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to Henry Knox
circa 1783-1788
Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788
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
February 27, 1788
Randall, Thomas, ?-1811
Writes on his way to China. Thanks Knox for taking interest in the affairs of him and Shaw, United States Consul at Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China). Asks Knox to send his apologies to Mr. Jay for not giving him more notice that he was ready to...
GLC02437.03810
30 November 1788
Captain Randall writes from Batavia (present-day Jakarta, Indonesia). Discusses the shipment of wine, sugar, and cotton. Sent ginseng to China via two East India Company ships, enabling Samuel Shaw, who is in China, "to fulfil his engagements &...
GLC02437.04038
14 June 1789
Written from Bombay, present-day Mumbai, India. Declares that he will be on his way to America before Knox reads this letter. Mentions he had arrived in Bombay ten days earlier, after an excruciating five-month-long journey from Batavia. After...
GLC02437.04241
22 November 1790
Expresses his wish for Knox's safe arrival and settlement in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Says his marriage to "Miss Sears" is all arranged for the latter part of December 1790 or the beginning of January 1791. Expects to receive furniture from his...
GLC02437.04780
December 17, 1790
States he is glad that Knox is settling into Philadelphia. Says his wedding is planned for the following week and he will head to Philadelphia 3 January. Accepts Knox's invitation for him and his future wife to stay at the Knoxes residence while in...
GLC02437.04799
February 1, 1791
Apologizes to Knox for not being able to visit him in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on his way to Balitmore.
GLC02437.04846
February 6, 1776
Harrison, Robert H., 1745-1790
Informs Knox that William Cowley has been granted permission for a military discharge by George Washington. Asks Knox to issue the discharge and have Captain Burbeck pay his wages. Harrison was then a secretary to George Washington.
GLC02437.00248
to the Respective Committees of Inspection of the Several Towns on the Road Between Hartford and Cambridge
February 10, 1776
Payne, Benjamin, 1728-1782
Also signed by Samuel Wadsworth and George Smith, all on behalf of the Committee of Inspection for the Town of Hartford. Indicates that the bearer of this letter will have two brass artillery pieces to be delivered to George Washington in Cambridge...
GLC02437.00250
to Eliza Cook
25 December 1861
Cook, Gustave, 1835-1897
Recounts a battle where Cook's regiment lost 5 soldiers, including their commander. Describes the bullets whistling by his head. Has sent money home and promises to send more once he is promoted. News about local Fort Bend boys in camp.
GLC02570.11
January 12, 1862
Discusses money matters. Raves about the "good coffee we have here." The coffee is so good, Cook has promised to send "forty or fifty pounds (by the first chance) of coffee. You must let Lou and Susan have some if I send it." Concerned over the...
GLC02570.12
January 19, 1862
Short note jotted down at daybreak. Writes that he is enclosing a letter. Says he has rheumatism in his arms "which is not very troublesome."Written at Camp Johnson.
GLC02570.13
January 25, 1862
Takes offense at the charge (by Susan, his wife's sister?) that he doesn't write as often as he could. Defends himself by saying he is very busy and does not have an abundance of materials with which to write, unlike the people at home who can write...
GLC02570.14
to Samuel H. Jones
January 26, 1862
Cook, Eliza Jones, fl. 1862
Eliza writes the original letter to her brother, but it is returned to her from Gustave with corrections over each misspelled word and includes a list of Eliza's spellings versus the correct spellings. He also critiques her writing style and...
GLC02570.15
February 3, 1862
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...
GLC02570.16
February 11, 1862
Discusses Eliza's letter to Sam Jones (GLC02570, #15) that he returns with this letter. Compliments her letter writing and encourages her progress in this "art which you so much desire." Reply's to Eliza's claim that she writes every week with "I do...
GLC02570.17
February 24, 1862
Short update quelling the rumors that his company was cut off from the army. Fears that the south has lost Kentucky and Tennessee. Has received family and friends' letters and will write back when he gets the chance.
GLC02570.18
February 25, 1862
Cook's cousin is visiting. Wonders if the girls received his last letter. Reports that there are a handful of soldiers that are so ill they were left behind with a civilian. Parts of letter are missing. Written in a camp near Mursfreesboro...
