Collection Search

to James Birdseye McPherson

Ransom, commander of the 2nd Brigade, 6th Division, 17th Corps, writes from "50 Rods from Enemies Works" to McPherson, commander of the 17th Corps during the Battle of Vicksburg. Writes "am holding position but suffering awfully... terrible loss-...

GLC00538

Two documents relating to Indian land in Indian Mills, Burlington County, New Jersy [Decimalized]

GLC00540

[Statement opposing white settlement on Indian land in Brotherton, New Jersey]

A strong statement signed by eight Indians showing alarm over white settlers moving onto their land, forbidding it in the future, making illegitimate leases null and void, and voicing hopes to "live in Quietness among one another without giving any...

GLC00540.01

[Brotherton statement of refusal to leave New Jersey]

Statement sent to Joseph Saltar that describes meeting in which the Brotherton unanimously agreed to express their refusal to leave "our fine place in Jersey" in the face of white encroachment. Signed in full by Jacob Skekit and Bartholomew...

GLC00540.02

to William Milnor Roberts

Serving as Pennsylvania Senator, Buchanan apologizes to noted civil engineer Roberts for being unable to attend the opening of the first division of the Cumberland Valley Rail Road.

GLC00541

to Sarah Bruce Seddon

Confederate Secretary of War Seddon writes to his wife about the Civil War and the Battle of Vicksburg. He states "I am in the greatest anxiety about Vicksburg- The Yankees I fear have taken Jackson- At last accounts they were only a few miles from...

GLC00542

to Mr. Wakeman

Foster, a U.S. senator from Connecticut, discusses his views on reconstruction with Wakeman, a lawyer. Foster says that he would restrict the right to vote to those with "capacity and virtue," but that it would be "arbitrary, unjust, and tyrannical...

GLC00544

G. L. S.

Poem in memory of George Luther Stearns. This copy was written for his wife, Mary Stearns. Mounted on a piece of letter sized paper. The poem was first published in May 1867 in the "Atlantic Monthly."

GLC00546

to Alice Egerton

Andrew Jackson responds to Alice Egerton's request for a lock of hair, and praises her piety. Accompanied by an engraved portrait of Jackson with a lock of his white hair.

GLC00548.01

to Braxton Bragg

Probably Wheeler's original draft of a telegram. Wheeler, commanding Cavalry Corps in the Department of South Carolina, Georgia and Florida writes to Bragg, commander of the Department of North Carolina. Reports on an engagement against the troops...

GLC00549

to Edwin McMasters Stanton

On a small card, President Lincoln requests that Stanton, Secretary of War, "see Mr. Dole & others, about the first colored regiment. Please do the best for them you can." Location inferred from outside sources.

GLC00602

to James McHenry

McHenry served as Secretary of War. Mentions appointment of ambassadors to France during Quasi-war and newspaper accusations by William Duane against federalist officials (in a July editorial) for supposedly accepting bribes. Humorous letter (on...

GLC00604.01

to George Washington

Pinckney, former United States Minister to Great Britain, introduces Robert Bird of the House of Bird, Savage, and Bird of London. He states that Bird hopes to pay Washington his respects at Mount Vernon, Virginia.

GLC00604.02

[Authorization to the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to the pardon of Milo Thornton for counterfeiting coins].

In Ohio, Thornton had been convicted in 1859 and sentenced to the Ohio State Penitentiary for ten years. According to D. R. Kinsell, his physician, his health was quickly failing and he would soon become a lunatic if not released. The release was...

GLC00613

to Alfred Pleasanton

Custer writes to his commanding officer to report that he has complied with his orders to send 800-1000 men. He notes that this will leave him in command of two batteries of Horse Artillery without support. He explains that he would rather see those...

GLC00614

[General Ruggles' official report on the Battle of Shiloh]

Very detailed report on the Battle of Shiloh, which took place on 6-7 April 1862, addressed to Major George G. Garner. Confederate General Ruggles commanded Ruggles Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Mississippi at the battle. Retained copy.

GLC00617.01

to Henry Knox

Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts, writes from York, where the Continental Congress was convening. Dismisses rumors of a possible plot to undermine Washington's authority, but stresses...

GLC00619

to Edwin L. Baker

Acknowledges receipt of his note delivered by Edwin's brother John. Refuses to let "Joe" [Joseph Baker] transfer to a higher position within the army and resign his present post because of the precedent it might set among the servicemen. "The...

GLC00622

[Commission of David Farragut as a captain in the U.S. Navy]

Partially-printed document on vellum signed by President Franklin Pierce and countersigned by James C. Dobbin as Secretary of the Navy. Note on margin signed by J.B. Hardin: "Registered No. Four - the lowest number of the same date takes rank."...

