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to Robert Adams

He is disturbed over the "clamour raised for the disfranchisement of the colored voters of the South." Written on letterhead from Cedar Hill, Douglass's Washington, D.C. home.

GLC04997

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to pardon Nathan Darling].

1 black and white bust engraving of Lincoln included.

GLC05062

to Simon Buckner

Souvenir autograph copy of Grant's famous February 16, 1862, letter to Buckner demanding "unconditional surrender" of Fort Donelson, Tennessee, one of the best-known of Grant's wartime letters. This copy was written by Grant, probably in the late...

GLC04450

to William C. Clark re: death of son, Robert, 6 days after death by typhus

GLC04456

to Lorenzo Thomas re: no work done, supplies nearly exhausted

GLC04461.01

to Edward Manigault

The letter discusses sending ammunition & weapons to Morris & Sullivan Islands.

GLC04461.02

to Frederick Brown & Jeremiah Brown

Leaving Kansas, his poor health, and the health of his sons. Says he is leaving Kansas "both on business: & to recover my health," as he is suffering from "Dysentary & Chill Fever." However, "I expect to go back should the trouble continue"...

GLC04463.01

to John Brown

Journey to Kansas, staking claims in Osawatomie, and plans to build a settlement. Says he, Owen, and Salmon arrived in Osawatomie, without John Jr. and Jason, and have found good land. They "intend to put up some cabbins and get to ploughing as...

GLC04463.03

[Signatures of six of John Brown's supporters]

Piece of paper with six signatures, reportedly found in Brown's carpetbag. After Brown's capture, soldiers found a carpetbag of his in the farm where the raiders had been living. The bag contained numerous papers written and signed by his Northern...

GLC04463.04

to Ruth Brown

Relates news of friends and family from "the hill," their house in Ohio. Encloses a letter from "grandfather," most likely Owen Brown. Discusses construction projects, his health, family pastimes, a fire in Akron and Ruth's recent marriage. Asks...

GLC04463.05

Almon Kingsbury petition for tavern licence

Petitioning the Court of Common Pleas in Portage County, Ohio for a tavern license. State their opinion that "a tavern is needed at the center of Hudson...that the house lately occupied by Owen Brown Esqr...would constitute a favorable stand for...

GLC04463.06

[Invoice for work done in Portage County, Ohio]

Invoice stating Brown was owed twenty two dollars. Signed twice by Brown. Also signed by Elias Harmon and Samuel Brigg as Justices.

GLC04463.07

Stone print of John Brown's last written words with copy of original [Decimalized .01-.02]

Stone print of the last words of John Brown. "I John Brown am now quite certain that the crimes of this guilty, land: will never be purged away, but with Blood. I had as I now think: vainly flattered myself that without very much bloodshed; it...

GLC04463.08

[Promissory note]

Promissory note from Oliver Brown for five hundred eighty five dollars and sixty eight cents.

GLC04463.09

to Mr. Lally

Affirms that "Five Men and Pompey" was his first published work. States that "We had a sketch of John Dos Passos in 'Books' recently, and there will be others. I don't know when or if we'll get together in book form." In 1933 Benet and his wife...

GLC04463.10

to David Dixon Porter

Written from Headquarters, Department of the Tennessee, near Vicksburg, Mississippi. Grant orders Admiral Porter to direct the Marine Brigade to debark at Haynes' Bluff, Mississippi, and to send as many steamers as possible to obtain reinforcements...

GLC04464

[Request of the Supreme Executive Council to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for clarification of a Constitutional point].

Requests the state Supreme Court for an interpretation of the twentieth section of the Constitution of the State of Pennsylvania. Written as Secretary of the Supreme Executive Council of the State of Pennsylvania.

GLC04465

to Jonathan M. Bennett

"Stonewall" Jackson writes to Colonel Bennett to accept his offer to make him a brigadier General in the Confederate Army and put him in command of all troops in western Virginia. States, "The sooner it is done the better. Have me ordered at once...

GLC04473.01

to Leroy P. Walker

"Stonewall" Jackson thanks Walker, the Secretary of War for appointing him as Brigadier General in the Confederate Army. Encloses the oath of office (not present). With endorsement on verso stating that Jackson has accepted the appointment.

