1842

Channing, William Ellery, 1780-1842

Pamphlet

Title: The duty of the Free States, or remarks suggested by the case of the Creole

In original wrappers. Channing argues in favor of the slaves who had taken over the Creole, a slave ship. Steering towards the British West Indies, they won freedom under British law, even though the U.S. attempted to reclaim them. Blockson Collection 9370, Dumon p. 36.

GLC06835

29 December 1806

Thompson, Thomas W., 1766-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Congressman Thompson to Langdon as Governor of New Hampshire. Says nothing of interest has occurred since the suspension of the non-importation law. Claims domestic issues take up most of their time. Has hope that negotiations with Britain and France are going well. Says that Aaron Burr's presence in Louisiana gave the Jefferson Administration great anxiety. But the capture of part of his flotilla and the probable capture of the rest, has relieved Jefferson. Jefferson considers Burr's insurrection suppressed. That being said, he reports that General James Wilkinson is…

GLC06545

7 January 1840

Van Buren, Martin, 1782-1862

Document signed

Title: [Orders for transport of the Amistad captives]

Countersigned by John Forsyth as Secretary of State. President Van Buren writes to Norris Wilcox, Marshal of the District of Connecticut. States: "The Marshal of the United States for the District of Connecticut will deliver over to Lieutenant John S. Paine, of the United States Navy, and aid in conveying on board the schooner Grampus, under his command all the negroes late of the Spanish schooner Amistad, in his custody under process now pending before the District Court of the United States for the District of Connecticut. For so doing this order will be his warrant."

GLC05636.01

30 October 1839

Grundy, Felix, 1777-1840

Letter

Title: to William S. Holabird

The body of the letter appears to be clerically written; the signature has been clipped and someone has written "Felix Grundy" in a different hand beneath. Grundy, Attorney General of the United States, informs Holabird, District Attorney of Connecticut: "It is necessary that I should know, what legal proceedings are now pending in your District, in relation to the negroes and vessel Amistad- You will be good enough to give the information at your earliest convenience- You named to the President, that you intended to visit Washington; will you do so, and when? Where was the Amistad, when…

GLC05636.03

1829-1853

Header Record

Title: Papers related to the Amistad mutiny [Decimalized .01-.59]

This collection contains the papers of William S. Holabird, who served as United States District Attorney for the state of Connecticut during the Amistad trial. These materials include a letter of Judge Andrew T. Judson which suggests executive interference in the proceedings (#5), depositions of the Spanish minister (#7-9), testimony of witnesses (#10-14), and important letters of Secretary of State John Forsyth instructing Holabird on the Amistad case (#17-23). Also includes Holabird's commission as United States District Attorney (#16). Contains political or legal letters for the period…

GLC05636

April-June 1840

Holabird, William S., 1794-1855

Autograph document

Title: [Brief from the Circuit Court regarding the Amistad case]

Referring to Lieutenant Thomas R. Gedney, includes information pertaining to the Amistad case: "Gidney & others v. The Amistad Negroes. Circuit court U.S." Considers four principle points: "shall the vessel, & the blacks, be restored to the Spanish Government from whence they came;" "whether these negroes shall be restored to the Spanish Govt or be sit at liberty here;" "The Spanish Govt claim that the Amistad being a Sp vessel, and not having violated the laws of nations, on the municipal laws of this country... that the Courts of no other nation can hold jurisdiction of them;" and…

GLC05636.02

25 September 1831

Allyn, Nelson, fl. 1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Allyn

Nelson writes to his brother Joseph in Connecticut, roughly one month after Nat Turner's Rebellion. Discusses family and mutual acquaintances, noting he is in good health. Writes, "the insurrection of the blacks have made greate disturbance here every man is armd with a gun by his bed nights and in the field at work a great many of the blacks have been shot there heads taken of stuck on poles at the forkes of rodes some been hung, some awaiting there trial in several countys, 6 in this county... there is no danger of their rising again here." Discusses his journey to North Carolina and…

GLC05655

28 August 1832

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William B. Lewis

Writes to Lewis about the widespread opposition to the issue of nullification. Declares that "Alabama is firm as a Rock for [Martin] Van Buren and against nullification," and names a few men opposed to it as well. Proclaims that nullification is " ... too absurd to be attempted by the patriotic south... South Carolina to do an act to destroy her own Liberty & property, ... to become a vassal of a foreign government, or to fall a victim to the barbarous hands of their own slaves." Informs that he is " ... prepared to act with promptness & energy and should the laws be resisted…

GLC05661

20 September 1839

Eldredge, N. T., fl. 1839

Newspaper

Title: New York times and commercial intelligencer. [Vol. 3, no. 472 (September 20, 1839)]

Contains an article discussing the Amistad case. States "Very considerable doubts are entertained, I find, whether the grand jury will bring in a bill for any crime against the Africans; in which case the whole discussion will be on the various civil claims set up- namely, by the Spaniards to the Africans as slaves, and by the officers and crew of the Washington to salvage on the schooner and cargo..." Contains an advertisement for the Presidential campaign of Henry Clay. Includes notices of sale and scheduled shipping departures and arrivals.