GLC00626

The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies

Inscribed: "Lewis E. Harvie Esqe. from his friend Joseph Eggleston Johnston." The book was compiled by Robert N. Scott under the direction of the Secretary of War, with authorship attributed to the United States War Department. Published by the...

GLC00628

to F. Marion Crawford

Theodore Roosevelt declines to intervene in pardon application. He writes that he does not ask for pardons unless he is personally familiar with the case and would not want to impose on NY Governor Odell due to awkwardness.

GLC00629

[Address delivered to the Putnam Phalanx in praise of volunteer militia]

Welcomes the Putnam Phalanx, from Hartford, Connecticut, to Boston. Offers words of praise regarding volunteer militia groups, discussing their historical significance and the involvement of George Washington and John Adams in implementing the...

GLC00633.01

[Copy of a speech delivered to the Putnam Phalanx]

Transmits the manuscript (GLC00633.02) of a speech formerly delivered to the Putnam Phalanx (referred to as the Warren Phalanx) for presentation at a Soldiers' Sanitary Fair scheduled to be held in Cleveland, Ohio. Informs Perley, Chairman of the...

GLC00633.02

to Charles H. Russell

The letter is regarding raising 14 regiments and reinforcing Ft. Monroe. Marked "Private."

GLC00635

to Samuel J. Kirkwood

Garfield writes to Secretary of the Interior Kirkwood to introduce Dr. Mark Hopkins, of Williamstown, Massachusetts, who "has been appointed by a number of the churches to represent their Indian affairs." He asks that Hopkins be interviewed. He...

GLC00637

[Notice of suspension of habeas corpus in Boston to Justin Dimick].

Scott quotes an Abraham Lincoln document suspending the writ of habeas corpus, countersigned by William H. Seward. Scott empowers Brevet Colonel Dimick to do the same in Boston. Also signed by Assistant Adjutant General E.D. Townsend.

GLC00638

to James Madison

The letter is concerning sending Journals of Constitutional Convention. Written at the Department of State.

GLC00639.03

To the Inhabitants of the 12th Congressional District of Massachusetts

Discusses the attempts to censure Adams' conduct through the "Gag Rule," the machinations of House Speaker Polk, and attempts to expel Adams.

GLC00639.05

to John Hancock

Written by von Steuben in retirement after resigning his commission in March 1784 to Hancock as Governor of Massachusetts. Says he is writing to secure his prospects for a satisfactory retirement. Says he is waiting to hear if the United States...

GLC00598

to Dr. Benjamin Rush

"The history of the hobby horse" -page 4 (Adams's humorous name for the story he tells in this letter). Free frank on page 4. The letter also discusses the dream of American glory and early history.

GLC00599

Caroli Carroll, Liber Anno 1752

Title is printed by hand on mauve colored wrapper, "Caroli Carroll, Liber Anno 1752." Latin school exercise book. Contains rhetoric and poetry exercises in Latin. Signed "Charles Carroll" twice on the last page.

GLC00600

to Jeremiah S. Black

Stanton compliments Black on the address on religious liberty that he gave before the Phrenakosmian Society of Pennsylvania College. He argues with some points of the essay concerning the judgment of history on William Penn, Oliver Cromwell, and St...

GLC00605

to Anson L. Brewer

Abraham Lincoln writes to fellow attorney Brewer about the status of James Kelly v. Jesse D. Blackledge in the Logan County Circuit Court. He describes how the judge delayed the suit by taking the case under advisement. He questions the trial, "if it...

GLC00606

to James B. McPherson or John A. Logan

Also addressed to John A. Logan, commander of the 15th corps, Army of the Tennessee. Sherman explains his own position and the positions and plans of the divisions under the command of John McAllister Schofield, Oliver O. Howard, and George H. Thomas...

GLC00607

to R. L. Sanderson

Serving as editor of the New York Tribune, Greeley offers advice to Sanderson: "...I say to all who are in want of work, Go West!" Written on New York Tribune stationery.

GLC00608

to John Saunders

Written by Scottish officer Colonel Balfour as commandant of Charlestown, South Carolina to Captain Saunders, a Loyalist, as commandant of Georgetown, South Carolina. Written in numeric code. Cypher included in collateral file. Letter says: "You wil...

GLC00609

to Raphael Semmes

Jubal Anderson Early, a former lieutenant general in the Confederate Army, writes to former Confederate admiral and brigadier general Raphael Semmes regarding correspondence with a German who has created a flying machine that could be used to bombard...

GLC00610

to Thomas S. Jesup

Transmitting a summary statement and muster roll of non-commissioned officers and privates from the 4th Regiment.

