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to Mary N. Pendleton

To his sister, discussing family and military matters. Says of the fighting "We hardly know what to expect here. They say at Genl. Lee's that Hooker intends to cross, that the small part which landed at Port Royal on Friday was his advance guard...

GLC03075.02

to Rose P. Pendleton

Discusses recent engagements in northern Virginia between 9 October and 8 November, expresses his anger at recent Confederate loses, for which he feels "disgraced." Of Stonewall Jackson says "Oh, how each day is proving the inestimable value of Gen...

GLC03075.03

to Anzolette Pendleton

Writes to his mother discussing military matters. Speaks about General Lee's success in checking Union General Meade's planned offensive in northern Virginia, relates widespread Union destruction of Southern property, and notes that he and most...

GLC03075.04

to John Dev[ereux] DeLacy re: inland navigation, defending Chesapeake Bay

Incomplete. Lined verso. The third line up from the end lacks the line "power. There is a proposition now pending in Congress for an amendment" supplied by the polygraph copy at the Library of Congress. De Lacy came from Charleston, S.C. Most of...

GLC03084

[General Robert E. Lee and staff]

Image showing General Robert E. Lee and two members of his staff. The staff members are identified as possibly Lee's son G.W. Custis Lee (on his right) and Aide Col. Walter H. Taylor (on his left). Brady photographed Lee after his return from...

GLC03088

[Regarding African American troops in Missouri]

President Lincoln states that commissioners are "to appraise negroes in Missouri." Mentions that he was previously unaware of General Order No. 135 issued in mid-November 1863 by General John McAllister Schofield, in command of the Department of...

GLC03096

To: Jonathan Mason.

Regarding Gov. William Shirley, dismissal of Col. John Quincy and the British government's arbitrary practices in Quincy, Mass.

GLC03099

to Benjamin Rush re: their sons, 1812 presidential politics

A very philosophical letter discussing mankind and nature's bellicosity. He also mentions his preference for Elbridge Gerry over John Langdon for vice president

GLC03100

Indenture between Livingston, William Kidd and Richard Blackham re: privateering

Indenture for one-fifteenth of the share of "goods m[er]chandizes or . . . other thiungs of value" amassed by Captain Kidd and his crew of the Adventure Galley, in their privateering efforts in the Red Sea. Detailed to seek the pirates who preyed...

GLC03107.00239

to Robert Livingston re: loss of slaves during voyage

Bayard reports that 30 enlsaved people died on a voyage to the colony due to a shortage of food. He also mentions that Moses Levy is awaiting payment of Livingston's account. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.01740

to Isaac Onstott

Informs Onstott that he supports his appointment as postmaster and has already written to the department about it. Onstott was appointed postmaster of Havana, Illinois, on 7 November 1850.

GLC03108

to John Stockdale re: purchase of maps and books for inclusion into his atlas

David Franks, the bearer of this letter, was the highest-ranking Jewish officer in the Revolutionary War.

GLC03117

to Joseph E. Johnston re: moving part of his army to anticipate McClellan

Written as General, instructing Johnston to move to oppose McClellan during the latter's Peninsula campaign and to hold his present line. One full length black and white engraving of Lee included.

GLC03153

to Gen. Joseph E. Johnston

Discusses at some length T. J. ("Stonewall") Jackson's campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. With full-page postscript, initialed by Lee.

GLC03156

A Declaration of Rights, and a plan of government for the state of New Hampshire

Constitution for the state of New Hampshire. Printed by Zechariah Fowle. Evans 16386. Signed by John Langdon as President pro tempore of the New Hampshire Legislature, and E. Thompson as Secretary. The convention met on June 5, 1779.

GLC03182

to John Langdon

Written by New Hampshire Continental Congressman Whipple to New Hampshire Continental Congressman Langdon. Whipple signed the Declaration of Independence, but Langdon resigned his position in Congress in June 1776 to become agent for Continental...

GLC03185

to [John Langdon].

Discusses contracting for guns, military preparations, and the Declaration of Independence. Remarks that independence was proclaimed in the army at New York last Wednesday and a statue of King George III was taken down and cast into bullets, "...

GLC03186

to John Addison

Hopes that his writing on the "other half of the sheet" (not present) referred to is useful to Addison, Clerk of the General Land Office. Asks Addison to give Lucas (possibly Josiah Lucas, another clerk of the Land Office) his respects. Comments...

