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

They are doing more marching, and he is avoiding action. Again he requests $50 if it's not too difficult. He waits for six months' pay and won't be paid again until he is discharged. Mailed from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.14

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Apologizes for his parents not having received his recent letters, but again requests $50, preferably not in state money because it is not good there. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.15

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Has received the money. Although $20 was in state money and is not worth anything there, it worked out because he owed a friend $20 who sent it home to Rhode Island, where it had full value. Is anxious to start a tug boat business after the war....

GLC03523.15.16

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Thanks them for the final $10 they sent. Though it was state money, he manages to use it by trading it to another soldier who sent it home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.17

to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Received a slight wound in his side and is now in the hospital. His leg wound is recovering well, and he hopes to be in good shape when he is discharged. He suffered considerably in transport to the hospital, riding 32 miles in a six-mule wagon.

GLC03523.15.18

to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19

to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its...

GLC03523.23.01

to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers...

GLC03523.23.02

to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire...

GLC03523.23.03

to Stockton Bates

While they are located in a beautiful overlook of the Blue Ridge, "there is not the slightest romance in walking a mile up and down the mountain for water." While on picket, they got food from several homes, more by intimidation than by gift,...

GLC03523.23.04

to Stockton Bates

Describes the recuperation following the battle of Rappahannock due to mismanagement. The men are discouraged and do not support the recent presidential proclamation. There is constant effort to increase comfort, building log structures in camp...

GLC03523.23.05

to Stockton Bates

His regiment has been transferred from Cochrane's Brigade to Pratt's Light Division, assigned to skirmish, reconnaissance, and the prevention of guerrilla raids. Their camp is much more comfortable. Wonders how greenbacks are functioning with...

GLC03523.23.06

to Stockton Bates

Describes Burnside's "mud march" and the return to their old camps, where rations are short due to the mud. Praises General Cochrane. While on picket on the Rapppahannok, they had friendly conversation with Rebel soldiers.

GLC03523.23.07

to Enoch Duley and Mary Duley

Writes to her parents about her daughter, who had become sick with a fever three weeks earlier. On the verso is a letter signed by William Wood to "Dear Children," probably to Mary and her husband from his parents that discusses health, whooping...

GLC06377.02

to Lloyd Duley

Writes to her siblings about a birth, her family's health, the abundance of rain, and local deaths and marriages. Notes a meeting of the "suns of Temperance." Hopes they will visit. Mentions she has "got the headache very bad." Sent to Lloyd but...

GLC06377.03

[Sale of a tract of land to Enoch M. Duley]

Sells his son a tract in Livingston County, Kentucky worth $306 for $1. Outlines the location of the land. A note on the verso signed by the county clerk James W. Cade indicates that the sale was recorded on 21 October 1856. Signed with a mark.

GLC06377.04

[Kentucky land grant to Enoch M. Duley]

Partially printed document signed by Helm as Kentucky Governor and countersigned by Secretary John Finnell. Grants Duley a tract of 255 acres in Livingston, Kentucky "in consideration of a warrant from the Livingston County Court." Outlines the...

GLC06377.05

[Verdict transfering land in Livingston County, Kentucky from David Fort to the heirs of Enoch Duley]

Signed by Rappolee and William M. Gray as court commissioners, James W. Cade as clerk, and J.T. Hardin. The commissioners find that in a 8 October 1855 land sale from Fort to Duley (see GLC06377.11) of a tract supposed to contain 571 acres really...

GLC06377.06

[Land survey in Livingston County, Kentucky for Enoch M. Duley]

Platt and certificate for a 250 acre tract. Includes a basic map and description of the land.

GLC06377.07

[Deed of one acre for a school to Alexander Duley]

On behalf of himself and his wife, Duley donates the land in Livingston County, Kentucky on the condition that it be used as a common school. Outlines the location of the tract. Docket has a note to the attention of J.S. Vick indicating that Enoch...

GLC06377.08

[Kentucky land grant to Enoch M. Duley]

Partially printed document signed by Buckner as Kentucky Governor and countersigned by Grants Duley a tract of 3 acres in Livingston, Kentucky "in consideration of an order from the Livingston County Court." Outlines the location of the tract. An...

GLC06377.09

Statement of the Claims of the Commonwealth of Virginia against the United States for Advances and Services on Account of the late War

Lists expenses during the Revolutionary War from 1775 to 1780 less a payment received from Congress in 1785. The total debt is $13,349,102. Accompanied by "Explanatory remarked on the Statement of the claims of Virginia" (see GLC07114.02).

