31 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Received Lucy's letter via Martha Washington and is glad to hear his daughter is in good spirits. Hopes to see her in ten days. He has to prepare to transport ordnance in the aftermath of the siege of Yorktown. Mentions that the French army will winter at Yorktown. All the Continental troops south of Pennsylvania, including Knox's, will join General Nathanael Greene. Encloses his brother William Knox's last letter (see GLC02437.01270). Reports that the British ships intended to relieve Lord Cornwallis have just arrived at the Capes too late to help. Comte de Grasse plans to attack them,…

GLC02437.01277

1886

U.S. Instantaneous Photographic Co.

Photograph

Title: [Photographs of Ulysses S. Grant: "General Grant, wife and son..." and "The dying soldier"]

Full title as inscribed on mount of first photograph reads, "General Grant, wife, and son, Col. Fred D. Grant, taken in San Francisco immediately after their arrival from their Tour around the World. The likeness of Mrs. Grant is pronounced by Col. Grant to be the most accurate ever taken of his Mother." Copyright 1886 by Inst. Photo Co. and numbered 147. The second photograph's full title reads, "The Dying Soldier, as he looked after completing the last pages of his personal memoirs. The steadfastness of purpose with which this great task was pursued, added another to the long list of…

GLC08857

August 15, 1835

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Letter signed

Title: to Hubbard Taylor

Written in the hand of Dolley Madison, signed by James Madison. Discusses his views on politics. Writes "I join in all your good wishes, for more tranquility and harmony in our public affairs; which will always be best promoted by a course avoiding the extremes to which party excitements are liable." Advises that he is in his 85th year, "the infirmities belonging to which are added inroads on my health, which among other effects have so crippled my fingers as to oblige me to use borrowed ones." Envelope has a free frank signed by Madison.

GLC00086

December 10, 1827

Madison, Dolley, 1768-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

Dates letter Thursday. Discusses President John Quincy Adams' State of the Union Address before Congress on 4 December 1827 and comments that it did not move her either negatively or positively. Observes that some may be critical of it because he persists in his conviction that it will be advantageous to be represented at the Congress in Panama. Continues the letter on Friday and states that she just received Madison's letter. Discusses the welfare and happenings of friends. Reports that Henry Conway died after a drinking spell. Continues on Saturday and writes a little about her day.…

GLC01812

18 April 1797

Madison, Dolley, 1768-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Writes to an unknown dear friend that she is very disappointed they could not see each other. Remarks that she would not have passed through Winchester, Virginia without visiting her, but her mother was expecting her arrival at her the home of her sister-in-law (Eleanor Madison Hite). Relays that they are now on their way to Orange, Virginia. Discusses some personal matters and mutual acquaintances. Talks of Sally Pemberton's accident. Hopes to see the recipient in Orange.

GLC01813

December 21, 1953

Eisenhower, Dwight D. (Dwight David), 1890-1969

Typed letter signed

Title: to Charles Kohen

Thanks him for sending him a "two shillings and six-pence note, signed by John Morton." Will give the penny to Mrs. Eisenhower, "and I know she will want to thank you personally." Wishes him a Merry Christmas. Written on White House stationery. Marked personal.

GLC01981

29 November 1814

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Rush

Addressed to Rush as Attorney General in Washington, D.C. Encloses a letter received from her son, John Quincy Adams, to the President, James Madison, and states that he may read the political parts to the President if he desires. States that the letter is John Q. Adams opinions on the "farce" of the peace negotiations with Britain during the War of 1812, and should not be made public. Comments upon the fate of Alexandria, Virginia. Finishes by saying, "I have not a word to say, in vindication of the conduct of my own native State, but much to deplore." Free frank of John Adams.

GLC02291

6 March 1849

Madison, Dolley, 1768-1849

Header Record

Title: [Collection of two items, quotation signed by Dolley Madison and engraving] Decimalized

GLC02231

18 September 1867

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. W. Carnac

Lee briefly responds to a query from Dr. W. Carnac denying the allegation that there was any romantic involvement between George Washington and Sue Grimes (Grymes), the first wife of Nathaniel Burwell. Lee comments that although he believes Washington acknowledged the beauty of Miss Grimes (Grymes), anything beyond that is imagined. Dr. W. Carnac previously sent Lee a manuscript (not included) detailing the alleged involvement.

GLC02096

31 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Encloses medicine for Washington's nephew. Writes, "Anxiously desirous that the medicine called Antipertussis may have the same beneficial effects upon your nephew, as it has had in many other cases, I send...two more bottles." Sends his respects to Mrs. Washington. Noted as private.