GLC04473.02

Joining of the rails at Promontory Point [Russell #227]

GLC04481.01

to John Sidney Thrasher

Johnston, commanding the Army of Tennessee, replies to a letter from Thrasher, superintendent of the Confederate Press Association. Plans to send a communication to General Ulysses S. Grant accompanied by Thrasher's previous letter pertaining to a...

GLC04488

By Order of Abraham Lincoln... A draft [Dedham, Mass.]

Broadside announcing the institution of a draft in Dedham, Massachusetts, signed at the court house in Concord, Mass. by members of the Board of Enrolment: S. Benton Thompson, Addison G. Fay, and David S. Fogg. Insertions made in black crayon...

GLC04531

to Mrs. S. W. K. Brown

GLC04546.019

[Report on the Battle of Washita]

Written in the hand of Custer's Sergeant Pierre A. Bunker of the 7th Cavalry, prepared for Custer's signature. Custer reports at length and in graphic detail on his military activities and observations at the Battle of Washita against Chief Black...

GLC04606

[Secret draft budget for the United States]

Partial printed budget that the Continental Congress ordered the Committee on Finance to draft. Recommends a loan of 20 million dollars sterling from Europe and outlines the financial relationship with the states. Also recommends poll taxes and...

GLC04658

to Benjamin Rush

With separate (disconjugate) address leaf. Also discusses Jefferson Administration as "Monarchical, anti-Republican government;" the debates in 1776; the possibility of war, and his interest in the outcome of Aaron Burr's treason trial.

GLC04879

to William Smith Shaw

Discusses his interest in Native American religion and his difficulties in learning about it because of Indians reluctance to speak on the topic. Describes his attempts to learn about Native American religion from a Mr. Alexander McGillivray, the...

GLC04880

to Thomas Jefferson re: politics, Hamilton's envy

Docketed by Thomas Jefferson ("Burr Aaron. N. York Apr.21.1801") at top of verso. Burr concludes his letter on politics that "Hamilton seems to be literally mad with spleen and envy and disappointment -- as far as I can yet judge, his efforts are...

GLC04882

to Francisco Vásquez de Coronado [in Spanish]

Written on behalf of King Charles I of Spain (Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor), by the President of the Council of the Indies, Francisco García de Loaysa. Report of the Niza expedition. Authorizes Coronado's expedition to explore the heart of the North...

GLC04883

to D. Barnes re: locating Barnes' son, a missing union soldier (with ALS of son)

Four months after Appomatox, Lee expresses sympathy for an anxious Yankee father searching for his son. Also includes an ALS from the son, D. Barnes, Jr. to his father, D. Barnes, dated 13 Mar. 186[3-5]. Was written near Cartersville, Virginia.

GLC04889

to unknown

Written to the chairman of an anti-Mormonism meeting to be held in Farwell Hall, Chicago. The former wife of Brigham Young denounces Mormonism as a "Political, social and religious monstrosity." Young left Mormonism eight years earlier and welcomes...

GLC04893

[Minutes of field council held during attack on Bull's Ferry blockhouse]

Co-signed by six field officers, including Brigadier General William Irvine of the 2nd Brigade of the Pennsylvania Line. The minutes of a council of war held during an attack on Bull's Ferry blockhouse. It appears that Knox wrote this on the verso...

GLC04898

to Isaac G. McKinley

Buchanan voices his support for the Fugitive Slave Law, enacted under the Compromise of 1850. Believes the law will be the deciding issue in the upcoming election, and that the Democrats should strongly support it. He writes: "The great issue...

GLC04903

to George Gordon Meade

Grant, Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army, writes from Headquarters of the Armies of the United States to Meade, Commander of the Army of the Potomac. Discussing an assault on Petersburg, states that General Horatio Wright can contribute...

GLC04907.01

to Daniel Perkins

Hancock writes to Reverend Perkins, his step-father. Hancock has not yet received communication from Perkins, and writes to let his family know that he is well. Hancock discusses the death of King George II and the impending coronation of George III.

GLC04908

to Benjamin F. Butler re: annexation of Texas; Van Buren's presidential career

Commenting on the impending annexation of Texas and Martin Van Buren's presidential career.