GLC00611

New map of Virginia

Folding map with Jackson's (Stonewall) signature "T.J. Jackson" on the inside of what was once the outer wrapper/binding. Insets of Harpers Ferry and Norfolk Harbor. The map was printed by J.W. Randolph, drawn and colored by Husted & Nenning, and...

GLC00612.01

to Octavia Trimble

Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, a Confederate prisoner of war held in Boston, writes a poetic letter to his wife, Octavia, about captivity and his longing for home. "You may think I am sincere if you reflect a moment that I am not free like you 'to wander at...

GLC00615

[Collection of documents related to Daniel Ruggles experience at the Battle of Shiloh] [Decimalized .01-.03]

GLC00617

[Defense of conduct at the Battle of Shiloh]

A report on the Battle of Shiloh defending his conduct against claims made in a biography of A.S. Johnston by Johnston's half-brother William Preston Johnston, entitled: The life of Gen. Albert Sidney Johnston, embracing his services in the armies of...

GLC00617.02

[Excerpt from General Ruggles' official report on the Battle of Shiloh]

Brief excerpt in Ruggles' hand from the bottom of p.4 of GLC00617.01.

GLC00617.03

to William Terry and John Daniel Imboden

Order to Confederate generals Terry and Imboden to exchange federal prisoners. "The Commissary General of prisoners directs me to instruct you to parole all Federal prisoners of war now held within our jurisdictions, according to established forms...

GLC00618

The Testimony of the people called Quakers, given forth by a meeting of the representatives of said people, in Pennsylvania and New-Jersey.

Title continues: "held at Philadelphia the twenty-fourth day of the first month, 1775." Communicates Quaker opposition to public resolutions created by the colonies against the legislature of Great Britain. Promotes lawful action to address the...

GLC00620

to Jethro Sumner

Written by Penn, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman to Brigadier General Sumner in North Carolina. Informs Sumner that the militia must serve three months from the time they were at headquarters, not counting...

GLC00621

Harper's weekly. [Vol. 5, no. 210 (January 5, 1861); vol.7, no. 314 (January 3, 1863) - vol. 9, no. 470 (December 30, 1865)] [Decimalized .01-.04]

Features article and illustration on emancipated children in New Orleans.

GLC00623

to William S. Rosecrans

Wishes to move on Tupelo, destroy the railroad there, and also destroy all enemy boats on the Yazoo river. Says he may move to Columbus to improve his communications.

GLC00624

[Press release of an address by President Franklin Roosevelt at the dedication of a monument honoring George Rogers Clark]

Headed by a request by Presidential Assistant Secretary Stephen Early that the press release be held as confidential until 10:30 of that day, with Early's printed signature. The President states that Clark began his expedition with a religious...

GLC00625

to Zebulon B. Vance

Encloses letters (not included) sent to soldiers from their homes encouraging desertion. Discusses the growing problem of desertion in the army at length and attributes it to one cause, the negative state of public opinion on the home front. Believes...

GLC00627

to Samuel Huntington

Serving as Secretary of the United States Congress, Thomson sends a copy of a recently ratified treaty (not included) between the United States and Morocco to Samuel Huntington, the Governor of Connecticut. Requests that Huntington inform the...

GLC00630

to The Truth Teller

In the letter to a Tennessee newspaper, he denies that he accused Governor William Carroll of corruption, and defends Judge Heskill. Judge Heskill may be the same as a Judge Joshua Haskell, a Tennessee judge from this era who lived near Crockett...

GLC00631

to John Cleves Short

Written after recall by Jackson as U.S. Minister to Colombia. Attacks Andrew Jackson and Simon Bolivar in some detail, and accuses them both of being ruthless men. Worries that Colombia will soon be very unstable, and that with his departure the...

GLC00632

Speech given to the Putnam Phalanx accompanied by transmittal letter, for presentation at the 1864 Soldiers' Sanitary Fair [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC00633

Military estimates for 1780 budget and personal papers [Decimalized .01.01-.03.11]

Documents detailing expected military expense for the 1780 Budget, prepared by the office of the Quarter Master General, Nathanael Greene, and a number of Greene's personal financial papers.

GLC00634

Presidents and important Americans [decimalized]

GLC00639

to Benjamin Rush

In his letter, Adams discusses Madison taking office, politics, and national divisions.

GLC00639.01

To Governor William Plumer

In the letter, Adams discusses New York State, party, and sectionalism.

GLC00639.02

to Dolley Madison

The letter includes stories for the eulogy of James Madison.