GLC03189

to Gilbert C. Rice

Calhoun, a U.S. Senator from South Carolina, writes to Rice at Elizabethtown, New Jersey. Cannot furnish Rice with requested documents (a speech he delivered in Senate and a letter by "Hammond"). Argues that neither the Whigs nor the Democrats have...

GLC03193

to Paul Thillman

Written by Henry as Governor of Virginia to Captain Thillman. Asks Hillman to send captured British naval officers "without Loss of Time" to Williamsburgh, where they are to be exchanged.

GLC03194

[Appointment of George Stoneman]

Lists military retirements and promotions of John M. Schofield and George Stoneman. Signed as President. Docketed on verso by Secretary of War John Schofield (who had replaced Stanton).

GLC02780

[Permission for John Lothrop Motley]

President Grant authorizes John Lothrop Motley "to exchange the ratifications of the [Addition] Convention to the Convention of April 7. 1862 between Great Britain & the U.S. for the suppression of the African Slave Trade." One engraving, "H.M. Gun...

GLC02781

to Jonathan Trumbull re: American prisoners in Algiers

Written as President to Trumbull, Speaker of the House of Representatives, concerning the petition of American prisoners in Algiers which Trumbull forwarded.

GLC02793.001

to Henry Lee re: his reluctance in accepting a second term

Written as President to Lee, Governor of Virginia, who has congratulated Washington for his re-election. The president writes "to say I feel pleasure from the prospect of commencing another tour of duty, would be a departure from truth" and...

GLC02793.002

to James Jameson re: the Dismal Swamp Land Co. and profits from slave labor

Responding to Jameson's call for $80 (on behalf of his deceased uncle), Washington writes that he had hoped to see profits from the company since the elder Jameson had the money in his own hands. He notes in passing that the profits would have been...

GLC02793.003

to John Adams re: career prospects of John Q. Adams, the Jay Treaty

Written as President to his Vice President. Washington writes that young Adams should not think of retiring because his fair prospects may bring him to the head of the diplomatic corps. Washington also mentions the protests in Boston and elsewhere...

GLC02793.004

to Harriot Washington Parks, his niece, re: congratulations on her marriage

Written as President, offering his congratulations and suggestions for "a prudent deportment" towards her husband, including "the accomodation of your views to his circumstances." Also advocating frugality, he adds "always keep the old adage in...

GLC02793.005

to James Anderson re: instructions for management of Mount Vernon

Written as President. Washington goes into considerable detail regarding farming, especially innovations (a new red clover). He also mentions building a new road and the drought of the previous fall.

GLC02793.006

to the Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Pittsburgh

Written as President in response to the Society's "friendly address" concerning religious freedom and mentioning the "time of trouble" in which they live.

GLC02793.010

to Samuel Harrison Smith re: costs of moving Jefferson's library to Congress

Written as President. Jefferson sold his library to the nation (for what became the institution known as the Library of Congress) after the British burned the capitol. "Jos: D." is Jefferson's coachman, Joseph Dougherty. The Madison papers...

GLC02793.011

to his mother Nelly Conway Madison re: money for her and Dolley's health

Sending $400. Written as President. Signed "Yr affe. son." The Madison Papers reports that this letter is one of three surviving letters of Madison to his mother. Normally Dolley Madison would write to his mother, but apparently she had been quite...

GLC02793.012

to Col. Samuel Lane re: a proposal to sell his own furniture to the White House

Written as President, noting "a considerable deficiency, in the sum appropriated" to furnish the White House and proposing that he leave some personal furniture "at a fair price".

GLC02793.013

to [William Benton] re: sending supplies and slaves "the business of the slaves"

Written as President. Recipient inferred from content.

GLC02793.014

to an unidentified recipient re: business affairs & profitability of his estate

Written as President

GLC02793.015

to John Vaughan re: purchase of books at a Philadelphia auction

Written as President

GLC02793.017

to Mary E. Polk re: his health, Major Donelson, presenting a miniature to Polk

Written as President. Presenting a miniature of his wife, her Aunt. Donelson's wife, Emily, was dying. Major Donelson is Andrew Jackson Donelson, the president's nephew.

GLC02793.019

to Emily Ward re: lock of hair and thanks for wishes (with hair)

Written as President. Emily Ward was the daughter of General Ward.