GLC04915

to David Gelston re: thanks for supplying statistics on use of steamboats

Letter or note in the third person, thanking Gelston for supplying information on use of newly invented steamboats on the Hudson River. Written in Monticello

GLC04918

to Mary Ann Foot

Expresses deep sympathy for the illness of her husband, Senator Solomon Foot, and refers to her own trials, "I pray that our Heavenly Father may be merciful to you . . .and spare you the cup of affliction, which I have been called upon, so freely to...

GLC04923

to Philemon Ewing

Brigadier General Sherman reflects upon his suitability for high command and notes the handicap of having been influenced by his years spent in the South, "I am not fit to be a leader in such a war, and have from the first desired to keep in the...

GLC04931

to William Davenport

Discusses efforts to remove the Seminole Indians from Florida during the second Seminole War. Mentions General Macomb's plan to negotiate. Comments on his own plan to canvas central Florida to flush the Seminoles out of the everglades. Asserts...

GLC04933

to E.B. Alexander re: waiting for orders near the Rio Grande (Mexican War)

Related to the Mexican War and the argument over borders for the state of Texas. He writes: "I look daily for orders which will carry us to the Rio Grande or beyond." Addressed on page 6.

GLC04934

to the authorities of Rome, Georgia

Forrest, commander of a cavalry brigade in the Army of Tennessee, writes from Headquarters (of an unspecified post), "twenty miles west of Garrison." Informs the authorities of Rome "There is a Federal Force of Fifteen Hundred cavalry marching on...

GLC04940

The Bostonian's Paying the Excise-man, or Tarring & Feathering

Engraving attributed to Philip Dawe, with hand-coloring. Shows the Boston Tea Party in the background, a "Liberty Tree" with a paper "Stamp Act" affixed upside-down, with five unsavory Bostonians forcibly pouring a pot of tea into the mouth of a...

GLC04961.01

Proclamation by the Mayor

Broadside declaring martial law by the Mayor, in the aftermath of the San Fransico earthquake. Authorizes security forces to kill looters, requests citizens to remain at home from dark until dawn, and has directed that electricity and gas remain off...

GLC04967.01

[Message to the Confederate House of Representatives vetoing an act for investigating committees].

Vetoes "an act to aid committees of Congress in the investigation of matters referred to them and to punish false swearing before said committees" passed by the Confederate Congress. Davis believes that conferring upon the Congress the power to fine...

GLC04974

to William H. Seward re: accepting the conditions of his pardon

Forrest accepts the conditions of his presidential pardon and amnesty oath, with all the conditions specified. Certified at bottom by Isaac Morrison, U.S. Commander for the District of West Tenn.

GLC04978

to John Titcomb Sprague

Written from Camp White Oak Church. Colonel Bidwell of the 49th New York Volunteers writes to Sprague, Adjutant General of the State of New York. Attests that John C. White is "a worthy and efficient man and one who has distinguished himself in...

GLC05024

to Ira Harris

Mitchel discusses President Abraham Lincoln and the pending Civil War with Harris, United States Senator from New York. States "How would it do for Mr Lincoln to offer to receive the Commissioners from the 'Cotton States' or the accredited...

GLC05044

to George A. Custer

Sends orders to Custer for military activities against the Sioux and Cheyenne in "the valley of the Platte." Directs him to "quietly disarm" friendly Indians of horses that appear stolen and send them to Fort McPherson or Fort Segwick. Indicates...

GLC05068

to Edmund Bacon

Discusses his thoughts on compound interest, which he believes is unjust. Encloses an order for interest of $145.18 due on 31 December. Gives instructions on making and delivering cider from apples from the North orchard of Monticello. Letter is...

GLC05088

[Instructions for house managers for the showing of David W. Griffith's "The Birth of a Nation"]

Contains spaces for house managers to fill in information, including performance or film dates, company arrival and departure times, and manager names. Jack Edwards, a Southern Representative of the performance or film, instructs theater house...

GLC05091

to Joshua F. Speed re: asking Speed to help Lyman Guinnip in Louisville

A confidential letter. Guinnip had been accused of helping enslaved people seek refuge. Lincoln comments "I scarcely think he is guilty of any real crime."

Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers...

GLC04370

to Matthias Ogden re: plan to capture Prince William Henry and Admiral Digby

Approving a plan to capture (or kidnap) the future William IV but advising Ogden to treat them with respect and warning him (in a postscript) to avoid touching neutral ground. Boatner's Encyclopedia of the American Revolution notes the plan was...

GLC04386

to George Walton re: circular to Governors transmitting Act for levying duties

Circular letter, lacking the act of Congress. Trimmed on right edge, with some loss of text. One bust engraving of Washington included.

GLC04388

to Abram Wakeman

Marked private. Requests that he call on Abraham Lincoln, her husband, today. Discusses someone referred to only as "E." Remarks "The game of espionage has been going on to a greater extent, than we have imagined - If the Heavens fall E shall...

GLC04420

[Account of Jackson's Valley Campaign]

Very detailed account of Jackson's Valley campaign of 1862. Written and signed by Chilton, with later additions in Jackson's own hand. Written at the Head Quarters of the Second Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia. Bound on top.

GLC04428

[Presidential pardon of Charles Wallace who had abandoned his regiment in the Dakota Territory in October 1856].

Abraham Lincoln's 6 August 1862 pardon of Charles Wallace is on the verso of a letter to him from Dakota Territory representative J. B. S. Todd in Washington, D.C. dated 3 August 1862, which said he enclosed a letter to Lincon from Obed Foote of...

GLC04437

to Burwell Bassett re: poor crops, election to House of Burgesses, Stamp Act

Writes about the dry weather's effects on crops, his loss of wheat to rust, etc. Washington also notes receipt of the Governor's proclamation proroguing the assembly

GLC04441

to Josiah Quincy

Written just one week after Continental forces captured Boston. Thanks Quincy and the nation for their praise, saying "To obtain the applause of deserving men, is a heart felt satisfaction - to merit them, is my highest wish. If my conduct...

GLC04442

Inaugural address [leaf from 1st draft of discarded first inaugural = pp.49-50]

Concerning taxation and the national debt. This was a first draft which Washington later discarded. The manuscript was disassembled by Jared Sparks and leaves or clippings were given away as samples of GW's handwriting. Sparks regarded the...

GLC04443.01

to Ebenezer Hazard

Washington requests a report on the general state of the United States Post Office from Hazard, the Postmaster General.

GLC04444

to William A. Washington

Commisserates with his nephew, Colonel William A. Washington, on the death of his wife. Regrets he cannot find employment for Mr. Ashton, who had been recommended to him by his nephew, as he already has hired a clerk. Notes the grains he uses to make...

GLC04445

to Hardy Murfree Cryer

Describes the flogging and subsequent escape of an enslaved man named Cyrus. Explains the events that led to the overseer, Mr. Parsons, flogging Cyrus, and Cyrus' running away. Says Cyrus has been found and that "Cyrus shall not be abused, but he...

GLC04363

to Littleton W. Tazewell re: boundary between US and Spanish Texas along Sabine

A calling for the US-Texas (Spanish Colony) boundary along the west bank of the Sabine River, in accordance with the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819. One bust engraving of Jackson included as collateral.

GLC04364

to William Russell

Jackson writes that Texas should be annexed to remove the possibility of foreign influence, and to end tampering with slavery. He also writes of his fond memories of the "noble" Russells, his poor health, and his hope that Democrats will bury...

GLC04365

to [John Page?] re: corresponding, question of soul, desire for secrecy

A very early letter, one of the earliest in private hands concerning questions of metaphysics. Young Jefferson says he will protect their secrecy by not signing (or addressing) the letter.

GLC04366

to Mann Page

Written by Lee as Virginia delegate to Continental Congress and signer of the Declaration of Independence to Page also as a Virginia delegate to Congress. Reports the fall of Fort Ticonderoga. Mentions letters from General Arthur St. Clair updating...

GLC04368

to Richard H. Anderson re: Early's & Sheridan's Valley campaign, strategy

Concerning his fears of enemy strength and his desire that Anderson cooperate with Early by moving his forces or sending Fitz Lee's cavalry into Maryland.