GLC00639.04

[Certification of courier and transmittal of the Treaty of Ghent]

Cosigned by James A. Bayard, Henry Clay, Jonathan Russell, and Albert Gallatin. The Treaty of Ghent ended the War of 1812. The word "Passport" appears on the verso. Written in Adams' hand.

GLC00639.06

to Alexander Everett

Discusses their correspondence and Everett's international travel. Comments on Oxford and mentions Shakespeare. Discusses reading Clarke's travels, possibly referring to Edward Clarke's "Travels in various countries of Europe, Asia, and Africa. Part...

GLC00639.07

to J. J. Speed

General Grant praises Speed, President of a Louisville, who organized the Kentucky Fair to benefit widows and orphans of deceased Civil War soldiers. Expresses gratitude, through Speed, to the ladies of Louisville for "the patriotic steps taken by...

GLC00639.08

to Abraham Lincoln

Grant requests a promotion for Theodore S. Bowers, which Lincoln approves with his own signature. Grant wishes that Bowers be promoted from Lieutenant Colonel in the volunteer army to the Adjutant General's Department in the regular army. For this to...

GLC00639.09

to Edward O. C. Ord

"(Cipher)" written at top. In this telegram, Grant informs Ord that Sheridan reached White House, VA today; and tells Ord to hold crossings of the Chickahominy River and send a division of troops to meet Sheridan. Marked "Copied" on verso. Written on...

GLC00639.10

to unknown

The letter discusses a debt owed to him and his shortage of funds.

GLC00655.01

to George N. Briggs

John Quincy Adams declines an invitation to a Cattle Show and fair, citing age, and his inability to attend public functions, and previous engagements. He hopes to soon meet Briggs in Washington, D.C., "under better auspices than those which have...

GLC00655.03

to John C. Calhoun

Andrew Jackson requests to the Secretary of War that he make sure that Rufus Bowyer be allowed to enter the military academy as a cadet. He recommends him based on his own merits, and those of his father, Colonel Bowyer. Docket labeled "Va. [77]."

GLC00655.04

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...

GLC00655.07

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of David Barnett].

GLC00655.11

to Mary Grant Cramer

Ulysses S. Grant writes to his sister about family matters and office seekers. He apologizes for not having replied at once to her letter. He mentions that "Father...left here(?) last Thursday after a visit..." His father evidently had some sort of...

GLC00655.13

to John M. Forbes

James A. Garfield writes to Forbes after he visited and made a speech in Boston. He thanks him for his support. In lieu of an apparently requested copy of the speech he made (for which Garfield states he made no notes), he sends a similar speech (not...

GLC00655.14

to "Dear Judge"

Benjamin Harrison discusses a river and harbor bill and mentions giving $75,000 for salaries. Letter written on lined paper with the lines running vertically.

GLC00655.15

to Mr. Gilder

Theodore Roosevelt discusses the publication of the enclosed editorial (not included) on Civil Service and the good work several Congressmen have done.

GLC00655.17

to Ira A. Eastman

Millard Fillmore writes that he would be delighted to have Eastman and his wife to visit.

GLC00655.20

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Joseph E. Johnston].

GLC00656

[Bond of Neill McKay]

Involves a tract of land in Schley County, Georgia. Binds McKay unto Seldon Fletcher for $500. Signed as a witness by Washington Tharp.

GLC00658.07

to Henry W. Halleck

George Brinton McClellan informs Halleck of reports that Richmond has been reinforced by troops from the south, and discusses plans for defending Washington. Letter written during the height of the Peninsula Campaign, when Union forces were closest...

GLC00664.01

[Collection of Henry J. Waltz, Company I, 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry]

Autograph manuscript signed by Waltz, a Lieutenant in I Company of the 93rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He was mustered from service in 1864. Diary entries include Battles of Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Ana, and Cold Harbor. Includes...

GLC00653.13

[Diary of Herbert L. Smalley]

Autograph manuscript. Smalley served in Company A of the 7th Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Consists of a small black pocketbook. A note inside the diary says it was found on a battlefield by another soldier. Includes entries Second Bull Run and Antietam...

GLC00653.14

[Collection of Eseck G. Wilber] [Decimalized .01- .05]

Consists of one signed diary (136 pages) and 4 photographs. Wilber served in the 120th New York Volunteer infantry and fought at Gettysburg (which he describes). Diary was kept irregularly but mentions his capture, Libby Prison, Richmond, and...

GLC00653.15

[List of deceased soldiers for New York State Soldiers' Depot]

Book lists soldiers who died in New York State Soldiers' Depot. Entries on first thirteen pages include possessions for the deceased. These entries list name of deceased, their unit and residence, any effects they had, and whom these effects were...

