2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a letter recently received. Offers condolences to Knox for his recent losses (three of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among these, be assured you are one." Has…

GLC02437.09431

23 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses gratitude for Knox's praise of Washington in the context of Congress's resolution "That an equestrian statue of General Washington, be erected at the place where the residence of Congress shall be established," passed on 7 August 1783 (and later completed by sculptor Thomas Crawford in the nineteenth century). Informs Knox that he has continued to lobby in support of the Officers' Petition for a large land grant in the Ohio Valley in lieu of back pay, but that the petition is being held up by continued negotiations between Congress and the state of Virginia (in whose territory the…

GLC02437.09401

20 February 1784

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Washington writes to Knox, who had been Chief of the Continental Artillery during the Revolutionary War. Recently visited his "aged Mother," Mary Ball Washington. Thanks Knox for so diligently reporting the state of the garrison and stores at West Point while he was there (1782-1783). Discusses payment of the Office of Secretary at War. Relates that the Society of Cincinnati will meet in Philadelphia on the first Monday in May, and that he named Philadelphia as the location to comply with the wishes of South Carolina. Writes, "I am just beginning to experience that ease, and…

GLC02437.09404

5 December 1816

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Rush

A friendly letter of introduction, revealing the intimacy between the Adams and Rush families. Adams was introducing Reverend Coleman, who was going to Washington to carry the presidential electoral votes from Massachusetts and to vacation as well. She believes they will get along well. Quotes William Cowper to describe him. Writes that her husband's hands hurt from the cold and from previous letter writing and that he sends his greetings. In GLC02852, John Adams uses "Colman" instead of "Coleman."

GLC02515

17 August 1865

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Todd Lincoln

Douglass thanks Lincoln for former President Abraham Lincoln's walking stick. Notes that the gift is not merely a memento, but is an "inclination of his humane interest" in the "welfare of my whole race." Accompanied by a small newspaper clipping and a black and white bust engraving of Douglass.

GLC02474

12 April 1945

New York American Journal

Newspaper

Title: New York Journal American [No. 20,094 (April 12, 1945)]

One issue of the New York Journal American dated April 12, 1945. Contains a large headline that reads, "Roosevelt Dead!" Articles pertain to the passing of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, news of military servicemen fighting abroad, diplomacy with Russian government, Japanese prisoners of war that are both civilian and military and other news.

GLC08725.14

February 25, 1972

Nixon, Pat, 1912-1993

Autograph note signed

Title: to Lewis L. Strauss and Alice H. Strauss

Pat Nixon sends a postcard picturing the Monument to the People's Heroes with greetings from Peking, China. Written during the Richard Nixon-Zhou Enlai talks on the first ever presidential visit to China. Also signed "RN" by Richard Nixon.

GLC00162.27

20 May 1843

Madison, Dolley, 1768-1849

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Quotation on love]

Six line poetic quotation on love. "Love should be pure harmless as pilgrims kisses on the shrines of virgin martyrs, . . ." Docket states "Mrs. D. P. Madison, lady of the late President, her own composition and writing."

GLC00163

circa 1865

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Photograph

Title: Carte de visite portrait of Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Tad from lithograph

GLC00241.03

18 September 1961

Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972

Signature

Title: [Signature of Truman and his wife Bess]

Signatures and date are contained on a small card. A typed line underneath the signatures states "Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman."

GLC00477.02

January 26, 1860

Polk, Sarah Childress, 1803-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to N.L.C. White

Declines request for autograph of her husband, James K. Polk.

GLC00496.206

April 25, 1814

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rachel Jackson

Informs his wife that he has returned "from the junction of the Coosee and Tallapoosee" and that "The Creeks are conquered, some submitting unconditionally, and other whose crimes are great flying towards Pensacola." Outlines his travel plans before he can return to Nashville. Written from camp near Fort Williams.

GLC00522

May 1865 ca.

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Photograph

Title: Embossed patriotic portrait of Abraham & Mary Lincoln by Alden [carte de visite]

Probably post-assassination portrait of the Lincolns, trimmed to ovals and enclosed in embossed frames surmounted by two flags and an eagle, and the great seal of the U.S. underneath. Photograph and art work by A. E. Alden.

GLC00559.15

July 23, 1836

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dolley Madison

The letter includes stories for the eulogy of James Madison.