GLC02570.19
12 March 1862
Writes that he has been sicker than he has ever been in his life. Mostly camp news and general interest news. Cook hopes to visit and writes, "Will you be ready for me? Are you still the great fat girl you were writing to me about two or three...
GLC02570.20
March 16, 1862
Cook wants Eliza to come visit him in Alabama. He thinks that even though it is expensive ($200 each way), it will be worth it if the war lasts much longer. He thinks that the war will be over before the year is through and plans to see Eliza in...
GLC02570.21
Short note reporting Cook's chronic dysentery. Feels compelled to come home to visit but has an obligation to the army and "if a battle is fought here I must see it or I can never be satisfied."
GLC02570.22
March 22, 1862
Has received Eliza's letter and even though it was over a month old, "your hand had traced it and your thoughts were on it so I kissed it and read it over and over." Cook reports that he received letters from his father and his aunt, but nothing...
GLC02570.23
20 July 1862
Short note about camp news. Includes lines about how when the war is over, Eliza and Gustave will come into their own and will be in "the heyday of our life." Reminds her to stay pretty because "…when I do return…then you can make me do as you...
GLC02570.24
24 July 1862
Gustave writes this letter by candlelight which he says "shoots up as I begin a word and dies out before I record the first syllable." Includes camp news. Writes that he may stop by his father's house and check on his brothers' well being.
GLC02570.25
30 July 1862
Includes camp news. Cook promises to write friends and family once he has the chance. Wants Eliza to visit a good dentist "to plug any decayed teeth you have and file apart the two front ones…Pretty teeth you know are a great attraction and by...
GLC02570.26
13 August 1862
Cook went to visit family and "I found the whole country in mourning for relations and friends killed at the battles of Seven Pines and Richmond." Includes news about Girard and adds that Walter has been very sick but is improving slowly. He...
GLC02570.27
17 August 1862
Cook recounts his visits with his sister Ginny, "When I went to see her and the servant told her who it was in the parlor the nervous little woman came running with arms outstretched and tears streaming from her eyes. She threw herself upon my...
GLC02570.28
22 August 1862
Cook discusses camp news. He says he doesn't know where to tell her to write but has decided that sending mail by way of the private citizen is "not a good plan."
GLC02570.29
27 October 1862
Discusses camp news and recent campaigns. Includes a graphic description of the aftermath of the battle of Perryville: "Such slaughter I never dreamed of. Any where on the field you could stand still and count from one to two hundred dead men in a...
GLC02570.30
1 November 1862
Discusses camp news. Complains about his charges; he thinks "they need too much waiting on and watching, they are not manly enough." Asks Eliza what she and the children do for fun and asks "Do you ever talk about me and wonder where I am and what...
GLC02570.31
to Polly, Nettie and Peggy Cook
7 November 1862
A short note just for the little girls so they "see that he does not forget his babies." Tells them to say their prayers, to study, be good and take care of their mother. Writes that he has a small white tent all to himself and say, "Would you not...
GLC02570.32
9 November 1862
Camp news and possible rumors of a possible promotion. Says he bought a young mare and a large horse and regrets the purchase of the horse because he could have sent her the money. He will send money for Christmas dinner.
GLC02570.33
to Ida Cook
Remands her for not writing after she promised to. Send his love to the family. Makes a deal with Ida: if she writes him a long neat letter he will tell her "how I live and all about the war and also send you a twenty dollar bill in it."
GLC02570.34
23 November 1862
Says he has just received all the letters Eliza has written him since he left. Says he just bought another mare for $300 "which I wish now I had to send you."
GLC02570.35
10 December 1862
Writes how the ink is freezing in his pen's point and it is visible in the letter. Reports on possible campaigns. Is frustrated with the mail which he calls "uncertain" and he "must learn to endure although I am inpatient when I do not get letters...
GLC02570.36
January 13, 1863
Gustave has been wounded and his letter is written by the chaplain. His horse was shot and subsequently fell probably during the Battle of Stone's River. Says the fall "caused the blood to gush from my mouth and nose and made me a little [more...
GLC02570.37
January 18,1863
Long letter discusses camp news, campaigns. Written near Shelbyville, Tennessee.
GLC02570.38
February 17, 1863
Discusses the incredibly cold weather and has frostbite on both feet and one finger. Mentions a paralysis (seizure?) in his arms, spine and "brain which left me senseless and speechless for about 24 hours. They all thought you'd be a young widow…"...
