14 June 1844

Taney, Roger Brooke, 1777-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Poses an introduction for Philip Barton Key, who is looking to advance in the law profession in Washington, D.C. Key was the son of the late Francis Scott Key, Taney's brother-in-law. Asks Mason to procure Key an appointment as a judge advocate to some of the naval court martials. Stresses Key's competence and recommends him highly.

GLC03883.01

25 March 1845

Taney, Roger Brooke, 1777-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Mentions that he is pleased that the United States District Attorney will not be reappointed and advises that it might be better to wait to remove him until his term ends. Recommends his son-in-law James Mason Campbell for an appointment as district attorney. States that he has written to the President, James K. Polk, and the Secretary of State about this issue as well. Informs that the District Judge is also in favor of Campbell being appointed. Marked private in upper left corner.

GLC03883.02

December 7, 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph note signed

Title: Pass to allow four orphaned children to go to their Kentucky relation

Allows three sisters and one brother, Sallie, Juliana, Eliza, and Dabney Overton to pass through the federal lines and go to their relative Grant Green in Henderson, Kentucky. Endorsement written diagonally over the pass states "Rec'd Vienna, Va., March 9 /65, Jno E. Wilford, Lt Col & US agent for Lex."

GLC01011.01

December 8, 1864

Powell, L.W. (Lazarus Whitehead), 1812-1867

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sallie A. Overton

Encloses a pass from President Abraham Lincoln allowing Sallie and her three orphaned siblings to pass the federal lines and go to a relative in Kentucky (see GLC01011.01). States that the pass was requested by Sallie's mother-in-law, Mrs. Grant Green, and her brother Fred. H. Overton. Postscript states that a pass (not present) is also enclosed for a Miss Sarah E. Mallory of Louisa County Virginia, who will be accompanying them to Kentucky. Addressed to Overton at Fredericks Hall, Louisa County, Virginia. Written from the Senate Chamber, Washington, D.C.

GLC01011.02

March 14, 1858

Abbott, George, fl. 1851-1859

Letter signed

Title: to Harriette Story Paige

George Abbot, a State Department employee, writes to Daniel Webster's sister-in-law Harriette Paige. Abbot, who served as Webster's clerk and assisted with the publication of his orations, informs Paige that he found a proof of the dedication of the fifth volume of Webster's works with a correction by Webster. Includes a printed dedication from the fifth volume of Webster's works, intended for Paige's husband James (see GLC1946.62.02).

GLC01946.62.01

October 1890

Newspaper

Title: James Fenimore Cooper: A Letter Explaining Why He Petitioned to Have His Name Changed.

Newspaper article that details a letter written by Cooper that was found in which Cooper petitions to add Fenimore to his name. Prints Cooper's letter in full. Date added in pencil at a later time.

GLC05258.02

7 April 1838

Stapp, Elijah, 1738-1843

Autograph document signed

Title: [Probate document relating to an orphaned Texan]

Probate document regarding "Martha J. Guthrie Minor heir of Robert and Casandra Guthrie" recording an account of $15 to her guardian, John Alley, for "schooling, clothing, and boarding." Stapp, signing as justice of the peace for Jackson County, attested to an oath taken by Alley.

GLC06624.08

5 February 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Annoyed with his Secretary regarding the conference notes he has been expecting since possibly March 1853 (see GLC03587.01 and .07). He has exposed Ward, and President Pierce has taken Gadsden's side. Gadsden is only disappointed that the provision regarding "the grant" has not been struck from the treaty, even after Ward had been outed. Rants about Ward being obtuse and treacherous and includes his thoughts on others' betrayals. Included clipping rebuts the rumor that Cripps became Gadsden's Secretary and Minister to Mexico because they were related. No postmark. Imprint in upper left…

GLC03587.08

23 May 1856

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary about his longer-than-expected journey from Vera Cruz. Discusses his family and personal news. Mentions an upcoming lecture given by Dr. Lynch on the Toleration of Catholicism. Mentions the possibility, and fear, of a war with Great Britain. Talks about politics and the most current issues in Washington: Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Democratic National Convention of which President Pierce should be watchful. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms surrounded by laurels, above "Paris."

GLC03587.17

16 December 1857

Benedict, Hm., fl. 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to Cripps regarding his mother's failing health. Mrs. Monk is suffering from a liver disease and is under the care of a good doctor and the Benedicts. Monk is concerned that Cripps will worry about her well-being but wants him to know that she will be rehabilitating shortly. Benedict assures Cripps that they will do all they can for her. Author's first name possibly Hiram and is the same Mr. Benedict from GLC03587.21. Postmark illegible. Includes ten-cent stamp bearing the image of George Washington.

GLC03587.34

29 April 1793

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Lewis

Gives to his nephew "The Land which was given to me by my Mother, or as Heir at law I am entitled I do," as a present. Describes the tract in Virginia. Also asks if "Major Harrison went to Mount Vernon as you expected" and about Harrison's intentions regarding his adjoining land. Signed "GWn." Lewis served as his uncle's private secretary.

GLC08930

30 May 1854

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary after arriving in Vera Cruz with Mrs. Monk (Cripps' mother), Mrs. Gadsden and two family friends. Asks for news regarding acceptance or rejection of the treaty.

