January 15, 1953

Truman, Harry S., 1884-1972

Document signed

Title: [Farewell Address]

Discusses the events of his presidency. A good part of the address speaks about using American resources and the United Nations to fight the menace of Communism and increase food production, amongst other things. In his conclusion, he looks beyond Communism and comments on prosperity in America, "that we in America have learned how to attain real prosperity for our people." Cites employment, bank strength, and better wealth distribution. States, "We have made progress in spreading the blessing of American life to all of our people. There has been a tremendous awakening of the American…

GLC04935.01

13 December 1776

Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790

Letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Trumbull

Informs Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, that "We join with you most fervently in your prayer that America may not be lost, or fall a Victim to the rage of a merciless tyranny. On the contrary we trust there is virtue & spirit enough in the United States to produce exertions sufficient with the blessing of Heaven to prevent it." Discusses details regarding enlisting soldiers for the Continental Army, including wages, length of service, the raising of militia, and cooperation between New England states related to raising troops. Mentions Generals George Washington, Lincoln (possibly…

GLC04947

18 April 1801

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Pitcairn

Discusses their correspondence, personal matters, and politics. Mentions the "Silesian letters" and comments on the cession of Louisiana to Florida. Pitcairn was stationed at Hamburg. Sealed with black mourning wax.

GLC04900.01

16 December 1815

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph Pitcairn

Written in the hand of Louisa Catherine Adams, requests that Pitcairn purchase and send Adams a copy of Johann Bode's "Uranographia," which contains "the most complete exposition of the starry Heavens, that has ever been exhibited." Mentions writing to Secretary of State James Monroe to obtain an appointment for Mr. Mowbray as Consul of the United States at Leith. Pitcairn was the U.S. consul in Hamburg. .

GLC04900.02

29 October 1760

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Daniel Perkins

Hancock writes to Reverend Perkins, his step-father. Hancock has not yet received communication from Perkins, and writes to let his family know that he is well. Hancock discusses the death of King George II and the impending coronation of George III.

GLC04908

1920

Allied and Associated Powers, 1914-1920

Book

Title: The Treaty of Peace between the Allied and Associated powers and Germany and other treaty engagements signed at Versailles, June 28th, 1919

Signed by David Lloyd George. Title continues "Together with the reply of the Allied and Associated powers to the Observations of the German Delegation on the Conditions of Peace."

GLC04937

22 March 1847

Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850

Broadside

Title: Proclamation [in Spanish]

Arguing that the army entered Mexico not to wage war on peaceable citizens, but to seek an honorable peace. Taylor therefore expects the citizens to make reparations for encouraging guerillas to loot and sabotage the army's property. Printed by Onslow & Gee, printers to the U.S. Army of Occupation.

GLC04943

12 July 1755 - 15 September 1755

Moses, Robert, fl. 1755

Diary

Title: [Diary of Robert Moses kept during the French and Indian War]

Moses served in a New Hampshire regiment under the command of Colonel Joseph Blanchard. He describes, sometimes in graphic detail, accounts of fighting Indians and the French in New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire during the early stages of the Seven Years' War. Emphasizes the Indians "very barbarous manner." Contains an extensive description of General William Johnson's victory at the Battle of Lake George on 9 September 1755. In the course of the diary he mentions visits to Fort Dummer, Fort Bellows, Charlemont Fort, Fort Massachusetts, Fort Albany, Lake George,…

GLC04944

2 December 1823

James C., Dunn & Co, fl. 1823

Broadside

Title: President's Message

Same-day printing of the Monroe Doctrine in an extra for the Washington Republican and congressional examiner. One of the most important lines includes: "the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintained, are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for further colonization by any European powers." Text in five columns with ink stains that create small amounts of text loss. Writing and calculations on verso. Signature on verso is hard to read, but might be "Bernard V. Stewart."