GLC08812

26 October 1791

Claypoole, David C., fl. 1757-1849

Newspaper

Title: The mail; or, Claypoole's daily advertiser. [No. 127 (October 26, 1791)]

One issue of The mail; or, Claypoole's daily advertiser dated October 26, 1791. Founded by David C. Claypoole in 1771 originally as the Pennsylvania Packet. Contains foreign intelligence mainly focused on Russian activities in Europe from the perspective of different countries. Also contains domestic news items including minutes of a meeting of the House of Representatives, a report of ships entering and exiting American ports, and a description of an uprising of a union of Black people and mixed race people demanding equality with White people. Includes numerous advertisements for goods…

GLC00280

January 15, 1797

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Mentions the loss of two children and settling into his new home and the surrounding area. Also discusses Washington's retirement and the threat of war with France, "there will be no danger of the french attempting an invasion of our country. If they should we must resist..." Regarding the slave revolt in Santo Domingo, he says: "The whites will either starve or be murdered by the blacks." Noted as a draft in the docket. Knox's retained draft.

GLC02437.06900

March 11, 1733

Zenger, John P., 1697-1746

Newspaper

Title: New-York weekly journal. [Vol. 932, no. 19 (March 11, 1733)]

Quotes "Cato" on the importance of opposition and controls upon political power: "Political jealousy, therefore, in the people is a necessary and laudable passion." Reports on foreign affairs particularly relating to the War on the Polish Succession. Also reports that there was a slave revolt in St. John's where 60 whites were killed. Includes a published letter submitted by James Alexander (principal author of the journal's editorials) and William Smith asking Zenger to publicly apologize to Mr. Harison and the Honourable Committee for injuring the names of both parties. The journal…

GLC08724

30 August 1831

Woodward, Thomas Green, 1789-1850

Newspaper

Title: Connecticut herald. [Vol. 28, no. 41 (August 30, 1831)]

Includes excerpts of letters regarding Nat Turner's Rebellion, claiming that more than 58 whites have been killed, and that the uprising consists of between 150 and 300 participants armed with "fowling-pieces, clubs, &c." A list of white victims is included. A commentary opines that northern enouragement of such revolts can do no good and will only "render one portion of our country a vast aceldma of blood." Also: a lengthy statement by Vice President John C. Calhoun regarding "the Tariff" and its division of the United States into two separate sections, North and South.

GLC08681

10 September 1831

Ives, William B., fl. 1800-1831

Newspaper

Title: Salem observer. [Vol. 9, no. 37 (September 10, 1831)]

Includes a brief description of the aftermath of Nat Turner's Rebellion: "...the insurgents are all taken and killed, except Nat Turner, the leader, after whom there is a warm pursuit... the troops will be discharged shortly... the number of prisoners amounts to fifty-eight." Sixty whites, and as many as 100 blacks, were killed during the rampage. Turner was capture, tried, convicted and executed. Ives was an abolitionist. Among the other reports: John Quincy Adams's eulogy on James Monroe, and commentary on the upcoming presidential election.

GLC08430.01

1865

Baker, Godwin & Co.

Pamphlet

Title: The unjust judge. A memorial of Roger Brooke Taney, late Chief Justice of the United States.

Contains a critical review of Taney's career and his decision in the Dred Scott case, where he upheld the existing slavery laws. Discusses the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution as they relate to the issue of slavery in the United States.

GLC00267.060

November 11, 1840

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Roger S. Baldwin

Former United States President Adams writes to Baldwin, a lawyer and abolitionist. He acknowledges the receipt of Baldwin's narrative of the Amistad case, to be tried before the Supreme Court. He writes "I consented with extreme reluctance at the urgent request of Mr. Lewis Tappan and Mr. Ellis Gray Loring, to appear before the Court as one of the Counsel for these unfortunate men. My reluctance was founded entirely and exclusively upon the consciousness of my own incompetence to do justice to their cause. In every other point of view there is in my estimation no higher…

GLC00582

26 April 1802

Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his strained and tensed relationship with [Henry?] Dearborn. States, "Not being a Roman Catholic yourself, you cannot appreciate the feelings of a poor soul after having remained a long while in Purgatory, when the Angel comes to announce him that the time of penance is fulfilled and takes him to Paradise. It is a grand pity indeed, because in two words I could tell you what are my feelings at Being no more under the Command of such a contemptible wretch as that Dearborn is - you can have no idea of all the malignity, ignorance, and mean petty tricks, which himself and assistants…

GLC02437.07728

25 June 1792

Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tousard signs in text. Sends Knox a picture of the late Colonel Duplessis (not present) which had been commissioned by the Spanish ambassador to France, le Comte de Fernand Nuñez. Writes, "I hope that the picture of an unfortunate and brave gentleman will be favourably accepted by General Knox, as he professed for him the highest esteem and gratefulness."