GLC04369

to Jefferson Davis

Sends Davis newspapers and notes he has had no news from Secretary of War Marcy. Sends along Colonel Taylor's wishes for a speedy recovery. Hopes he has received letters from Mrs. Davis and that everyone is well. Says that he received a letter...

GLC04380

to Julia Knowlton

President-elect Major General Zachary Taylor writes to her to acknowledge receipt of a letter from her. Mentions his gratitude for the support of women in his election: "it was but rarely have I had intercours[e] with one of 'heaven's best gifts to...

GLC04381

Extract from minutes re: Maryland ratifying the Articles of Confederation

Maryland was the last state to ratify the Articles "by which act the Confederation of the United State of America was completed each and every one of the thirteen states from New Hampshire to Georgia both included having adopted and confirmed and by...

GLC04382

General orders no. 1

General Pickett assumes command of the Department of North Carolina and announces his staff appointments. Sent to Major General William H. C. Whiting, commanding at Wilmington, North Carolina.

GLC04399

to Silvanus Bourne

Refers to letter of Bourne's from 10 July 1798. Written to the American General Consul in Amsterdam. Tries to console Bourne about the publication of one letter and the false statements made about the contents of another that made him appear pro...

GLC04403

to William H. Wilson re:did not vote against sending supplies during Mexican War

Basler, Roy. P. The Colllected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ and London: Rutgers University Press, 1974), Vol. X
1832 - 1865, p. 59

GLC04415

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Written by Adams as a delegate to Continental Congress from Massachusetts to Parsons, who became a Brigadier General on 9 August 1776 and was to take part in the fighting at the Battle of Long Island on 27 August 1776. References Parsons's letters of...

GLC04424

to Elbridge Gerry

A fond leave-taking signed "God bless you" at the end. The letter also discusses his firm belief in the need for separate powers, his acceptance of an appointment as commissioner to France and his wish that Gerry might send him intelligence from...

GLC04425

[Appointment of Samuel C. Crafts as Commissioner for fifth division of Vermont]

Countersigned by Secretary of State Timothy Pickering. Crafts was given power to act as one of the five commissioner in Vermont under "An Act provide for the valuation of lands and dwelling-houses and the enumeration of slaves within the United...

GLC04426

[Draft message to the Army of Northern Virginia prior to the Battle of Spotsylvania].

First draft of an address to the troops of the Army of Northern Virginia, written on the verso of (a clerical) telegram to Lee from General John D. Imboden at Sharpsburg. In an effort to rally morale, Lee recounts recent Confederate victories...

GLC04429

to Robert Morris

Written by Hancock as President of the Continental Congress to Morris as a Continental Congressman from Pennsylvania. Reports to Morris that Congress will return to Philadelphia, and suggests that its return may relieve some of the burden of Morris...

GLC04431

[Resolution of Massachusetts Legislature]

Signed approved by Hancock. Also signed by Theodore Sedgwick, Speaker of the House, and Samuel Phillips, President. Certified as a true copy by John Avery as Secretary. Concerns levying taxes on the polls and estates in Worcester County...

GLC04432

to Pierre Paganel re: tragedy of the French Revolution, hopes for liberty

Paganel, author of Essai historique et critique sur la Révolution Française (Paris, 1810), sent a copy of his work to Jefferson, perhaps one of the few copies to survive burning at the hands of Napoleon's censors. Jefferson writes in part: "[t]he...

GLC04433

to the New York State Republican Central Committee

Addressed to Charles C. Nott, William H. Ball, A. J. Williamsin, C.S. Spencer, and F. W. Shepherd. Thanks the members of the committee for their support. Expresses his disappointment at not receiving the Republican nomination for president but...

GLC04435

to H. A. Weber

Discusses tariff reduction at length and the opposing views of the southern states on the matter. Also brings up sectionalism, the failed Whig campaign of 1836, and fear that " ... no union can be formed between us and the latitudinarians of the...

GLC04440

Original painted photograph of Abolitionist John Brown, inscribed by Brown to his children

This is a photograph which has been painted in watercolor by N.B. Onthank. Written on front bottom corner of mount is Brown's signature and salutation, which reads "June 18th 1859. Your Affectionate Father, John Brown." With the oval blind embossment...

