1808

Broadside

Title: 5000 American Seamen detained on board British vessels!

Alerts citizens to British impressment, American prisoners in France, "Algerine Piracy and Barbarity," and the relocation of American families to Canada, and blames it all on the Embargo Act of 1807. Urges "a hearty vote for the ANTI-EMBARGO and FEDERAL REPUBLICAN TICKET" in the election of 1808.

GLC07703

1789

Blois, A.J.E.R. de, fl. 1789

Autograph manuscript

Title: Gouvernement des Etats-Unis d'Amerique [in French]

French primer on American Democracy by member of Society of the Cincinnati, including discussion of U.S. and State Constitutions. Includes ALS (04/14/1808) addressed to Monsieur Le Prefet [in French], and an MDS (07/15/1825) detailing de Blois's military and civil service [4 p.].

GLC07688.01

5 August 1778

George III, King of Great Britain, 1738-1820

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Commission authorizing Henry Clinton's additional powers as General and Commander-in-Chief of the British Army in North America]

Countersigned by George Germain. Contains a note indicating the commission was recorded with the Secretary of War. Paper seal intact. Accompanied by an engraving of George III from a later date (see GLC07536.02).

GLC07536.01

12 May 1800

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

During the Quasi war with France, Major General Hamilton writes to the Superintendent of Military Stores Hodgdon, in anticipation of greater hostilities. Requests a supply of marquees and tents, as he plans to set out for camp at Scotch Plains, New Jersey.

GLC07539

1802-1822 ca.

Pinkney, William, 1764-1822

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Personal notebook re: various legal questions, case issues and diplomacy

Two items: notebook 252 p. oblong quarter in leather, discusses transaction of Louisiana and Florida, the Pinkney Family crest, and numerous legal cases; paperbound record book 20 p. Formerly the property of J.A. Soiecki, record book containing a biography of William Pinkney, ca. 1868.

GLC07602

5 May 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Stuart

Washington thanks Stuart for his observations on the fitness of the Potomac for the fur trade with China. Asks if Stuart has informed Colonel John Fitzgerald and Colonel Howe of his observations and inquires if he gave them reason to believe those ideas "would be recommended to Mr. Jefferson?" Washington also writes that he will soon journey to Philadelphia by way of Annapolis (to attend the Constitutional Convention). Discusses a debt owed to him by Stuart. Washington desires payment in bills that will not cause delay, because he wants to use the money to pay a debt and buy some goods.

GLC07546

22 September 1778

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to George Baylor

Advises Baylor to "use every means in your power" to ascertain as much information as possible about the British troops embarking from New York. Also instructs him to keep an eye on the North River and to notify West Point if he sees any British transports go by. Written just prior to British General Charles Grey's attack at Old Tappan on 28 September 1778. Water damaged ink.

GLC07486

14 November 1776

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Charles Lee

Anticipates a prisoner exchange. Worries the British will try to exchange men who are not really continental soldiers, therefore requests Lee to order all officers to make lists of those in their units who are missing or dead. Encloses "a recommendation of the officers for the State of Rhode Island." Postscript states British forces suspected to be moving to South Carolina. Saw small number of British troops near Mount Washington, and speculates as to their possible movements. Written from "General Green's Quarters." Two days later the British would drive Washington and his forces from…

GLC07491

18 November 1780

Jay, John, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Jay agrees to attend to Mr. Warren (the son of the late General Joseph Warren, killed at Bunker Hill), should he visit Madrid. He also refers to passage of the Massachusetts Constitution and asks Gerry to send him a copy. Jay states that he has been "led to entertain high Expectations of your form of Government." Docketed by Gerry. Gerry's draft autograph letter response is penned in the left margin to Jay. Gerry writes back from Marblehead, Massachusetts on 20 September 1781, enclosing a copy of Massachusetts' new constitution and some newspapers [not present]. He concludes by predicting…

GLC07490

1 July 1774

Galloway, Joseph, 1731-1803

Letter signed

Title: to Committee of Correspondence for the Colony of Virginia

Co-signed by Samuel Rhoads and Joseph Galloway on behalf of the committee. Galloway was Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly and would eventually become a well known Loyalist after his Plan of Union was rejected. References their letter asking the Assembly to communicate their sentiments "on the unhappy Dispute with the Mother Country." Says they cannot see the recent actions of Parliament in any light other than an opportunity to extract funds from the colonies. Hopes for a cool and dispassionate mediation in favor of their rights as English subjects. Hopes the rights of Americans will…

GLC07666

1750

Pamphlet

Title: Treaty concluded and signed at Madrid... [Assiento slave trade]

"Treaty between the ministers plenipotentaries of their Brittanick and Catholic majesties-end of Assiento Treaty between Britain and Spain regulating slave trade." Concluded October 5. Printed in French, English, Spanish.

GLC07594

1763-1772

Grenville, George, 1753-1813

Header Record

Title: Collection of Grenville papers re: colonial policy towards colonies [Decimalized .01- .42]

Chancellor of the Exchequer and Prime Minister from the spring of April 1763 until July 1765, George Grenville became one of the least loved heads of government over the colonies due to two revenue bills that could be blamed, to an extent, for what eventually propagated into the Revolutionary War. These Acts of Parliament were the Sugar Act of 5 April 1764 and the Stamp Act of 22 March 1765, each designed to raise revenue for a financially limited British Empire.