GLC02437.05516

20 September 1839

Grand Jury

Manuscript document

Title: The Grand Jury finds the following fact

Relates details pertaining to the sailing of the Amistad, the mutiny of the captives on board, and the ship's subsequent capture near the coast of New York. Mentions Lieutenant Thomas R. Gedney, commander of the brig Washington and other persons involved in the case.

GLC05636.06

November 1839

Manuscript document

Title: [Testimonies regarding the capture of the Amistad]

Possibly given at Connecticut District Court in November 1839. Marked "U.S." at the top. Begins with the testimony of Lieutenant Richard W. Meade, who led an armed party that initially boarded the Amistad, requesting the ship's papers. Includes the testimony of Baldwin, Dart Sharp (on board the USS Washington when it came in contact with the Amistad), and Captain Mather (who "went with Mead made soundings & c.").

GLC05636.11

January 1840

Manuscript document

Title: [Testimonies regarding the capture of the Amistad; includes Cinque's testimony]

Created at Connecticut District Court in 7-9 January 1840 by or for William S. Holabird. Serves as notes of the testimony of Richard Robert Madden (head of the British Anti-Slavery [Mixed] Commission in Havana), Sullivan Haley (on board the USS Washington when it met the Amistad; discusses the statements of Jose Ruiz and Pedro Montes, two Spanish men found aboard the Amistad) , Dwight P. Janes (abolitionist), James Covey (a Mende native and translator for the Africans aboard the Amistad), Professor Josiah Gibbs (who claimed based on the Amistad Africans' language, they were recently arrived…

GLC05636.13

9 January 1840

Manuscript document

Title: [Testimonies regarding the capture of the Amistad; includes Cinque's testimony]

Marked "&c Cinqué" at top. Appears to be a continuation of GLC 5636.13. Testimony of Cinqué, leader of the Africans aboard the Amistad, continues. Contains the testimonies of Grabbo and Foolaqua, Amistad mutineers. Includes the testimony of Norris Wilcox (United States Marshal for the District of Connecticut), Captain Mather (on board the USS Washington when it came in contact with the Amistad), Professor Josiah Gibbs (who claimed based on the Amistad Africans' language, they were recently arrived from Africa and had not resided in Cuba), Reverend George Day (employed to supervise the…

GLC05636.14

23 September 1839

Forsyth, John, 1780-1841

Letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Forsyth states: "It is necessary to a just decision on the various points presenting themselves for the President's consideration in the case of the Spanish Schooner 'Amistad,' that the Department should be furnished, with a copy of the ships' papers, together with a transcript of the proceedings of the Court of Inquiry held by the District Judge, on board that vessel, to which you refer in your letter of the 5th instant, and on which the Blacks were imprisoned for the alleged murder of the Captain and Mate..."

GLC05636.17

10 November 1839

Judson, Andrew T., 1784-1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Holabird

Judson, who presided over the district (and circuit) court proceedings of the Amistad, informs Holabird that he has not yet heard from President Martin Van Buren or Secretary of State John Forsyth regarding the case. Suggests Holabird review a similar case, "10th Wheaten 133. The Plattsburgh." Writes "That is a Late case, long since the Spanish Decree of 1817, and yet it turns wholly on the question of fitting out in the U. S. or Cuba. If in the U. S. she was rightfully condemned but if in Spain a restoration is the admitted course. Such seems to me to be the argument in that case..."

GLC05636.04

4 May 1840

Holabird, William S., 1794-1855

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry D. Gilpin

Holabird, United States District Attorney of Connecticut, writes to Gilpin, Attorney General. Relates that the Amistad case did not spend much time at the circuit court level, because "the counsel for the negroes [interposed?] a plea in abatement of the appeal from the decree of the district court, they contended that the U. S. had no interest in the matter, & could not appeal, that by the Treaty with Spain our courts were open to the claimants of the property, or to the representatives of the Spanish Government, that they should appear in person, & not through our Govt. upon this…

GLC05636.05