February 13, 1805

Wilde, Samuel Sumner, 1771-1855

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a petition, currently in front of the Legislature, about the recent loss of the Hallowell Academy. Writes that an accident demolished the building, and hope the Legislature will provide some assistance. Thinks they will help the academy, but hopes Knox might recommend the measure to members of the Legislature whom he knows. Also discusses recent heavy snows.

GLC02437.07908

January 29, 1803

Dutton, Samuel E., fl. 1803-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Hallowell, possibly in Maine. Would have visited Knox in Boston if weather permitted; however, due to the snow, he is happy to send Knox a letter. Cannot write a long letter because he is short on paper. Reports on dairies in a region of Knox's lands, and discusses taxation affecting Knox's lands. Also includes a bill for his services, and asks Knox politely if he could pay soon, as he is "poor."

GLC02437.07784

January 22, 1863

Faxon, William, 1822-1883

Autograph letter signed

Title: to A. A. Harwood

Written by Chief Clerk Faxon to Commodore Harwood. Tells Harwood that the "'Monitor' was launched January 30th, 1862 - Contest with the 'Merrimac,' March 9th - Foundered on the night of 30th Decr. 1862." (The "Merrimac" sank on 11 May 1862; the "Monitor" was lost at sea on 30 December of that year.) Says Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles and his wife will be pleased (he does not specify why) "for there is no vessel he speaks of with such affection as the 'Monitor.'" Says he received a telegram from Admiral Lee that one of the ironclads [possibly the Weehauken] is now entering Hampton Roads…

GLC05331.03

February 12, 1793

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Dined with Cary Ludlow, the father-in-law of Mr. Morton, where he learned that Mrs. Morton was opposed to going into their new house on Broadway. Ludlow said his son-in-law will probably be induced to let it for 350 pounds. Says if Morton can be persuaded to part with it for 300 pounds, it will be a good price in the current market. Relates that he spoke to Mrs. Fleming again about her house, but she is still determined to let it for 400 a year for 3 years. Reports that Isaac Clason, a merchant, is about to buy up Macomb's debt at 5/6 to the pound. Does not see William Duer taking any…

GLC02437.05815

2 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

Signed and initialed by Knox. Tells Lucy their baby girl and the rest of the family is in good health just outside Philadelphia. Reports "The disorder seems to have vanished by Magic and the great Storm of rain which took place the day before yesterday and lasted 24 hours will complete the death of this infernal monster." Says he will not be going into town until December though. Expects to see Lucy by 15 November. Notes President Washington and Thomas Jefferson arrived in Germantown yesterday in perfect health. Mentions "Hamilton is again sick, but not with the prevailing fever but he…

GLC02437.05958

6 June 1792

Kellock, William, fl. 1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Samuel Shaw]

No addressee is named, but apparently Kellock is replying to a letter from Shaw written 6 April 1792 (refer to GLC02437.05403). Touches on several topics, including recent difficult weather for transatlantic journeys. Comments that the recent financial scares in New York and Philadelphia have negatively impacted merchants who trade to those places, such as those in London. Discusses the endeavors of their business associates in Ostend (such as George Bell), particularly upcoming ventures in India and China. A note at the bottom of page two, written and signed by Samuel Shaw, indicates…

GLC02437.05490

October 2, 1870

Lee, Mary Custis, 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Norvell Caskie

Mary writes of her husband Robert E. Lee's sudden illness. "He has taken very suddenly & alarmingly ill after a day of rather harrassing mental fatigue but is now better & the Dr. gives us good hope he will soon be well again though he is still confined to his bed & indeed lies in our dining room where he was taken sick & we have been unable to move him up stairs..." Mentions that it has been raining for days and that floods have carried away bridges and people's winter supplies. She informs that there is a break on the Central railroad and many people visiting in town have…

GLC01440.01

October 7, 1870

Lee, Mary Custis, 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Norvell Caskie

She updates Caskie on her husband Robert E. Lee's illness. " ... Dr. Madison says that the Genl has neither paralysis or apoplexy but is suffering from tension of the nerves of the head connected with his former illness." She advises that in case Caskie has not heard from "dear Mother," that she is fine and safe from the dangers of the flooding that has occurred in the area. Letter written shortly before Lee's death.

GLC01440.02

18 August 1795

Bingham, William, 1752-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses land business and mentions an overflowing river that has done quite a bit of damage to the property along its banks. Mentions Knox's upcoming trip to Boston.

GLC02437.06494

19 November 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one.

GLC02437.09421

circa March 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy. An estimated date of March 1780 is written in pencil at the top of page. Washington thanks Knox for three recent favors, including sending him a "Suit of the Hartford Manufacture." Discusses a recent election, noting that votes have been in favor of Mr. Adams (possibly John Adams). Comments on the severe weather, noting that it will prevent some members from attending an unspecified event (possibly Congress). Hopes Knox has recovered from a "painful disorder."

GLC02437.09436

15 December 1778

Livingston, Robert, 1708-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his son [possibly his son-in-law, James Duane]

Discusses a snow storm that may work to the American troops' advantage as the roads are impassable. Mentions a food shortage and the rising costs of provisions. Assures the recipient that his family, under Livingston's care, is healthy. Asks about the developments in Congress and whether any news has arrived from France, England, or Spain. Wonders whether the British will allow the war to continue for another year. Encloses a letter for recipient's brother Robert (not included) and wishes him a happy holiday.