GLC07114.01

Explanatory remarked on the Statement of the claims of Virginia

Accompanied "Statement of the Claims of the Commonwealth of Virginia against the United States for Advances and Services on Account of the late War" (see GLC07114.01). Details the eleven items listed on the account, which recorded a debt of $13,349...

GLC07114.02

Schooner Amistad.

Includes a letter from James Buchanan, Secretary of State, to Charles J. Ingersoll, Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives. Contains correspondence between A. Calderon de la Barca, envoy extraordinary and...

GLC00267.067.02

Resolutions of the general assembly of Alabama, in relation to the obligations of the States to surrender fugitive slaves from justice.

26th Congress, 2d session, Senate document no. 127. Printed by Blair & Rivers. Concerns the stealing and carrying away of a slave named Atticus by Daniel Philbrook and Edward Kilbron from Georgia to Maine. Maine refused to surrender Philbrook and...

GLC00267.136.01

Resolutions of the Legislature of Iowa, in reference to the Compromise measures passed by the Congress of the United States.

32nd Congress, 1st session, House of Representatives miscellaneous document no. 20. Resolves to support the compromise measures passed by Congress addressing slavery and the boundaries of territories acquired during the Mexican-American War.

GLC00267.145.02

Resolutions of the Legislature of Connecticut, on the subject of the Compromise measures of the 31st Congress.

32nd Congress, 1st session, House of Representatives miscellaneous document no. 65. Resolves to support the compromise measures passed by Congress addressing slavery and the boundaries of territories acquired during the Mexican-American War.

GLC00267.145.03

[Printed bill of sale for Washington, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by William Jones to Solomon Cohen. Jones paid Cohen $1,505 to enslave a man named Washington.

GLC01445.04

to Stockton Bates

Awaits orders of transfer, most likely to Washington, although they had been told that they would be discharged. Written from Camp Parole.

GLC03523.23.39

to Stockton Bates

Continues to wait for word on discharge, though Pennsylvania troops must wait until the Eastern troops are discharged. They must then meet at Pittsburgh for final payment. Four soldiers were punished for "cowardice" in front of the brigade....

GLC03523.23.42

[Report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Piracy around Cuba and Puerto Rico from the 18th Congress]

Printed report "Of the Committee on Foreign Affairs to which was referred so much of the President's message, as relates to Piracies committed on the Commerce of the United States, in the neighborhood of the Islands of Cuba and Porto Rico." Says the...

GLC04604.01

Spanish schooner L'Amistad (to be annexed to Doc. 185).

To be annexed to GLC05795.01. Contains correspondence between Pedro Alcantara de Argaiz, Spanish minister at Washington, D.C., and John Forsyth, Secretary of State. Contains Spanish and English versions. In a letter to Forsyth, Argaiz writes...

GLC05795.02

[Report, possibly by Lieutenant Colonel William Heath, regarding the 33rd Missouri Volunteers]

An anonymous detailed history of the "Merchants Regiment"(33rd Infantry Missouri Volunteers) from its inception in March 1862, through August 1865. Describes numerous skirmishes and battles, including the Yazoo Pass Expedition and Red River Campaign...

GLC00653.02.01

to Mary Ann Brown

The letter discusses the defeat of a pro-slavery judge. Recounts story of "one of the most deeply exciting times...since our arival in the territory. A United States Judge came here & attempted to hold a Court, & to enforce the enactment of the Bogus...

GLC00929.01

to Franklin B. Sanborn

Brown critiques Sanborn's book for having too many of John Brown's personal letters. He read part of Sanborn's manuscript for "The Life and Letters of John Brown" out loud to his brother Owen. They both worry readers may get bored of so many letters...

GLC00929.02

[Oath sworn before the Vice Admiralty Court of East Florida]

Countersigned by Judge Robert Catherwood. Legal document signed by Somervill swearing that the accounts are just and true and that the 137 pounds, 13 shillings, 7 pence, and 3 farthings were lost by being taken on the schooner "William." Probably...

GLC01411.08

[Oath sworn in the Court of Vice Admiralty of East Florida]

Countersigned by Judge Robert Catherwood. Legal document signed by William Johnson, swearing an oath before the court that the ship "The Chance Now" brought in on 2 March by the privateer "Tory's Revenge" is rightfully owned by the merchants Peter...

GLC01411.09

The Sloop Lucky Chance her Tackle and One Negro

One legal document in the Court of Vice Admiralty of East Florida given to Judge Robert Catherwood dated approximately 1779. Claims that the sloop "Lucky Chance" contained tackle and one enslaved person identified as "one Negro." The ship previously...

GLC01411.10

[Printed bill of sale for John, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by John P.B. Jones to James C. Pleasants dated June 6, 1841. Jones paid 670 dollars to enslave a man named John. The document was filled out and signed by Henry L. Carter, Pleasants' attorney.

