25 May 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Maunsell

Thanks Maunsell for his kindness to their mutual friend [possibly General Moses] Hazen. Alludes to the current unfortunate situation of Hazen, as well as his possession of "as obstinate a temper as ever afflicited [sic] humanity."

GLC02437.04617

January 17, 1790

Newman, Samuel, ?-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for a position as he and his family are now suffering from the effects of the war and subsequent peace. Wishes to be placed with troops already in the Federal service.

GLC02437.04473

1857

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Portsmouth on the East India station, A. H. Foote Esqre commander, book II.

Calf cover. Excerpts: [11 April 1857] "Got underway at 8 A.M. Dipped colors to Commodore - Cleared down royals to English Admiral, he dipped his colors, we lowered ours. Got to sea by 'Lentoo Channel' [4 May 1857] "…Heard of the case of the Henrietta Maria. She was found at sea by the 'Coeur de Lion,' she had no captain, register, or navigator; no satisfactory account could be given since she had left Macao …It is thought that there must have been a mutiny on board … [5 May 1857] "…Captain Foote called on the Governor (Blundell) familiarly called Blundering Blundell from his…

GLC05911.02.02

19 August 1864-18 November 1864

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript

Title: Journal of a cruise in the U.S.S. Isonomia no. 1

No. I and II cover the record of the blockade ship Isonomia from the beginning of its service off Wilmington SC in August 1864 to 25 December 1864 when Simpson released command of the vessel. Calf covers. [30 August] "At daylight, Flag Pond battery & half moon opened fire on 'Dunbarton'" [this entry also includes a list of the nine blockaders present and the names of their officers; Simpson includes himself in this list] [31 August] "Had a false alarm and chased a shadow directed by a falling meteor which was mistaken for a rocket" [evidently Simpson's skittish crew was prone to…

GLC05911.06.01

12 October 1864-1 June 1867

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Letterbook of U.S.S. Isonomia East Gulf squadron from Oct 12th 1864 to Dec. 24th 1864 and U.S.S. Mohican N. Pacific squadron from Augt 14th 1866 to June 1st 1867

Majority of letters written and signed by Simpson, though several are clerically written and signed. Attacks on Fort Sumter, engagements with blockade runners and attacks on various gun batteries. Includes two letters regarding deserters of the U.S.S Mohican (stored in separate folder). Quarter morocco, marbled boards. Commissioned in 1859, the steam sloop USS Mohican served in the African Squadron in 1860-1861, before joining the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. In October of 1862, the Mohican was sent on a fruitless search for Confederate raiders, the Florida and the Alabama; she…

GLC05911.07

circa 1940-1945

Scrapbook

Title: Scrapbook, Vol. III.

1 Adjutant General's Office. Official announcement of the establishment of the Civil Affairs Division 4 May 1943 2 Beta Theta Pi Magazine. Clippings: "The Second Military List of Beta Theta Pi (World War II);" Columbia University; and "Civil Affairs Division, USA." Oct 1943 3 a. Clipping from [?]: "News & Comments." [n.d.] b. Clipping from [?]: "Gen. Hilldring to Head Civil Affairs Division." [n.d.] c. Clipping from [?]: "Army and Navy Legion of Valor." [n.d.] d. American Relief for Italy, Inc. List of the Board of Directors and members. [n.d.] 3 e. Washington Post.…

GLC06196.107

16 September 1864

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Shares his distress over being one of the few people left in his family. With his brother Girard paralyzed, Gustave feels he must take his place as the beloved warrior in the family but feels like he would be usurping that position. Tells Eliza she must be a pillar of strength for the family. Wishes to change to a more cheerful subject but goes on to discuss the awful circumstances of the local people and writes, "The sight I see daily, almost hourly, would sicken your tender heart and fill you with compassion for our brave women and old men. Even the children [illegible] to the loss of…

GLC02570.61

5 January 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox

Laments not being able to return to Lucy when he had hoped to. Praises Lucy at length and reaffirms his love for her. Notes that this is only the fourth letter he has been able to write to her in the two months they have been apart, and explains why his letter of 5 December 1775 was so short (see GLC02437.00215). Comments on the weather and the lack of snow, which impeded his plans to transport artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Mentions that his brother William Knox is now at Lake George preparing the sleds for the transport. Describes his travels. Comments…