GLC03587.14

7 August 1857

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Disappointed with his Secretary for not sending any letters reporting on the state of affairs in Mexico. Discusses the reclamation of their losses before the government steps in and Gadsden is forced to discuss the matter with President Buchanan. Mentions the newly acquired territory with which he is willing to bargain to keep both governments content. Wants Cripps to do the bargaining. Adds personal news about the weather and Cripps' mother.

GLC03587.28

21 September 1857

Monk, Esthur, fl. 1853-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to her son about his lack of correspondence. Has worried herself sick thinking about his illness and death. Reports that Miss Lucy has turned down a suitor and discusses the importance of marrying well. Tells Cripps to be careful what he says even in Mexico, as gossip makes its way back home. Mentions a professorship at South Carolina College (now University of South Carolina). Discusses local news. Describes her future travel plans. Imprint in upper left corner reads "Extra Superfine Highly Finished." Envelope hand postmarked 22 September, Rippon, Virginia via New Orleans per…

GLC03587.30

6 December 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esthur Monk

Writes to Cripps' mother in Greenwich, Connecticut, about letters received from Mexico. Discusses common acquaintances. Mentions having read in the Herald a letter to General Gadsden by Cripps and is surprised that Monk had not known about it. The letter was later commented upon in the National Intelligencer. Author invites Monk to visit and will leave the arrangements up to her. Discusses personal business. Addressed to Monk in the care of Mr. Benedict. Hand postmarked 7 December, Rippon, Virginia. Includes three cent stamp.

GLC03587.32

7 January 1858

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to Cripps regarding his lack of correspondence and sends this letter care of the U.S. envoy to insure its arrival. Expresses his sympathy over the sudden death of Cripps' mother, Mrs. Monk. Is sorry for their misunderstanding regarding Gadsden's "plundered property."

GLC03587.35

9 February 1780

Livingston, Robert L., 1746-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John R. Livingston

Writes to his brother to the war-time intelligence. Discusses the Spanish, who "have possessed themselves of all British settlements upon the Mississippi and are probably by this time in possession of St Augustine or Pensacola, or both as they had equipped a formidable squadron with 2000 land troops." Also speculates on speculation concerning the whereabouts of Sir Henry Clinton's fleet. Discusses family matters, including possible relocations.

GLC08918

26 April 1839

Blair, James, 1819-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair

Writes to his sister from the United States Ship Peacock. Relates his travels through Rio de Janeiro and the Antarctic Circle. Discusses his study and use of Spanish in port. Inquires about his parents, including Washington, D.C. "Globe" newspaper editor Francis Preston Blair.

GLC03209.27.02

1850

Autograph letter

Title: [Update on the activities of a baby]

An unknown author discusses the activities of a baby. Author references the Blair family, and is assumed to be a relative of Francis Preston Blair, editor of the Democratic Washington, D.C. newspaper, The Globe between 1829 and 1845.

GLC03209.27.10

28 February 1854

Fessenden, William Pitt, 1806-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James D. Fessenden

Writes to his son about his opposition to the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. Fessenden, who had recently been sworn in as a Maine senator, comments that "The Nebraska outrage occasions great feelings here...It is near pretty well understood that the free states were sold by their leaders in 1850...and they are to be plundered. I see no help for it. If the Southern Whigs stopped the measure in body...there is no longer a national Whig party for me." Earlier in the letter he urges James to stay in his position, which he apparently dislikes and discusses Frank's (possibly Francis, another of his sons…

GLC08935

25 November 1838

Blair, James, 1819-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair

Blair, a seaman aboard the United States Ship Peacock, apologizes to his sister Elizabeth for not writing sooner. Informs Elizabeth that Navy orders prevent him from telling her details about his location, but mentions the ship is close to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A seal was torn from this document, causing text loss.

GLC03209.27.01

3 July 1839

Blair, James, 1819-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair

Writes to his sister from the United States Ship Peacock. States that Captain William L. Hudson of the Peacock supported him in an affaire d'honour. Informs Elizabeth that women he met at a Ball in Valparaiso, Chile perceive Americans as "the people who struck the first blow for Liberty in the New World." States that Captain Charles Wilkes, leader of the Peacock and other vessels on the expedition, wrote for his warrant. Requests Elizabeth to give his love to family and friends in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Norfolk, Virginia.

GLC03209.27.03

circa 8 July 1845

Woodbury, Elizabeth Williams Clapp, fl. 1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair Lee

Woodbury, wife of Montgomery Blair, invites Lee to visit Portsmouth and updates her on the affairs of mutual friends and acquaintances. Circa date is based on a reference Woodbury made regarding Lee's 1843 marriage.

GLC03209.27.05

8 September 1845

Blair, Mary, fl. 1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair Lee

Discusses family members with Lee, who was the daughter of Francis Preston Blair and the wife of Navy Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee. Signed as "Mary B." Last name assumed from references the author made to family members.

GLC03209.27.06

6 December 1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elizabeth Blair Lee

An unknown author discusses his or her father and children with Lee, wife of Naval Rear Admiral Samuel Phillips Lee. The accompanying envelope is addressed to Lee in care of her father, Francis Preston Blair.

GLC03209.27.07