GLC07654

19 October 1781

Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805

Manuscript document

Title: [Articles of capitulation settled at Yorktown]

List of articles dictating the surrender of Cornwallis (Lieutenant General of Britain) to George Washington, the Count de Rochambeau (Lieutenant General of the French army), and the Comte de Grasse (Lieutenant General of the naval armies of France). Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Henry Knox's aide de camp. Shaw has penned the signature "Thomas Symonds." Shaw apparently also attempted to create with the same pen a look-alike signature of Cornwallis. Symonds was the commander of British naval forces in the York River. Article one indicates that the garrisons of York and Gloucester,…

GLC02437.09555

19 October 1781

Manuscript document

Title: [Return of prisoners taken at the surrender of the British garrisons of Yorktown and Gloucester, Virginia]

Lists numbers of prisoners taken 19 October 1781 in the British surrender of Yorktown (excluding marine prisoners). Docketed by Knox's aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw: "Prisoners of War under [Earl] Cornwallis."

GLC02437.10665

20 October 1746

Warren, Peter, 1694-1771

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Report]

Discusses an expedition against the French fort at Crown Point. Warren approves Shirley's recommendation of Samuel Waldo to lead the expedition. Noted as a true copy by William Shirley, who also signs.

GLC02437.08931

30-31 August 1746

Wilson, James, 1742-1798

Document signed

Title: [Certificate]

Partially printed document with subsequent information written in by hand. Certifies that James Wilson is enlisted in the infantry under Captain John Southack's command, which will be sent to Canada. Also verified, signed and dated by Habijah Sway. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.08930

February 21, 1788

United States. Congress

Manuscript document

Title: [Resolution]

Resolves regarding admission to the public audience at Congress scheduled for "Tuesday next" (February 26). In the hand of Congressional clerk Roger Alden. The event was the formal introduction of the new minister from France, the Comte de Moustier.

GLC02437.08104

25 October 1805

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Writes to his wife about his financial difficulties. Also discusses his plans for travel. Mentions news of the "continental war" commencing with [Napoleon] Bonaparte at its helm. Reports on several other matters pertaining to business associates and social acquaintances.

GLC02437.07976

17 March 1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses business endeavors. Considers the imminent conclusion of the war in Europe and the "immense success of [Napoleon] Bonaparte," and how these factors may affect land prices and other areas key to his finances. Also mentions his hopes that Captain [Edward or Benjamin] Kelleran will arrive shortly. Wishes he was at home with Lucy, and sends his love to the children.

GLC02437.08016

15 December 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Misses his wife, and addresses her anxieties in his absence. Writes, "No prospect of ambition or Interest could possibly keep me from you. nothing but a most sacred attachment to the much injured rights of my Country." Comments that the British capture of General Charles Lee is a severe blow to American forces. Hopes the British presence at Newport, Rhode Island will require his service in New England. Addresses the letter to Lucy in New Haven or, if she is not there, Boston.

GLC02437.09540

26 August 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks Lucy for her recent letter, and assures her that although his letters are shorter than hers, it is not from lack of love. Acknowledges receipt of ducks, chickens, and cheese. Writes, "The want of that refinement which you seem to speak of is or will be the Salvation of America, for refinement of Manners introduces corruption and venality. I grant you that most people are in a degree corrupt..." Compares corruption in "young" and "old" states. Refers to the "wickedry" of the British, noting "I had rather revert to the barbarism of the original nations of this Land, than have any…

GLC02437.10006

26 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written near Morristown, New Jersey. Laments his absence from Lucy. Writes "...had it not been for this cursed war I should have been one of the happi[est] of the human race as it is I am bound by every principle of honor and moral attachment to stand by the Country while I can do it any service- the instant I am convinc'd that I cannot I will retire from public to private life..." Assures her that his absence is not due to lack of love. Addresses her concerns for future financial stability. Discusses business matters, mentioning his friend Harry (Henry Jackson). Urges her to agree to…

GLC02437.10453

15 October 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying that the watch has been lost or stolen. Addresses Lucy's concerns regarding their future provision, assuring her to trust God. Reports that Continental defense along the Delaware River has hampered British shipping to and from Philadelphia: "If the enemy cannot get their shipping up Philadelphia is one of the most ineligible places in the world…

GLC02437.10455

30 December 1799

Bache, Benjamin Franklin, 1769-1798

Newspaper

Title: Aurora general advertiser. [No. 2735 (December 30, 1799)]

Contains a fifteen-verse poem written in commemoration of George Washington, who died 14 December 1799. The poem is entitled "On the decease of his excellency, George Washington" and is followed by the initials R. N. Includes two statements issued by the House of Representatives discussing Washington's funeral oration and the official Congressional mourning of Washington's death. Includes domestic and foreign news, notices of sale, and announcements. Frayed along the edges.

GLC08789

13 April 1791

Newspaper

Newspaper

Title: Gazette of the United States. [Vol. 2, no. 100 (April 13 1791)]

Page four contains "A Proclamation" from President Washington that selects, in accordance with the powers afforded him by Congress, the location on the Potomac River to become the capital of the United States. The boundaries of the proposed federal district are described. Two unrelated congressional acts appear on the page, one supplementing an act providing for the reduction of the public debt and another providing compensation for government clerks. Other articles in the paper contain "Discourse on Davila. No. 29," the conclusion of Massachusetts representative Elbridge Gerry's speech on…

GLC08795