GLC02793.020

to Anna Harrison

President Tyler sends William Henry Harrison's widow congressional condolence communicating "the deep sympathy felt by the representatives of the States and of the people" upon the death of her husband (not included). President Harrison had died on...

GLC02793.024

to John Ewing re: an appointment to see Ewing

Written as President, inthe third person

GLC02793.026

to William Weaver Danenhower re: his time constraints & Illinois appointments

Written as President. Not in Basler.

GLC02793.033

to Mary Todd Lincoln

Addresses his wife as "Dear Mother." Sends a draft for $50 and states that any merchant in New York will give her money for it. Written on Executive Mansion stationery.

GLC02793.034

to Dr. Robert King Stone re: prescription for Mrs. Lincoln's headache

Written as President. Not in Basler, but compare Basler 7: 161 and 179.

GLC02793.035

to Gideon Welles re: furnishing coal for the Government

Written as President. Not in Basler. Lincoln writes to his Secretary of Navy about a woman's proposal to supply coal. He suspects she is insane.

GLC02793.036

to Joseph Holt re: trial of Simon Ready before military court

Written as President on Executive Mansion stationery. Basler 8: 22. Ready has not been identified and no response is known. Joseph Holt was Judge Advocate General.

GLC02793.037

to his father Jesse Grant re: declining to intervene in an appointment

Written as President

GLC02793.039

to Mrs. Adelia T. Johnson re: improving health of his wife

Written as President

GLC02793.045

to Gen. Curtis Guild

Signed as President. Roosevelt writes that his "Southern policy" is to "take the best man white or black."

GLC02793.054

to John T. Stewart re: his hope to be remembered as a friend to labor

Signed as President. Roosevelt also writes that he hopes to be thought the best President for farmers, small businessmen and "Abraham Lincoln's plain people."

GLC02793.057

to Jesse W. Weik re: thanks for sample of Lincoln's handwriting

Written as President

GLC02793.063

to James Murrary Dewey re: his penmanship

Written as President on White House stationery, apparently in response to a request to pen a letter. Harding compares his penmanship to Horace Greeley's.

GLC02793.070

to Francis N. Whitney re: his pride in being a Mason

Written as President on White House stationery.

GLC02793.071

to Richard Washburn Child re: wife's illness and international affairs

Signed as President on White House stationery. Child was ambassador.

GLC02793.074

to J. A. Hull re: his autograph

Written as President on White House stationery, remarking "This is about the third letter I have written in long hand in years!"

GLC02793.078

to Anna Roosevelt Boettiger (daughter) re: his hopes to see her

Written as President on White House stationery and signed "Pa."

GLC02793.081

to Edward H. Pruden re: a prayer he said since his youth, with prayer

Written as President on White House stationery, accompanied by the prayer on White House stationery. Pruden was minister at the First Baptist Church, Washington, D.C.

GLC02793.094

to David Mynders Smythe re: thanking Smythe for his support

Signed as President on White House stationery. JFK has struck the official typed salutation for "Dave." Accompanied by TLS (carbon) of David M. Smythe to Kennedy 1/25/1961 to which JFK was responding.

GLC02793.099

to Rev. E. C. Leadley re: Solomon Island native who helped rescue the PT-109

Signed as President. Accompanied by a certified copy of letter from N. Biuku Gasa (certified and signed by E. C. Leadley) for the man who carried hidden messages for the crew of JFK's PT-109, with envelope.

GLC02793.100

to Dean Acheson re: thanking him for his recent letter

Written as President on White House stationery.

GLC02793.101

to Seymour Halpern re: Halpern's remembrance for the loss of their son

Signed as President on White House stationery. JFK has struck the formal salutation "Congressman Halpern" and inserted "Seymour."

GLC02793.103

Postcard of thanks to nurse at hospital

Written as President to a nurse at George Washington University Hospital

GLC02793.115

to Patti Davis re: thanking her for birthday gift, weather

Written as President on White House stationery to his daughter. Date inferred from content.

GLC02793.116

Handwritten drafts of five letters, including one to William F. Buckley, Jr.

Written as President. Date inferred from contents; one of the letters, to Jim Curtis, was discovered by a previous owner to be dated September 16, 1982. A series of written drafts on yellow paper intended for his secretary. Although the letter to...