GLC02537.01

10 November 1780-29 November 1780

Manuscript

Title: [Journal of voyage from New York City aboard the Raleigh]

The unsigned manuscript, apparently British in origin, was written while on the Frigate "Raleigh," commanded by Captain James Gambier. Gives list of passengers, who are all officers and says they are bound for the Chesapeake. On 12 November his destination changes to Cape Fear, North Carolina. Sees several ships of the line before leaving New York. Mentions a storm on 17 November. Says they captured several ships during their voyage southward. Heard the British fleet became separated on 17 November because of the "gale."

GLC02542.08

September 1790

Carey, Mathew, 1760-1839

Magazine

Title: [American Museum or Universal magazine; volume VIII, no. 3].

Signed by Secretary of War Henry Knox. Includes Jefferson's report on currency and weight and measures, Washington's State of the Union address, and a letter by Franklin on death by lightning strike. Printed by Carey, Stewart, & Co.

GLC02593.02

circa 1783-1788

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for monetary help as he is currently in dire straits due to weather losses and having a suit filed against him.

GLC02437.08184

January 31, 1793

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that bad weather prevented them from going to sea yesterday. It is now fair and they will sail in an hour. Received Knox's letter of 28 January and says "you will herewith receive a packet from me."

GLC02437.05801

11 November 1900

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter

Title: to Owen Horsfall [incomplete]

Writes to his son about a blizzard "4º below zero, wind blowing from N.E. at the rate of 60 miles an hour, and sand and snow cutting the skin off one's face in going against it." Comments on the brilliant northern lights. Plans to mush with Jim Reed and the dogteam to stake ground. Supposes McKinley was elected President, but it will be a long time before he knows for sure. Written on stationary from the Alaska Gold Mining Company, Cape Nome, Alaska. Last page or pages missing.

GLC05245.04

30 November 1900

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son stating that many men lost their lives from starvation or exposure as they were stuck with their dogteams on the trail to Teller, Alaska. He was talking to a friend, who told him that last summer at the local saloon and gambling house "they got all of their claims from parties who did not think much of them and would sell them for $10 or perhaps a hundred dollars each, or perhaps wanted a few dollars for a gambling stake…" Written on stationary from the Alaska Gold Mining Company, Cape Nome, Alaska.

GLC05245.05

circa November 11, 1907

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [children] [incomplete]

The snow and storm have made it quite dark. Reports that he periodically gets up to make a fire while Ben tends to the horses and together they bought and share a cross cut saw. The ice stretched 500 feet out from the shore. Says he intended to send them a gold nugget but forgot. Written on Alaska Goldmining Company stationary.

GLC05245.39

January 25, 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Has been sick for about 10 days and has a boil on his neck. Heavy rain has turned everything to mud. "Elbridge and J.F. Whiting (Will's partner,) have become my sureties for the sum of ten thousand dollars" so he can "give bonds."

GLC04663.57

29 July 1865

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

Notes that the temperature has been over 100 for several days. Notes he was promoted to Colonel. Says that he has decided to remain in the army another two or three months. Encloses a recipe for "tomato wine" [not in the collection]. Mentions he has a bad eye and a boil on his right eyebrow.

GLC04663.66

17 July 1862

Walbridge, Charles E., 1842-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Louise Walbridge

He estimates the Confederate army at 200,000. There have been thunderstorms every night for several days, yet the days have been sunny.

GLC04663.05

17 July 1792

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes about an earthquake that hit Quebec "By a letter from Quebec of the 5th Instant - I find they had a most violent Earthquake on the 6th Decr - a vulcano [sic] broke out about 70 miles north - the light so great as to be seem at Quebec in the night." Mentions that the shakes continued for a day and a town 40 miles from the volcano received damage. Comments on an Indian raid, "The Indian Acct (very untrue) 1000 Indians engaged - Killed & wounded of our people, left on the field upwards of 1000!" Noted as written at "D Works," which is most likely Delaware Works, located in what is…

GLC02437.05543

20 July 1863-15 May 1864

Simpson, Edward, 1824-1888

Diary

Title: Diary of Lt. Commander Edward Simpson

Diary of captaincy of the "Submarine Battery 'Passaic'". Details attacks upon Charleston, Fort Moultrie and Battery Gregg; inner workings of a Monitor and intraservice rivalries. Quarter calf, marbled boards, pencil loops. The USS Passaic, one of a series of single-turret ironclad gunships designed by John Ericsson, was commissioned in November of 1862 and assigned to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. She saw action at Fort McAllister in March of 1863 and at Fort Sumter in April of that year. Following the latter engagement, she was sent to New York for repairs and command was…

GLC05911.04

February 3, 1862

Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza Cook

Has written a letter to Mr. Earnest and wants Eliza to read it. In this letter he has recounted the terrible weather. He is very glad that Eliza is writing him letters and takes "great pleasure in correcting any spelling errors you may make so far as I am capable." Discusses how there are certain words with three meanings (No, Know and Now). Reminds her to work on her penmanship. Written at Camp Hardee.

GLC02570.16