GLC02437.05594

January 1864

Sickles, Daniel Edgar, 1819-1914

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Birney

Discusses a congressional investigation into General George G. Meade for disciplining officers who testified before the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War after Meade let Lee escape after Gettysburg. Tells Major General Birney to give his true opinion to Congress and that he will urge his contacts in the Congress and the Secretary of War to back off. Also mentions having dinner with President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln, where he also met Henry Halleck and Meade. Meade was later exonerated and received a vote of thanks from Congress.

GLC01599

January 25, 1819

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rachel Jackson

Andrew Jackson writes to his wife that he has arrived in Washington, a day after Henry Clay made an inflammatory speech against him. However, he is confident, because he believes that "a very large majority" of Congress sides with him. He has also learned that Jefferson and Madison have written to Monroe in his favor, and that all three Presidents appear to support him. Congress was investigating Jackson for his conduct during the First Seminole War is 1818, when he pursued a group of Seminole Indians into Spanish Florida, upsetting a number of powerful foreign nations.

GLC01609

3 April 1865

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

Manuscript document

Title: [Telegram to Julia Dent Grant]

Telegram in clerical hand to his wife Julia Grant regarding military matters. Expects to be in Richmond next week and says Sheridan has "picked up 1200 more prisoners today." Sent by Grant from Southerland Station, Virginia, and written on "United States Military Telegraph" stationary, at "Head Quarters."

GLC01545.02

21 April 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Relates some of his experiences at the commissioner meeting in Elizabeth Town to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Suspects that many of the propositions the patriots made were discussed in New York by a council before any decisions were made by the British. Believes they "never shall obtain justice or equal treatment from the Enemy" unless they are "in a position to demand it." Refers to a report (GL02437.01377), and a "private letter," (GL02437.01395). Also discusses his and Washington's belief that several unnamed persons are providing intelligence to the British. Comments on whether they…

GLC02437.01393

11 November 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Clement Biddle

Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in ensuring that American battalions are filled with troops. Describes the recent illness and death of Mr. Custis, George Washington's stepson, while he was at camp with Washington as an aide. Mentions that General and Mrs. Washington were present for his "last gasp." He is waiting for General and Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to arrive, but "Mrs. Knox…

GLC02437.01287

February 12, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Writes that upon receiving his note, Knox sent to all the shops that might sell American broad cloth but was "exceedingly chagrined to learn there were none in town at present." Found that some cloth was expected in town very soon, in light grey, Hartford grey, bottle green, and dark brown colors. Will be able to secure the quantity he and Mrs. Washington would like and send it immediately, though he warns that Washington might be disappointed with the quality of the cloth, as it is only "about good as an english second cloth." Also reports that he has been ill and in bed due to a "severe…

GLC02437.04108

23 October 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters can be difficult, and he has been traveling to and from Massachusetts on both public and private business, which has prevented him from writing. Argues that the political system currently in place is inadequate: "The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things…

GLC02437.03319

17 September 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes, "I cannot refrain from communicating the joy I feel, and the pleasure manifested by the officers in general, upon the noble testimony of gratitude exhibited by Congress in their resolve concerning the equestrian statue..." Requests information regarding an officers' petition to Congress in which officers would be granted lands in place of their back pay. Assures Washington, "Were the prayer of the petition to be granted, the officers in a very few years would make the swift settlement on the frontiers, and form a strong barrier against the barbarians…

GLC02437.10138

1 October 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Thanks Washington for writing to General Benjamin Lincoln, Secretary of War, on his behalf, requesting "an extra allowance from the public as head of the ordnance and during the time I have been in the command of these posts." Refers to a journey taken by Major Samuel Shaw to gain "information and if possible a favorable resolve" from Congress, apparently on his own and on Knox's behalf. Writes, "I hope it cannot be thought an unreasonable solicitation, to be placed upon the same footing with my predecessors, as an equal..." Notes that Generals [Alexander] McDougall, [William] Heath, and […

GLC02437.10153

January 5, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are valued, as Washington enjoys corresponding with those he loves. Discusses the extended navigation of United States rivers, hoping that the legislatures will agree. Proposes to employ adventurers to first navigate the rivers, and later to impose tolls as river traffic increases, noting that the enterprise will not begin at the expense of the public.…

GLC02437.09406

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General…

GLC02437.09409

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia) but that convention organizers have included him and implored him not to make a final decision regarding whether or not he will attend. Admits that "powers are wanting" in government, but takes a pessimistic view, wondering how such powers shall be derived. Comments that Knox's opinion, to build a central national government, is energetic and…

GLC02437.09410

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent suppression of Shays' Rebellion. Comments that Shays is "either a weak man - the dupe of some characters who are yet behind the curtain - or has been deceived by his followers." Reports the adjournment of the Assembly of Maryland regarding issuance of a paper emission. Wishes to see the country happy and at peace while "gliding down the stream of…

GLC02437.09411

January 10, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named George. In a post…

GLC02437.09415

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the…

GLC02437.09416