GLC02793.117

Treaty between the U.S. and the Dey & Regency of Algiers (c/s Timothy Pickering)

Signed as President and countersigned by Pickering as Secretary of State. English translation from the Arabic with clerical signatures for Vizier Hassan Bashan (the Dey of Algiers), Joseph Donaldson Jr. (American negotiator) and David Humphreys...

GLC02794.001

to Gouverneur Morris re: recommendation of Tobias Lear

Written as President to Morris, American Minister to France, recommending Lear: "[h]e is a person who possesses my entire friendship & confidence . . . ."

GLC02794.031

to M. de la Motte re: recommendation of Tobias Lear

Written in a clerk's hand while Jefferson was serving as Secretary of State, introducing Lear to de la Motte, Vice-Consul for the U.S. at Le Havre: "he is well known as the late Secretary of President Washington, and I can further assure you that he...

GLC02794.033

to Tobias Lear re: recommending a man to work on canal locks

President Washington recommends an Englishman named Myers, whom he had interviewed.

GLC02794.040

to Tobias Lear re: misplaced Bank shares, Washington Custis' dislike of school

Written while serving as President. Apologizes for misplacing Bank of Columbia certificates, which he has found. Mentions business of Mr. [William?] Dandridge, and Washington Custis' difficulties adjusting to Princeton College. "Maria" is Anna...

GLC02794.042

to Mrs. Mary S. Lear re: Tobias Lear's health and illnesses in family and slaves

Mary Lear was Tobias Lear's mother. Contains much news of the Mount Vernon estate. "[A]ll my family whites, and Blacks, have been very sick, many of them very ill. -- Thank god they have all recovered again and I was so fortunate as not loose [sic]...

GLC02794.044

to Tobias Lear re: instructions for relations with the Dey of Algiers

Written as Secretary of State to Lear, who was serving as American Consul General at Algiers. Madison's letter of instruction concerns paying the annual tribute to Algiers, handling forged American passports, etc. A postscript adds: "the universal...

GLC02794.052

to Alexander McDougall

Written by Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army to Major General McDougall as commander of the Hudson Highlands Department. Place written inferred from George Washington Papers, which place his headquarters at Gulph Mill...

GLC02795

to Simon Cameron re: recommending Edward Ellsworth cousin of Elmer Ellsworth

Written as President to Secretary of War Cameron, asking for a commission for Ellsworth, first cousin of Col. Elmer Ellsworth. The Colonel was the first officer killed in the war.

Basler, Roy, P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New...

GLC02840

to John Sherman

Intends to give Sherman a copy of a speech he (Douglass) gave on the 26th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, if the speech is published. Supports Sherman's attempt for the presidency on the Republican ticket. Written on Cedar Hill, Anacostia, D...

GLC02841

to Gen. Alexander Spotswood re: horses & marriage, the French fleet [incomplete]

Incomplete, lacking signature and close. Washington jokingly remarks that he "will take the horse... as Men take their wives -- better for worse [sic]." Also mentions his disappointment over the lack of cooperation of the French fleet.

GLC02842

to Roscoe G. Greene re: Grey's Elegy, the Constitution

Adams comments at length upon punctuation in Grey's "Elegy in a Churchyard" (and the powers of Congress as limited or expanded by a semi-colon in the Constitution. He also writes that "No land of slavery could ever have produced Grey's Elegy."

GLC02847

to William M. Lowry

Analyzes the current political situation in Tennessee and the state of the Democratic Party. Discusses West H. Humphreys, a federal judge in Tennessee with Confederate sympathies. Says Humphreys has "taken it into his head that [Gideon J.] Pillow...

GLC02848

to Edwards Pierrepoint re: continuing to act as Sec. of War after suspension

GLC02853

to George Edmunds re: possession of War Dept. & threats of assault, impeachment

1 black and white bust engraving of Stanton included.

GLC02854

to Henry Knox

Seeks an evaluation of Joseph Habersham, in order to find an appropriate federal appointment for him. Washington also asks advice on the law abilities of John Houstoun, for a possible appointment to Associate Judge for the Supreme Court. Marked...

GLC02857

to Thomas Paine

President Washington thanks "Thos Paine - of Boston" (not the famous author of "Common Sense," who was in Paris until 1802) for a poem inscribed to him.

GLC02858

to John C. Calhoun

Written by President Monroe to Calhoun as Secretary of War. Declares that the measures Calhoun have taken in regard to the Seminole Indians have been proper. Says that "Unprincipled settlers" should be driven away, and that "It was correct also to...