GLC01445.01

[Printed bill of sale for Tom, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid to W.W. Jones from Leroy Jones dated December 27, 1862. Leroy Jones had paid $1,450 to enslave a 32-year-old man named Tom. According to the printed bill, W. W. Jones enslaved Tom through Pulliam & Betts, Auctioneers at...

GLC01445.02

[Printed bill of sale for Lee, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by William W. Jones to Solomon Cohen dated Richmond, December 29, 1862. Jones paid Cohen $1,500 to enslave Lee.

GLC01445.03

[Printed bill of sale Joe, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by William Winston Jones to A.W. and E.O. Nolting dated December 31, 1862. Jones paid the Noltings $1,400 to enslave a man named Joe.

GLC01445.05

[Words and music for the song "John Brown's Body"]

Transcription of the verses and the chorus for the song "John Brown's Body," with music. Also lists three Civil War regiments in which Jenkins served. One of these, the Twelfth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, was the unit that invented the song....

GLC02484.01

to Charles G. Stack

Promises that as soon as his health improves he will comply with the request to send a photograph. Some text lost on the right side of the letter.

GLC02484.02

The story of a song

Jenkins account of the origins of the song "John Brown's Body." Credits Jenkins as "the author of 'John Brown's Body.'" Says the song was created spontaneously by a group of Union Soldiers, inspired partly by a soldier named John Brown.

GLC02484.03

Collection of John Brown documents from Alexander M. Ross [Decimalized .01-.56]

Fifty three letters, one document, one photograph, and one letterbook, collected by Alexander M. Ross and related to John Brown's family. Mostly letters from John Brown's children to Ross.

GLC03007

to Stockton Bates

Describes the excitement of mail call. They will soon receive another new general; "if they keep going down the list, I think I shall have a brush at commander-in-chief before the war is over." Hooker is not very popular; they prefer McClellan. He...

GLC03523.23.08

to Stockton Bates

Complains about snow and mud preventing any action. Mentions the conscription bill, necessary only because of the inability of the war to be successful with volunteers. Writes, "The public does not know the true history of this war." Reminisces...

GLC03523.23.09

to Stockton Bates

Complains about the slow news to arrive from Philadelphia or New York. Describes the visits of local citizens to their camp out of curiosity. The Regiment has several POWs under charge of desertion. Mentions black soldiers, one of whom escaped...

GLC03523.23.10

to Stockton Bates

Generals Sedgwick and Newton visited their division. Sedgwick appears to overindulge in alcohol. Allison notes the dangers of alcohol. Responds to news from home.

GLC03523.23.11

to Stockton Bates

Describes the lack of religion in camp; his regiment has not had a chaplain since the battle of Fair Oaks (which took place 31 May and 1 June 1862). Comments on the Copperhead attempts to divide the North and its impact on the soldiers. There are...

GLC03523.23.12

to Stockton Bates

Is frustrated not to get furlough. Their division was recently reviewed by Lincoln, who "looks wearied and careworn." The army is in good condition. Expresses hope that "this summer will close the war."

GLC03523.23.13

to Stockton Bates

Recounts recent battles, during which their colonel was killed and 50 soldiers were killed and wounded, losing in total 107 of 350 in the regiment and 1100 of 2300 in the division. Believes that Fredericksburg cannot be taken: "Every strip of woods...

GLC03523.23.14

to Stockton Bates

Takes delight in his Virginia surroundings: "With the Rappahannock sweeping gaily in front of us, the blue water of the Potomac stretching in full view of us to our left, the wild scenery around, and the pure canopy of heaven above, I cannot wonder...

GLC03523.23.15

to Stockton Bates

Has heard rumors of success but has not seen anything. Doubts Hooker's ability to lead. Expresses concern about the Copperheads and lack of war support. Written from the camp of the 61st Regiment.

GLC03523.23.16

to Stockton Bates

Has not received mail or news for a while and does not know what is happening. Their location has seen several battles before their arrival, with bullet marks in trees and casings on the ground. Describes a recent raid.

GLC03523.23.17

to Stockton Bates

They have crossed the river on a reconnaissance mission, "the quickest movement the Army of Potomac has been guilty of for some time." "It is pretty evident that Gen. Lee is trying to euchre 'Fighting Joe;' he plays his hands well, but it is a game...

GLC03523.23.18

to Stockton Bates

Doesn't want to leave Maryland for Virginia; "Men could not be better treated than we have been by the people of Maryland." Comments on Gettysburg. Describes a young local lady's support. Was pleasantly surprised to see old friends from high...