GLC00653.16

[Diary of William L. Wilson, B company, 12th regiment, Virginia, cavalry]

Diary of a Confederate private in the 12th Virginia cavalry which includes detailed entries on the Appomattox campaign leading up to General Robert E. Lee's surrender. Begins entries for 1865 by saying that the end of the war seems farther away than...

GLC00653.17

[Diary of Josiah Moseley]

Autograph manuscript. Moseley served in K company of the 6th regiment, Virginia infantry, in the Confederate Army. Describes the Battles of White Oak Swamp, Brandy Creek Station and Gettysburg, Malvern Hill, Second Manassas, and Chancellorsville.

GLC00653.18

[Diary of John S. Tucker, D company, 5th regiment, Alabama, infantry]

Tucker's 1862 autograph manuscript diary contains his account of day-to-day life in D company and discussions of battles such as Seven Pines, Williamsburg, Mechanicsville, and the Seven Days battles. Also mentions the evacuation of Yorktown.

GLC00653.19.01

[Collection of William T. Hollingsworth, D company, 3rd regiment, Georgia, infantry] [decimalized]

Collection includes eight letters and envelopes written from Confederate surgeon William T. Hollingsworth to his brother James H. Hollingsworth. The collection includes numerous postal covers and a family genealogy book. The correspondence mentions...

GLC00653.20

[Collection of George A. Spencer] [Decimalized .01-.10]

Spencer served with the 7th Rhode Island Volunteer infantry, in I Company. He includes in his letters to his parents a sketched map (entrenchments before Petersburg) and diagrams of tents, and artillery. Spencer was captured at Fredericksburg and...

GLC00653.21

[Collection of George B. Cook, E company, 42nd regiment, North Carolina, infantry] [decimalized]

This collection consists of a series of letters from Private George B. Cook of the 42nd North Carolina infantry regiment to members of his family. Cook was drafted into the army of the Confederate States of America on September 11, 1864. He was 19...

GLC00653.22

to Charley Taft

Van Laer served in the 1st Battery of the New York Independent Volunteers. The letter discusses the Battle of Yorktown.

GLC00653.23

to Judge Haden

John P. Furniss asks for financial remittance due to his having taken "private classes to improve [himself] in particular branches of Medicine." He relates that two convicts hung the day before, and a friend of his took a part of one of the bodies...

GLC00653.24.01

to cousin Charlie

Lewis describes the destruction in the town from artillery when Union forces occupied it. He mentions pickets and surveillance balloons, and talks about morale. Letter written from Camp Opposite Fredericksburg, in Virginia.

GLC00653.25

to Roelzo J. Warren

From a soldier in the Vermont corps. Letter discusses the Rappahannock Wilderness campaign. Letter written while the solider was hospitalized. The letter has some military content and mentions General Ulysses S. Grant.

GLC00653.26

to Daniel H. Hill

Major General Wheeler writes to General Hill about adjusting the speed of the courier line, his orders to General Ferguson, his troop and enemy movements, and the disposition of his troops to General Hill. With a long postscript addressing some...

GLC00654

President's collection [decimalized]

[decimalized 00655.01-00655.20]

GLC00655

to William Lee

Written to William Lee, who was serving as American consul at Bordeaux, France. Mentions that he arrived in Paris on June 20, 1805 after a 25 day trip and that he will soon proceed to London. He mentions the unsuccessful mission to Spain. In the...

GLC00655.02

to Henry D. Gilpin

The letter discusses electoral politics. Written from Martin Van Buren's estate, Lindenwald, in Kinderhook, New York.

GLC00655.05

to unknown

Gives the county official voting results for electoral candidates Martin Van Buren and Hugh L. White. The votes were 1695 to 1200 respectively.

GLC00655.06

to B. Tappin

William Henry Harrison asks Tappin to send more lime for use in the construction of an aqueduct for Harrison's distillery.

GLC00655.08

to George C. Whiting

Franklin Pierce discusses the pension for the widow of Navy Commander Samuel Larkin. He mentions testimony given on the cause of his death which showed that Larkin contracted the disease while on duty in Africa. Paper watermarked "Joynson/1856."...

GLC00655.09

to James Campbell

James Buchanan writes to U.S. Postmaster General Campbell regarding his decision to delay the appointment of a postmaster for Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for political reasons. Date "17" was overwritten on "16." Docketed as 16th. Written as a candidate...

GLC00655.10

to Frank A. Hilton

Letter written in response to a request for an autographed letter written by his son, Ulysses S. Grant. He writes, "I have no letter from him written for such a purpose..." He also gives a brief history of the family and concerning his son he states...

GLC00655.12