GLC00639.04

March 7, 1868

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. D. Worthington

Mary Todd Lincoln refuses a request to help with a biography of her husband, Abraham Lincoln, citing poor health and the many false accounts already written about him. "So many pretentious persons, who were quite strangers to my husband & our household ... all claiming such intimate knowledge of the lamented President that I have been frequently startled with their varied & inaccurate accounts." She goes on to express that, "It will be impossible for me ... to subject myself to the annoyance of public clamor." She asks that their correspondence be kept private. Letter marked private…

GLC00782.15

October 2, 1844

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Wilkins

John Tyler acknowledges the receipt of Pennsylvania Congressman Wilkins' letter and thanks him "for the Kindness furnished Mrs. Tyler to New York." He desires Wilkins quick return to Washington, D.C. so that he can expedite the removal of the Choctaw Indians, because Tyler fears "Mr. Crawford is inclined to present impediments, from a misapprehension of the true position of things."

GLC00655.07

September 29, 1794

Washington, Martha, 1731-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fanny Bassett Washington

Letter discusses Fanny's children's health and schooling, and a possible suitor named Tobias Lear, who was Washington's secretary. In regard to the Whiskey Rebellion in western Pennsylvania, she notes that "The insurgents in the back country has carr[i]ed matter[s] so high that the President has been obliged to send a larg[e] body of men to settle the matter."

GLC01055

circa 1864

Lincoln, Mary Todd, 1818-1882

Autograph note signed

Title: to Thomas W. Sweeny

Mary Todd Lincoln writes that she and Taddie (Thomas Lincoln) are going to carry some flowers to the sick soldiers and asks that if he is free, will he accompany them. She remarks that Taddie is appropriating Colonel Sweeny for a horseback ride to the navy yard this afternoon. "It is sometimes unfortunate, to be a favorite, with so exacting a young man." Letter written on mourning stationery, possibly for her son William, who died in 1862. Written from the Executive Mansion.

GLC01056

September 21, 1789

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Bridge

Adams chronicles a trip to New York to visit the first United States Congress. Adams describes his interactions with a man named Atkins and another named Mr. Mayer in Newport. He also describes various passengers on the ship he took to New York. In New York, Adams heard speakers in the House of Representatives discuss various topics. He comments on the lower than expected level of eloquence, expressing confidence that he and Bridge will be great statesmen. He notes that Gerry Jackson of Georgia and Aedanus Burke of South Carolina speak most, and Ames, Madison and Vinning speak best.…

GLC00958.05

June 24, 1825

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Curtis

Tyler discusses a carriage he is selling to Curtis. States that he will accept a mule Curtis has as partial payment. He mentions that his wife Letitia's health is still poor.

GLC00988

07 July 1881

Field, Cyrus W. (Cyrus West), 1819-1892

Document signed

Title: Subscription to create a trust fund for the Garfield family

Written and signed after Garfield's assassination. Also signed by businessmen Junius S. Morgan, Collis P. Huntington, J. Seligman, Henry M. Flagler, William Rockefellar (also John D. by Flagler), Russell Sage and Jay Gould, and others.

GLC00811

October 24, 1816

Adams, Abigail, 1744-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dolley Madison

Responds to an earlier letter from Madison and remarks that receiving it was an unexpected pleasure but mentions a mistake (not specified) regarding it. Comments that a friend did not have the power to comply with the circumstances communicated by Mr. Stodert. Remarks that this friend has high personal regard for James Madison. States that Dolley need not have apologized for not replying to her letter because it is sufficient that her request (not specified) was complied with. Mentions that John Quincy Adams is very satisfied with William Steuben Smith, his assistant. Asks to give her regards…

GLC01104

circa 1889

Parker, Charles W., fl. 1889-1890

Photograph signed

Title: Mrs. Benjamin Harrison

Cabinet photograph of Caroline Scott Harrison, wife of President Benjamin Harrison.

GLC01456.02

3 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has tried to acquire the items Knox asked for, but has been unable to as yet. Relates how he is about to depart for Europe, unhappily, to settle family accounts and protect his family from misfortune. Describes arrangements he is making to prepare for his departure, including making sure that the President is not displeased with him for leaving. Also refers to Mrs. Smith [his wife], Mrs. [Abigail] Adams (who was his mother-in-law), and Mr. [Rufus] King. Sends his respects to Knox's wife.

GLC02437.05251

1 January 1814

Wilson, John, 1777-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

On the political matters of the day he describes Secretary of the Treasury Albert Gallatin, who later that year was appointed one of the commissioners to negotiate the Treaty of Ghent, "as the Political index to guide us in the path to be pursued." Discusses fashion in Washington, D.C., describing Dolley Madison and what she wore. Mentions that she resembled Madame Johnson. Also gives a description of James Madison.

GLC06313.04.031