GLC04824

15 June 1781

Nelson, Thomas Jr., 1738-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Harrison

Accepts the appointment as governor of Virginia. States that first he must settle some matters relating to the army with Major General Marquis de La Fayette. Reports that they are in pursuit of the British army which is moving down the James River. Written from camp near Watson's Tavern, Fluvanna County, Virginia. Addressed to Harrison as speaker of the House of Delegates.

GLC04827

2 September 1781

Nelson, Thomas Jr., 1738-1789

Autograph note signed

Title: to Lieutenant of Berkeley County, Virginia

Note written on the bottom of a signed printed circular letter that discusses the importance of meeting Cornwallis, the arrival of French fleet, and the need for supplies. Virginia Governor Nelson's note mentions the receipt of "Intelligence from the northward that requires very large supplies of Provisions, Forage, Liquors & Waggons to be placed on the Route from Alexandria to Fredericksburg." Comments on the urgency of this matter, which was part of the Yorktown campaign.

GLC04828

3 December 1782

Paca, William, 1740-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacques Renee de la Villebrune

Seeking assistance in ridding Chesapeake bay of British barges. Written after the last battle of the American revolution has taken place, after hostilities have ceased, and after the British have already signed a preliminary peace treaty.

GLC04830

22 September 1780

Penn, John, 1741-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jethro Sumner

Expects General William Smallwood to move westward in a few days to take command of the militia of North Carolina. Reports that in the meantime, Sumner will have command of the troops. Advises him to avoid a general action against the British as the consequences would be fatal. Instead recommends skirmishing because it will keep the British troops together, prevent plundering, and raise the spirits of the Continental troops. Informs that General Butler will join Sumner soon.

GLC04832

17 June 1778

Phillips, William, 1731-1781

Letter signed

Title: to William Heath

Written by British General Phillips as commanding officer of the Convention Army, which consisted of prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign to Heath as American commander in charge of the Convention Army. Phillips wants to know if Heath will make efforts for the departure of the Convention Army to Europe as the terms of surrender dictated. Quotes part of a letter from General Sir William Howe, who hopes they can depart soon. Wants to know if Heath has any authority on the subject. Hopes they can act as gentlemen toward each other. Pages are separated and pasted on opposite sides of…

GLC04834

1777

Broadside

Title: Freshest Advices from the Northern Army [battle of Freeman's Farm at Saratoga]

Report on the battle of Freeman's Farm at Saratoga which made obvious to Burgoyne that he would have to surrender. References: Bristol B4441; Ford 2055.

GLC04840

23 August 1783

Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794

Letter signed

Title: to George Clinton

Reports on an unsuccessful conference in Canada concerning assuming control of the western forts. Indicates that General Frederick Haldimand, the governor of the province of Quebec, refused to agree on any terms until there was a definitive treaty, although he did observe a cessation of fighting. Claims that Haldimand will limit communication and attempt "to hinder any overtures, being made from the United States to the Indians."

GLC04843

23 August 1778

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Requests Whipple's opinion on the best course of action regarding the siege of Newport now that "The Count De Estaing...abandoned us in the present Enterprise and opened the Harbour for...Reinforcements." Believes the British have only 6,000 men, while the American forces number "8,174. Rank & File exclusive of 628...Artillery Men." Asks Whipple whether he thinks it best to continue the siege without French naval support and risk the British reinforcing their position by sea, or to attack immediately with what seems a superior force, or to withdraw at once. Desires that Whipple's…

GLC04845

5 April 1783

Rivington, James, 1724-1802

Broadside

Title: The Royal Gazette Extraordinary

Published by James Rivington. Preliminary articles of the Treaty of Paris as found in reports from English newspapers arriving on the ship "Vigilant". Lists John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens as the Commissioners of the United States present at the negotiations, and Richard Oswald as the Commissioner for Great Britain. Text laid out in 4 columns.

