26 May 1891

Worden, John L., 1818-1897

Autograph quotation signed

Title: [Quote from Dickens's "Oliver Twist"]

Quotes, "We need be careful how we deal with those about us, for death carries with it to some small circle of survivors, thoughts of so much omitted, and so little done - of so many things forgotten, and so many more which might have been repaired, that such recollections are among the bitterest we can have. There is no remorse so deep as that which is unavailing; if we would be spared its tortures let us remember this in time." One bust engraving of Worden included.

GLC02737

12 November 1801

Rhea, Jonathan, 1758-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Longstreet

Discusses a possible lawsuit being brought up against Longstreet by Major Freeman, "...your reputation will be materially involved - Property when compared to honest fame is but trash - Riches never gave happiness, but an approved conscience with a morsel of bread is in my opinion preferable to the wealth of the Indies if obtained by fraud & swindling..." Advises him to take action and contact Mr. Stockton to avoid further trouble. Identified as a copy in the docket.

GLC03150.02

1833-1834

Livingston, Johnston, 1817-1911

Book

Title: Journal

The journal contains drawings, poems, excerpts from literary and philosophical works, as well as notes on scholarly subjects. Most likely from Johnston's studies at Union College, Schenectady, N.Y.

GLC03107.04079

circa 1800

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Virgil

One engraving of Virgil dated circa 1800. Profile portrait of Virgil.

GLC08878.0659

circa 1800

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Constantin François de Chasseboeuf, comte de Volney

One engraving of Constantin François de Chasseboeuf, comte de Volney dated circa 1800. Profile portrait of Volney.

GLC08878.0660

circa 1806

Weitsch, Friedrich Georg, 1758-1828

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Alexander von Humboldt

One engraving of Alexander von Humboldt circa 1806. Portrait of Humboldt based on the painting by Friedrich Georg Weitsch.

GLC08878.0662

circa 1800

Engraving

Title: Engraving of François-Marie Arouet "Voltaire"

One engraving of François-Marie Arouet commonly known as Voltaire circa 1800. There are two images on the page the top is a bust portrait of Voltaire, the lower image is of Voltaire writing.

GLC08878.0669

circa 1800

Engraving

Title: Engraving of François-Marie Arouet "Voltaire"

One engraving of François-Marie Arouet commonly known as Voltaire circa 1800. Bust portrait of Voltaire.

GLC08878.0670

circa 1800

Largillière, Nicolas de, 1656-1746

Engraving

Title: Engraving of François-Marie Arouet "Voltaire"

One engraving of François-Marie Arouet commonly known as Voltaire circa 1800. Bust portrait of Voltaire. Based on a painting by Nicolas de Largillière.

GLC08878.0671

circa 1800

Largillière, Nicolas de, 1656-1746

Engraving

Title: Engraving of François-Marie Arouet "Voltaire"

One engraving of François-Marie Arouet commonly known as Voltaire circa 1800. Bust portrait of Voltaire. Based on a painting by Nicolas de Largillière. There is text below the image.

GLC08878.0672

22 July 1860

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George C. Latham re: encouraging Robert's friend to reapply to Harvard

Lincoln writes to his son's friend, who had been rejected by Harvard. He writes a letter of encouragement: "It is a certain truth, that you can enter, and graduate in, Harvard University; and having made the attempt, you must succeed in it. 'Must' is the word. [....] In your temporary failure there is no evidence that you may not yet be a better scholar, and a more successful man in the great struggle of life, than many others, who have entered college more easily. Again I say let no feeling of discouragement prey upon you, and in the end you are sure to succeed." According the Lincoln's…

GLC03876

1742

Watts, Isaac, fl. 1742

Book

Title: [Philosophical essays on various subjects; viz., space, substance, body, spirit. Inscribed by William Ellery].

Also signed by William Ellery and George Wanton Ellery. Title continues: "the operations of the soul in union with the body; the production and operations of plants and animals; with some remarks on Mr. Locke's Essay on the human understanding. To which is subjoined A brief scheme of ontology, or the science of being in general, with its affections." A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. George Wanton Ellery was the son of William Ellery.