GLC04447

to David Hartley

Written by Franklin as a diplomat in France to Hartley as a member of the British Parliament. The two were friends since the 1760s. References a letter he wrote to Hartley on 25 May 1778 concerning 200 British prisoners of war. Franklin says "We are...

GLC04449

to [George] Gray

An extraordinary and lengthy letter, full of observations about people he met, especially the crowned heads of Europe. Labeled on page 1 "For nobody's eyes but yours." Written while acting as special ambassador for the United States for King Edward...

GLC05750

to Jonathan Trumbull re: unwillingness to accept a 3d term, political attacks

Explaining unwillingness to accept a third term, describing political attacks, etc.: "Let that party [the Democrats] set up a broomstick, and call it a true son of Liberty, a Democrat, or give it any other epithet that will suit their purpose, and it...

GLC05787

to Rufus King

Written by Marshall as Secretary of State to King as American Minister to Britain. Includes extract of a letter from Fitzsimmons to Secretary of Navy Benjamin Stoddert, to give King an idea of recent conduct of British Admiralty Courts in America...

GLC05789

to Henry B. Adams

"I am quite in sympathy with democratic principles; it is democratic practice that I object to... Jefferson has always been my pet aversion; to me he seems merely an intriguing doctrinaire, mighty in word and weak in action, revengeful but timid, of...

GLC05792

to William H. Hunt

Supporting Taft, Leonard Wood and William Hunt as Governors of the Philippines, Cuba and Puerto Rico. He believes he is carrying out wishes of McKinley. Written on mourning stationery. Roosevelt requests Hunt's opinion on several men he is...

GLC05803

to Marquis de Lafayette

Madison regrets informing Lafayette that he cannot give him an answer on the loan he requested. He remarks "There is no country where money exists at all that is so unproductive of lenders as this is." States that he hopes Lafayette will have more...

GLC05810

to Amy Post

Douglass writes to Post, a New York abolitionist and suffragist. Had been to Post's home in Rochester, and regretted her absence. Relates that he and Helen, his wife (they married in January 1884) had for their honeymoon traveled through Chicago...

GLC05819

to May Delany

To "the daughter of the daughter of my friend who sheltered me forty and five years ago, when I was a man without a country, a stranger and or sojourner, with little money and few friends, shall now have my autograph. No effort of memory is required...

GLC05906

Address of the President... at conference on limitations of armament

"Address of the President of the United States at the Opening of the Conference on Limitation of Armament at Washington." Disbound.

GLC05907

to Edwin M. Stanton re: parole of honor for Col. Basil K. Duke

Also stating that "Gen. Smith will be responsible that Col. Duke will faithfully keep his parole."

GLC05922.01

to Craven Peyton

Discusses a dispute with a neighbor, the Henderson family, and their dam near Monticello. States that although he does not remember the exact position of John and Charles Henderson's four acres of land, he knows they cannot build a mill without...

GLC05966

to David Humphreys re: trade, laws of European countries against US commerce

Extensive ink bleedthrough obscures Jefferson's writing. Written to America's secret agent in Lisbon concerning laws of France, Spain and England damaging American commerce. "Our best interest would be to employ our principal labours in agriculture...

GLC05967

to James Wilson Grimes

Written in secretarial hand and signed by Secretary of the Navy Welles to Grimes, U.S. Senator from Iowa who chaired the Committee on Naval Affairs. Wants to "invite your attention" to the estimate submitted last November to provide for the...

GLC05997

National Monument Mount Rushmore Black Hills South Dakota: Report addressed to the Harney Peak Memorial Association

Detailed carbon copy report signed by the sculptor and engineer of Mount Rushmore. Covers everything involved in creating the Mount Rushmore carvings including among other information, the location, the presidents chosen, the time needed, the...

GLC06031

President Jefferson's Library: A Catalogue

Compiled by the auctioneer, Nathaniel P. Poor. Title continues, "of the extensive and valuable Library of the late President Jefferson, (copied from the original MS., in his hand-writing, as arranged by himself,) to be sold at auction, at the Long...

GLC06094