GLC04853

28 October 1779

Walton, George, 1740-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Written by Walton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Colonel of Georgia militia to Major General Lincoln as commander of the Southern Department. Walton, who was wounded and captured during the defense of Savannah in December 1778, was exchanged in September 1779. He was elected Governor of Georgia November 1779-January 1780, before returning to Congress. References letter he wrote to Lincoln on 23 October 1779. Says he needed to publish Lincoln's letter in a Charlestown, South Carolina paper to assist him politically. Says Augusta is in a dangerous position. Claims it is…

GLC04857

28 October 1778

McHenry, James, 1753-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hugh Williamson

A retained working draft (see strikeouts and docket). Written by McHenry as an aide-de-camp to General Washington to Dr. Williamson as a merchant importing medicines in Edenton, North Carolina. Williamson began a partnership with his brother to import medicines through the British blockade from the West Indies. Claims to have poor intelligence on the enemy in New York, but proceeds to give some details of their situation. Says 150 vessels, including 15 ships of the line, sailed from Sandy Hook on the 19 and 20 October 1778. Says they appear to be bound for Britain. Was only carrying home…

GLC04701

1856

Perry, Matthew Calbraith, 1794-1858

Header Record

Title: Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, Performed in the Years 1852, 1853, and 1854...

Title continues: "Under the Command of Commodore M.C. Perry, United States Navy, by order of the Government of the Unites States. Compiled from the original notes and journals of Commodore Perry and his officers, at his request, and under his supervision, by Francis L. Hawks, D.D.L.L.D. With numerous illustrations." Volume II has same title. Volume III titled: "Unites States Japan Expedition. Observations on the Zodiacal Light, from April 2, 1853, to April 22, 1855, made chiefly on board the United states Steam-Frigate Mississippi, during her late cruise in eastern seas, and her voyage…

GLC04720.02

21 April 1781

Arbuthnot, Marriot, 1711-1794

Letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Written by Admiral Arbuthnot as commander of British naval forces in America to Washington as commander of the Continental Army. References Washington's letter of 25 January 1781 where he expressed anger over the treatment of American naval prisoners of war. Arbuthnot claims an inquiry was held that vindicated their treatment and feeding, which he validates on "my honor." Claims Washington "must have seen" the testimonies of the inquiry. Retorts with accusations against British naval prisoners in Philadelphia by Commissary General of Prisoners Thomas Bradford. Claims prisoners are…

GLC04758

30 April 1780

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Rush

Written by disgraced General Charles Lee to Rush, the former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, as a doctor in private practice. Is upset that Congress published his letter of apology. Claims that "Most people I have conversd with on the subject are of opinion that they have done al in triumph over me, considering the state of my apology as an instance of their having succeeded in breaking my spirit." Wants to know how his "few" friends and enemies in Philadelphia are interpreting the letter. If it is detrimental to his character he wants the enclosed letter to be published (letter not…

GLC04700

1849

Revere, Joseph Warren, 1812-1880

Book

Title: A tour of duty in California; including a description of the gold region: and an account of the voyage around cape Horn...

Title continues "with notices of lower California, the Gulf and Pacific coasts, and the principal events attending the conquest of the Californias." California scenes include a quicksilver mine, California capital Monterey, the Sacramento River, and a "Ranchero Feat" (tying a bear). Sketches are by Revere and lithographed by William Endicott & Co. Inscription from the editor, Joseph N. Balestier, reads "Mrs. Louisa C. Butler with the warmest regards of Caroline Balestier's Husband, Feb. 1849. 'Lord! keep our memory green.'" Includes folded map of San Francisco Harbor.

GLC04708

1902

Sherman, Edwin A. (Edwin Allen), 1829-1914

Book signed

Title: The life of the late Rear-Admiral John Drake Sloat, of the United States navy, who took possession of California and raised the American flag at Monterey on July 7th, 1846

Signed by Sherman and inscribed to Bryant D. Campbell. Enlarged monumental edition. Includes supplemental pamphlet.

GLC04712