GLC02570.39
6 March 1863
Cook has no supplies to write a decent letter so he uses a pencil. Reports camp news and current situation. Written near Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
GLC02570.40
March 19-20, 1863
Had not meant to write to Eliza but his hand automatically wrote "Darling." Reminds her of taking walks on the prairies and jokingly tells her to watch for persuasive suitors. Cook had written Eliza an explicit letter and wonders why she has not...
GLC02570.41
15 April [1863]
Wonders if all his letters are boring his wife. Discusses having a cough and recovering. Reports that he will be stopping one day and expects to see an abundance of letters from home, "If not, it is strange and I shall incline to think you neglect...
GLC02570.42
20 April 1863
Fuss about Cook's lack of mail: "I will venture that no other wife in Texas, or sweetheart even, gets half as many letters from her lover as you do. Is it not so? And yet I do not get letters from you as often as many do from others. How come this...
GLC02570.43
1 June 1863
Says he has received Eliza's last 2 letters and is saddened to learn that their daughter Nellie is still sick. He tries to comfort her by saying that if she does not get better and dies, she will be with God and at peace. He is worried that due to...
GLC02570.44
6 July 1863
Writes that his brother Walter has been killed near Chancellorsville, Virginia. Comforts his wife over the loss of their daughter Nellie by saying she is with God and "God has done best. We will cherish her memory." Eliza thinks Cook blames her...
GLC02570.45
30 July 1863
Discusses the rainy weather and knows that things like that are not unusual in the army and should not complain. Has an awakening (Page 4) and apologizes for being unkind and uncaring in the past. Cook promises to change his ways when he comes home...
GLC02570.46
31 July 1863
Includes news from camp. Discusses his recovery from a cough. Writes about his mistrust of sending mail with someone he doesn't know. He writes, "It is a great trust to send letters home by one and a man who would betray it would very materially...
GLC02570.47
6 August 1863
Rejoices that his wife's health has improved. Tells her to keep in mind her health for everyone's sake so she will be healthy when he returns. Reports that his brother Girard was shot through the thigh at the Battle of Gettysburg. He writes, "Were...
GLC02570.48
7 - 12 August 1863
Reports attending a barbeque, presentation and a review. Describes what he wore and how "well I looked and all the girls refused to believe that I was married thinking it a joke." Puts Eliza's mind at ease with: "But as pretty and charming as they...
GLC02570.49
24 October 1863
Opens with, "Do not be frightened at my new handwriting as it is done with my left hand." Describes his wounds.
GLC02570.50
3 November 1863
Short note letting Eliza know his wounds are improving. Letter looks as though it was written over a previously written letter on bleached paper. Contains ANS by Gustave Cook to his wife on page 2.
GLC02570.51
December 31, 1863
Has sent $300 and wishes he could have sent more. Tells Eliza that she shall reap her reward for all her sacrifices. Writes that Sam has been taken prisoner and reasons that "while a prisoner [Sam] is at least out of danger." Notes that his...
GLC02570.52
February 1, - February 9, 1864
Discusses their good fortune in life. Describes how he looks and feels. Says his wounded hand has greatly improved and is better than he would have ever suspected. Has stopped writing to people at home except for his wife "and they shall only hear...
GLC02570.53
February 29, 1864
Describes camp news. Almost illegible, very faint writing.
GLC02570.54
4 March 1864
Christens his wife with a pet name: "Mavourneen" (my darling). Has sent her a care package. "Then as now I had comparatively nothing to write but I neglect no opportunity to send you a line." Discusses the importance of men being with women to...
GLC02570.55
29 April 1864
Glad that he received Eliza's picture and letter. Cook is relived that she is well again and shares his fear of her death. He was most afraid she would die without ever knowing how much he loved her. Wishes their children to grow up and follow in...
GLC02570.56
13 June 1864
Cooks wants to set the record straight on "the house 'I loved so much'." He feels he has been straightforward and has told Eliza everything of his past indiscretions. Says he will again clear things up when he returns. He writes, "…nothing will...
GLC02570.57
14 June 1864
Cook writes that he has been very sick but is getting better. Critiques Eliza's last letter in which she doubts his love and truthfulness. He writes, "You speak of "Annie Laurie" as being sung in the house I 'used to love so much.' Was this kind?...