GLC02437.00237

1 July 1783

Malcom, William, fl. 1776-1783

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Malcom to Major General Knox. Says a Mr. Peacock will be presenting this letter and that he was formerly a subaltern in his regiment, who acquitted himself with courage. He is a refugee from New York, although he was one of the first to declare for independence. Says he served while his property could support himself and his family and that he is now reduced in circumstances. Wants to enter into a partnership with a Mr. Dunlap at the garrison (West Point?). As he will be a stranger there, he has requested a written recommendation to assist him in his new home. Would like…

GLC02437.02217

6 April 1792

Morris, William Walton, ?-1832

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had long since resolved to devote his life to private business, and until now has been quite successful; however, due to the bankruptcy that has recently befallen New York City, he has suddenly found himself penniless. Takes solace in the fact that his poverty is not due to his own indiscretions. Would like to apply for a government position, but is unsure of what to apply for, as he has so long worked outside of the government. Asks if Knox has any suggestions, based on his knowledge of Morris's personality and skills. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05405

1 October 1782

Mason, John, fl. 1776-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Mason, who, per docketing, appears to be the reverend for the garrison at West Point, to Major General Knox. Asks for an extension of his leave until next month as his wife is still very ill and his family's interests "are so embarrassed, that I am involved in a variety of difficulties." Says the garrison is on his mind daily, but says this indulgence by Knox will allow him to return before winter and counsel the men of the garrison "with a composed mind." Written at the bottom of the letter, in what appears to be Samuel Shaw's hand: "(granted) answered by SS."

GLC02437.01635

7 November 1785

Mason, David, 1726-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox in distress. Thanks him for the recommendation to Governor Bowdoin, but informs him that a Major [likely William] Perkins was appointed to a position instead of him. Declares he is now left destitute, especially since his leg was injured over the summer and he was unable to move around or work. Hopes Knox will continue in his kindness and help him find a position. Asks if Mr. Haggard might hire him to work with Mr. Hastings at the post office; declares he only has his wife and one daughter left at home to support, so any little bit helps. In a separate note at the bottom,…

GLC02437.03215

21 May 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Discusses the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and mentions a proposed constitution, which is not included. States that "[t]he intention [for creating the society] is pure, and uncorrupted by any sinister design - The sole objects the union of the states as far as the humble influence of the officers may extend - and to erect some lonly [sic] shelter for the unfortunate, against the storms and tempests of poverty..." Minor text loss on the right hand side of page two.

GLC02437.02131

15 October 1783

Vaughn, John, fl. 1783-1794

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Petitions Knox for permission to draw supplies to care for himself and his family. Outlines the poor conditions his family is enduring. Due to his discharge, he is currently unable to provide for his family or himself. States that he was "discharged from the Service; that he has a wife & five small children depending upon him for support; that he...continues to be so unwell as to be able to give them very little assistance" etc. Includes a statement written and signed by Captain J. Williams of the 3d Massachusetts Regiment verifying Vaughn's condition. Also contains a statement,…

GLC02437.10169

7 November 1782

Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "This will be delivered to you by Mr. J. Byles who if I mistake not served his time previous to the war with Mr. John Simpkins." After this time, he suffered "many adverse fortunes which has induced him to enter the service of the united States as a private soldier and being to march for camp has requested of me a line to you. Not being acquainted with him I made inquiry concerning his conduct, before I ventured to give him a Letter and finding that he has really been unfortunate though having committed some imprudences, I have told him that he must not expect the attention he…

GLC02437.01703

24 April 1792

Walker, Benjamin, 1753-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not fully answering Knox's last letter, but has been preoccupied with the current business crisis in New York: has been trying to save himself from financial ruin. Relates a conversation with Mr. [Royal] Flint about raising the money needed by General [Henry] Jackson. Urges that they make final arrangements with Madame de Leval and Mr. de la Roche regarding their settlement of lands in Maine. Believes they may not be able to actually settle there until the following year. Finally discusses the poor financial prospects of Mr. [William] Duer, concluding that he does not think…