GLC04230

1914-1923

Harding, Warren G., 1865-1923

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Speech given to an Elks Club]

A draft of a lengthy disquisition on the nature of history and memory, human fellowship and greatness, and the enduring quality of true goodness. Contains many autograph edits. Date approximated from his tenure in national public offices.

GLC04909

November 10, 1828

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jeremy Bentham

Lafayette confirms that he has settled on his farm at La Grange and indicates that he is studying Bentham's philosophy. He discusses standing armies and the role of the militia in defending the United States. Also discusses "the impeachment of ministers" and labels himself "a disciple of the American School," and includes commentary on the French Revolution.

GLC04801

circa 1860

Knight, Charles, fl. 1860

Engraving

Title: Engraving of John Wycliffe

One engraving of John Wycliffe dated circa 1860. Bust portrait of Wycliffe.

GLC08878.0875

circa 1760

Engraving Signed

Title: Engraving of Christian Wolff

One engraving of Christian Wolff dated circa 1760. Bust portrait of Wolff.

GLC08878.0946

circa 1835

Rockey, A.B., fl. 1835

Engraving Signed

Title: Engraving of George Wolf

One engraving of George Wolf dated circa 1835. Bust portrait of Wolf.

GLC08878.0947

circa 1850

Marchant, fl. 1850

Engraving Signed

Title: Engraving of Leonaird Woods

One engraving of Leonaird Woods dated circa 1850. Half seated portrait of Woods.

GLC08878.0961

February 11, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Hancock's child. Explains that only those parents who have suffered that loss can understand how it feels. Expounds upon his understanding of God, death and the afterlife, the human role in the universe, and the nature of the soul. Assures him "of the sincere participation of myself and Mrs. Knox in your sorrow."

GLC02437.03449

14 November 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Abijah Hammond

Expresses his sympathy on the death of [Abijah?] Hammond's child. Notes both him and Mrs. Knox know from experience the sorrow and "agony of the soul" the death of a child brings. Writes, "But such blows while they shake our hold of the world, do not usually assist our piety. We see aged persons by the order of nature pass away, but we see no reason why the young existence should be terminated before it scarcely be realized. The more we revolve or ponder on such events the more deeply are we plunged into a chaos of perplexity, out of which, we can never emerge." Explains in great detail his…

GLC02437.06242

1770

Burke, Edmund, 1729-1797

Book signed

Title: A Philosophical Enquiry into the origin of our ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful

Sixth edition, printed by J. Dodsley in London. Signed on the title page by James Wilson and Bird Wilson. This was an influential eighteenth century English tract on aesthetics.

GLC07322

27 July 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about his last trip to Portsmouth and Boston. Says he was present and "highly delighted" with most of the "Academic Excercises" held at the University of Cambridge [Harvard], including one by a young Mr. [John Quincy] Adams, who "distinguished himself by a manly & dignified oration on public Credit." Also discusses the government, saying "We are gladdened with Reports that the federal Convention is likely to adopt almost unanimously some energetic form of Government, & that it is made so palatable, there are hopes entertained, that it will be swallowed by the People…

GLC02437.03624

12 May 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to W. Fennel

Discusses Fennel's "proposed course of lectures" about philosophy. Writes that "[t]he matter and manner of your lectures will I am persuaded by highly entertaining and instructive ... " Several waterstains make a portion of the writing illegible. Watermarked "J Watt & C Patent Copying/Sold by J Woodmason/London." Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.10309

March 1936

Guest, Edgar A., 1881-1959

Typed document signed

Title: My Creed

A personal philosophy Guest tried to live by, much of it dealing with ethics and decorum: "... to be strict with myself, but patient and lenient with others; to give the advantage , but never to ask for it; to be kindly to all, but kindlier to the less fortunate..." He ends with "to keep faith with God, my fellow men, and country." Guest admits he has not always been able to live up to his high standards, but believes trying to live by these rules has greatly enriched his life.

GLC05508.118

6 June 1877

Ingersoll, Robert G., 1833-1899

Autograph document signed

Title: [The idea of immortality...]

Ingersoll writes a verse comparing immortality to the sea.

GLC05508.145