GLC02570.58
7 July 1864
Writes that he is thinking of Eliza and has nothing to write except "that I love you and fear you do not believe it." Discusses at length camp and army news. Reports on his gaunt physique and how much he has changed from the man Eliza fell in love...
GLC02570.59
15 July 1864
Writes about his and Eliza's wedding day, 11years ago. Reminds her of God's blessings regardless of all the illness and death that has been bestowed upon them. Wishes he had kept and journal and "let our children see the joys and sorrows, hopes and...
GLC02570.60
16 September 1864
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...
GLC02570.61
22 October 1864
Has received Eliza's letters those from friends dated as far back as December 1863. Fills her in on where his camp is going and where they have been since his last letter. Can't bear to write any news of the war and instructs Eliza to read the...
GLC02570.62
29 October 1864
Short note reporting that "Sammie is alive and well though a prisoner in the hands of the enemy." Writes that his application for furlough is being strongly recommended. Was written near Jacksonville, Alabama.
GLC02570.63
14 December 1864
Discusses camp news. Feels that the war is more than half over. Interested in how the children are doing and what they are learning. Wants daughter Ida to continue her education away from home but doesn't think she would do well in the presence of...
GLC02570.64
8 January 1865
Decides to write a lighthearted and witty letter since he cannot sleep. Describes the routine morning activities and talks about the bad food. Writes a bit later in the day and includes "…I only need the love of one being and that one you can guess...
GLC02570.65
January 12, 1865
Tells Eliza that he wrote her four days ago and "sent the letter off by a very uncertain carrier but hope you will get it. I now regret not having retained it until the present as I have a most excellent opportunity to transmit letters." A friend...
GLC02570.66
[Bond for J.T. and William Brady]
11 May 1865
Murrah, Pendleton, fl. 1865
Bond in the amount of $1000 made out to J.T. and William Brady. Also signed by C.N. Randolph, Treasurer; and W.L. Robards, Comptroller.
GLC02570.67
13 December 1865
Illegible, very faint writing.
GLC02570.68
1861-1865
Illegible fragment
GLC02570.69
"Fort Burnh[a]m, Interior View."
[1861-1865]
Brady, Mathew B., 1823-1896
Image of soldiers amongst a group of closely-spaced tents.
GLC03029.01
"Interior, Fort Brady."
Numbered 10786 in pencil on verso. Image of two men beside a cannon near the camp wall.
GLC03029.02
"Gen. Heinkelman [Heintzelman] & staff at Arlington House."
Gathering of soldiers and women on the steps of Arlington House. Photographer Timothy O'Sullivan (in the tall black hat) stands next to Gen. Heinztelman (Horan, 32).
GLC03029.03
Genl. Lee's Head Quarters
circa 1861-1865
Image of stone house that served as Lee's Head Quarters at Gettysburg and surrounding grounds.
GLC03029.04
"Bridge destroyed by the Rebels in July 2d."
[1863]
Image of bridge at Hanover Junction prior to destruction by Confederates, with men visible atop bridge, and railroad tracks in foreground.
GLC03029.05
"Huts built by Reb[s] occupied by the Union sol[diers]s. Brandy."
Image of soldiers gathered before a group of a log structures.
GLC03029.06
"3 Reb Pris[oners] behind B[reast]works. "
Image of three Confederate prisoners gathered behind the breastworks. Identified as Gettysburg in Ward, 237.
GLC03029.07
"3 Reb Pris[oners] behind B[reast]works."
Slightly darker print of image #7. Caption and image number on side of negative are slightly easier to read than in image #7.
GLC03029.08
"Engineers R. R. Depot."
Image shows eight men in a mixture of military and civilian dress, accompanied by four women and two young girls. No railroad is visible.
GLC03029.09
River scene with boats
Negative number 8913 penciled on verso, and also visible on front of image. River scene showing loading of ships, with a small encampment in the middle ground.
GLC03029.10
"Street S[c]ene Alex[andria], Va."
Street scene showing horses, wagons, and several men on or beside the railroad tracks outside of a soap and candle factory.
GLC03029.11
"Butler's line on the Appomattox n[ea]r Pertersbg [Petersburg.]"
[1864/05 -1864/06]
Shows cleared area behind a temporary fortification. Soldiers and log structures visible in the extreme background.