GLC02437.05426

December 6, 1789

Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Wadsworth returns the warrants that Knox requested (refer to GLC02437.04422). Sends news that his family is recovering from influenza. Discusses the Marquis de Lafayette and the French Revolution: "Our friend the Marquis is indeed in a perilous situation, but he is in great spirits & I hope will succeed. Tho I fear they are [aiming] at more liberty than is consistent with good Government, I do not think France can for a great many years to come be governed by a very free Liberal system - but they were before wretched enough & it was time to make an experiment they could loose nothing…

GLC02437.04426

22 December 1786

Weissenfels, Frederick, 1738-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that when he last saw Knox, "at the Door of my present unhappy confinement," he asked for his intercession, and Knox told him that when the time arrived that he needed Knox's help, he should remind him. Believes the time is now, and that Knox can influence "sundry Gentlemen Especially his Excellency the Governor" in his favor. Writes, "I have suffered Eighteen Months imprisonment, under grievous and [necessitious?] Circumstances, reduced to Extream [sic] want in my self and family, nevertheless I Honor the Laws of my Country, neither have I any desingn [sic], to Exculpate my self…

GLC02437.03388

14 November 1791

Welsh, Anna, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

After having sent a petition to Congress, General [Jedediah] Huntington referred her to Knox. Writes to Knox to explain that she is a widow and orphan, and has lost her brother, and her home (the latter she attributes to General [Benedict] Arnold). Appeals to his benevolence and asks for redress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05238

3 January 1822

Hobart, Nathaniel, 1758-1838

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Informs his nephew that he witnessed the ordination of Reverend Samuel Spring "and saw him inducted into the pastoral office over the church & congregation of the old parish." In regard to family news, he notes that that he was in Hanover for Christmas, "there appears to be a famine," and Mr. Whitman has moved into a new house. Asks about the progress of the bankruptcy law and if there will be a congressional investigation into "the controversy between General [Andrew] Jackson and the Spanish..."

GLC06313.04.128

3 December 1862

Williams, George M., fl. 1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Informs her that he received her letter and is very thankful. He also mentions that he bought her several hairpins "and any other little articles I think you may need." He tells her of his departure which will be between the 16th and 20th, and explains that he is "now exempt from military service, being a Notary Public", and so will soon see her. He also mentions that he is worried because as " the weather grows winterish day by day," the poor will suffer more and more for they have nowhere to go and the wood is "at 18 & 20 dollars per cord." He also describes the Yankees' position. He…

GLC06582.57

February 2, 1879

Hardy, Alex W., fl. 1879

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Blanche Kelso Bruce

claims he will be in the hands of poverty if Bruce does not use his influence to get him appointed.

GLC09400.441

3 May 1865

Nicolson, Charles, fl. 1862-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alice

He commends her on putting her father above herself so that she can take care of him. He was not surprised to hear of cousin Richardson's death because she knew her son was a prisoner in the South for over eleven months. He believes people in power ought to be punished for the sufferring of the poor.

GLC02171.06

15 December 1848

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Moore

He describes the students in his class, less wild than he expected. He reports a recent Catholic fair to benefit an orphan asylum, doing more for the relief of the destitute than any other denomination. M. Fitzsimmons, an Irish refugee and leader in the recent revolt, visited and made speeches about the Irish atrocities. He discusses plans for their father's tombstone. He doesn't see the need for a funeral sermon as their father didn't belong to any denomination. A local smallpox epidemic is causing problems.

GLC04191.29

February 6, 1876

Stowe, Harriet Beecher, 1811-1896

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Osgood

Writes to her publisher concerning reprinting her early book, "The Mayflower," for the benefit of "a great fair...at my brothers church in Brooklyn for the 'Mayflower Mission' supported by Plymouth Church for the care of the poor in a destitute section of Brooklyn." In a vertical postscript she writes, "I trust you are keeping an eye out about renewing the Copy right of Uncle Tom ["Uncle Tom's Cabin"]." Written from Mandarin, the Stowe's vacation home in Florida. Two black and white bust engravings of Stowe included.

GLC02506