GLC02859

to inhabitants...of Bedford, Pa re: speech on unity, with William Bingham letter

Signed as President, acknowledging receipt of their call for unity & noting that "Unanimity in all things is never to be expected."

GLC02793.007

to James McHenry re: War Department's fiscal needs

Written as President to his Secretary of War. Numbered at top 173.

GLC02793.008

to Mr. Eastin

Written as President, Grant asks Eastin to reconsider his resignation from the office of Special Sergeant of the Police Department. Grant's father, Jesse, constantly sought advantage from his son's positions and placed him in difficult positions.

GLC02793.041

to Rev. William J. Hampton re: his love for his mother

Signed as President, on White House stationery, aboard the U.S.S. Mayflower.

GLC02793.068

to Dean Acheson re: thanking him for seeing him off for vacation

Written as President on "Flying White House" stationery. Accompanied by a typed transcript of Acheson's reply. Acheson was Secretary of State.

GLC02793.090

to Juanita Roberts re: her health and wishing her well

Written as President on White House stationery. Signed "LBJ" Written on White House stationary.

GLC02793.104

to Tobias Lear re: assassination and expulsion of Jews from Algiers (pogrom)

An almost hour-by-hour description of the assassination of Napatili Busnach, Jewish Algerian government officer, and the expulsion and massacre of Jews in Algiers by the government. Mountford sends a report of activities in the city. "This morning...

GLC02794.063

to James Madison re: report of his activities from 7 July to 1 September 1805

Written in a clerk's hand with Lear's signature. Lear briefs Secretary of State Madison on the course of negotiations with the Bey of Tunis. Describes threatening war and negotiations to ease the tension. Docketed on verso.

GLC02794.101

to Elihu B. Washburne

Thanks Congressman Washburne deeply for defending her husband, Ulysses Grant, against attacks in Congress after the Battle of Shiloh. In a postscript, she asks him to send her a few copies of the speech he made before the House of Representatives.

GLC02811

to Reverend Colman

Adams in retirement to Colman (also called Coleman by Abigail Adams in GLC 2515), a minister in a neighboring Massachusetts town. References various works of literature and says Spencer's Fairy Queen is a work of genius. Jokingly says his life has...

GLC02852

to John Coolidge re: visiting his father with the family and advice

Written as President to his son, who was a Corporal.

GLC02793.076.01

to Commissioners of City of Washington

Congratulates the board on obtaining a $100,000 loan from the state of Maryland. Referring to their activities superintending the construction of Washington, D.C., suggests the commissioners present a "full and candid statement on the whole in a...

GLC03865

to Richard Henry Lee

Written by Henry as Governor of Virginia to Lee as a Virginia delegate to the Continental Congress. Sends congratulations about Washington's victory at Trenton on 25 December 1776. Observes that the people of Virginia are firm. Believes a great...

GLC03869

to Isaac Briggs re: reports on formation of government & surveying of Louisiana

With three drafts of letters by Briggs to Jefferson.

GLC03872

Proclamation relative to liability to military service

Partially printed document authorizes the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to Lincoln's proclamation permitting the conscription of foreigners. This was under the Enrollment Act of Congress, March 3, 1863, for foreigners who...

GLC03877

to Benjamin B. French

Reports the results of a meeting with Secretary of War Stanton, "who...will return to the Trustees their own building now in control of the Surgeon General." Lincoln is referring to a Washington, D.C. school house that the War Department took...

GLC03878.01

to Congress

Transmits the proceedings of a convention assembled in New Orleans pursuant to an act "for the admission of the said State into the Union on an equal footing with the original States." Louisiana became a state on 30 April 1812.

GLC03879

[Draft of first inaugural address]

First draft of president-elect Monroe's inauguration address. Monroe gave the address, with substantial changes, on 4 March 1817, beginning the Era of Good Feelings. The speech was the first outdoor inauguration since Washington's in 1789. Monroe's...

GLC03880

to Benjamin Tallmadge

Notes that although the Culper spy ring [which he addresses as "he"] does not propose giving anymore information until the middle of March, he hopes if anything important comes up, he will be notified. Asks Tallmadge to communicate this. Samuel...

GLC03884

to Francis Johnston

In response to a 23 February 1784 letter from the assistant treasurer of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, Washington returns certificates (not included), with his signature and seal, for three European members of the state society. As...

GLC03885