GLC03029.12
"13th N.Y. artillery at [F]ort Burpee."
Shows several groups of soldiers gathered behind the breastworks. Companion with image #14 (right half of stereo).
GLC03029.13
"13th N.Y. artillery at Ft. Burpee."
Companion with image #13 (left half of stereo).
GLC03029.14
"Ram Atlanta."
1863/06/17
[not before Union capture of C.S.S. Atlanta in Wassaw Sound, Ga., , cf. Davis and Wiley, v.1, 1050.] Distant image of C.S.S. Atlanta, presumably after Union capture, with soldiers standing along all three decks.
GLC03029.15
"Woods on Right wing."
Shows a lone man seated on a rock in the woods, facing away from the camera. The man may be Brady, who often wore a white jacket.
GLC03029.16
Men in front of tent
Pencil note "9997" on verso. Shows three white men outside of tent, one standing and wearing a kepi. An African American man (possibly a servant) stands to the right. Image affords a good view of the inside of the tent.
GLC03029.17
[Nine Officers]
Image shows nine officers in a clearing (eight standing and one seated).
GLC03029.18
"Fort Brady."
Image shows two cannons in a fortified trench, each manned by four soldiers.
GLC03029.19
"Signal Tower, Cobb[']s Hill."
1864-1865
[not before 14 June 1864, cf. The Photographic History of the Civil War, 310-311.] Image shows four soldiers, a wooden structure, and a carriage in the foreground, and the signal tower slightly behind and the right.
GLC03029.20
"Breast work on Left wing Round top Getezsburg [Gettysburg]."
Shows a lone man in a straw hat (perhaps Brady) amongst fallen trees and a crude stone fortification.
GLC03029.21
[Farmhouse]
Shows a wooden house [farmhouse?] with a man and woman in front.
GLC03029.22
Counterfeit coins
1846 ca.?
Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849
GLC01980.02
GLC01980.03
to Louis M. Goldsborough
March 27, 1862
Welles, Gideon, 1802-1878
Mentions the receipt of dispatches from Goldsborough and Rowan, who had been involved in the capture of "rebel batteries upon the Neuse River." Writes about the "brilliant victory" at New Bern and requests that Goldsborough "convey to Commander...
GLC02254.03
to Henry K. Davenport
8 November 1862
Renshaw, Richard T., 1822-1879
Reports "a most successful trial of one of the Machines for blowing up vessels constructed by Second Assistant Engineer John L. Lay." Describes the trial, during which a "Sch'r of sixty tons floated over catching the wires and blowing her to atoms."...
GLC02254.05
to Richard T. Renshaw
2 April 1863
MacDiarmid, John, fl. 1862-1863
Writes from aboard the U.S.S. Ceres, having just traveled from New Bern "last evening at 11 PM." Discusses his plans "of passing the batteries and proceeding to Washington," and sends ammunition "by the Boats of the Ceres, Lockwood, and Granite."...
GLC02254.09
9 April 1863
McCann, William Penn, 1830-1906
Writes to say he is sending "to night three (3) Schooners, with ammunition for the Army and the Gunboats." Mentions that "Davenport thinks it is imprudent to send more boats past the batteries without silencing them." Assures Renshaw that "the...
GLC02254.10
11 April 1863
Writes to Renshaw about the plan to "attack Hills Point Battery at 5 Oclock tomorrow morning, and cover the 'Escort' as she passes through the obstructions." Notes that the Escort will be carrying ammunition.
The attack McCann references is the...
GLC02254.11
[General Orders]
14 April 1863
Hoffman, Southard, fl. 1863
Announces that Commanding General Foster "is about to leave for a brief time the Gallant Soldiers and Sailors comprising this Garrison; Brigadier General Potter will remain in command." Mentions that Foster will be leaving "for the purpose of...
GLC02254.13
to Douglass Ottinger
23 September 1863
Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873
Sends Ottinger orders to "proceed to Beaufort, N.C. and take command of the Revenue Cutter 'Forward'." Encloses "copies of Regulations recently issued governing the trade between the loyal States and those States heretofore declared to be in...
GLC02254.15
[Blank Log of Ship's Battery]
8 April 1864
United States. Navy Department. Bureau of Ordnance
Blank printed document from the Navy Department. To be filled out by the vessel's commander with a complete record of the ship's battery and all changes made.
GLC02254.16
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