GLC03523.23.19

to Stockton Bates

They've been fixing up their camp, overlooking the Blue Ridge mountains. Comments on the arrival of conscripts and the need to drill them. "Charleston appears a hard place to take, but it is of so much importance that it deserves continued efforts...

GLC03523.23.20

to Stockton Bates

They're resting. Praises cavalry men. They camp near the famous Sulpher Springs summer resort. "I would say there is a decided objection to Negro soldiers throughout the army, even among the Yankees who are generally abolitionists."

GLC03523.23.21

to Stockton Bates

They have received already 230 conscripts, most of them seemingly content. Describes what people are doing there in the evening: singing, reminiscing, visiting with unintelligent local people, and enjoying local vegetables.

GLC03523.23.22

to Stockton Bates

They have moved to the Rapidan river under Lee's orders. Here the locals who remain are destitute, each house with its own distillery, with very few churches and schools. Speculates about Longstreet's future actions. Written from Camp 61st P.V...

GLC03523.23.23

to Stockton Bates

A portion of their army has been moved to other points, thus weakening their army. He disagrees with this strategy, for the "rebels are as busy as bees strengthening their position." A meeting to express political opinion and support for Governor...

GLC03523.23.24

to Stockton Bates

Lee has started playing "the brilliant game of strategy" with Meade, costing the Rebels 2,000 men. Soldiers have confidence in Meade but are waiting to see how he leads. "We hardly know whom to trust." Lincoln has called for more volunteers.

GLC03523.23.25

to Stockton Bates

They move towards Richmond. Describes a battle and the capture of 4 artillery, 2000 small arms, 2 brigade commanders, and 1600 privates with 120 officers prisoners, including the "Louisiana Tigers, the men who carried long knives for the purpose of...

GLC03523.23.26

to Stockton Bates

They held "un grand revue du Corps" for a party of visiting English officers, to which he is opposed. Heard about the Gettysburg dedication. Meade has reduced the 8-day ration to 5 because men cannot carry that much. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC03523.23.27

to Stockton Bates

Soldiers have agreed to extend service for three years with the promise of a 30-day furlough. At Christmas, everyone got drunk. Looks forward to his own 10-day furlough, though realizes it may not happen in all reality.

GLC03523.23.28

to Stockton Bates

Is grateful for the news; it provides freedom from boredom for the entire camp. Describes their winter quarters, a rude combination of log cabin and tent. His roommate is a German soldier who participated in the disturbances of 1848 then fled his...

GLC03523.23.29

to Stockton Bates

Has spent the last three days on picket, near a widow with 21 contraband slaves who refuse to leave her. "They are a careless, happy set singing and dancing from sunrise to sunset; their enslaved condition affecting them but little." Men are...

GLC03523.23.30

to Stockton Bates

Reminisces upon reading about commencement at his old school. The administration is trying a new plan to enlist old troops, promising 60-days furlough and $500 bounty to enlist for five additional years. Believes the offer will be popular. Written...

GLC03523.23.31

to Stockton Bates

Complains about recent useless parades and reviews, preliminary to reorganization of the army into three corps, similar to Lee's army, under Sedgwick, Hancock, and a third General. Notes malcontent, particularly with the Army of the Potomac....

GLC03523.23.32

to Stockton Bates

Reports on local rumors of reorganization and a new focus on Richmond, with Grant moving his headquarters to the Army of the Potomac.

GLC03523.23.33

to Stockton Bates

Complains about rain; would rather march than be cooped up in his tent. Reports on recent army reorganization and Meade's current actions. Asks a hypothetical question translating the value of gold to greenbacks.

GLC03523.23.34

to Stockton Bates

Has been named high private, rear rank, Co. H, 61st P.V. Must readjust after returning from his recent furlough, during which his corps was reorganized.

GLC03523.23.35

to Stockton Bates

Remains in winter quarters. Burnside, who was supposed to be on the Peninsular campaign, is nearby with his colored troops distributed as railroad guards. Writes that they fear for black soldiers on the front: "With the 'darkies' it is victory or...

GLC03523.23.36

to Stockton Bates

Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners of war were held until they were exchanged with Confederate prisoners of war, then returned to their regiments. Expresses fear that every officer would apprehend him after he had been taken into...

GLC03523.23.37

to Stockton Bates

Describes how marching to the front now is somewhat different now than a year ago because their army is much more victorious. Reacts to presidential communication with Britain; wonders about Canada.
Written from Camp Parole, where Union prisoners...

GLC03523.23.38

to Stockton Bates

Was a prisoner of war a year ago here; has visited his old prison. Local attitudes towards the Union have changed due to Grant. "The conduct of the soldiers has been remarkable, when we consider the bitterness, the cruelty, the fiendishness with...

GLC03523.23.40