28 December 1843

Autograph letter

Title: to Elizabeth Blair Lee

An acquaintance of Lee's (possibly a family member) thanks Lee for a recently received Christmas card and describes a family holiday celebration in detail. Updates Lee on the affairs of family members.

GLC03209.27.09

1850

G., Mattie, fl. 1815-1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily

Describes toys recently received for Christmas. The author is a cousin of the recipient. Docketed "Blair Lee, Esq.," indicating that the author and recipient were related to Francis Preston Blair Lee, a Senator, lawyer, and social reformer from Maryland.

GLC03209.27.11

1849

Painting

Title: [Watercolor of Indian family standing in front of a teepee]

Appears to be trimmed down. Associated with two 1849 issues of "The Chugg Water Journal" from Fort Laramie (see GLC05067.01 and GLC0567.02).

GLC05067.03

17 May 1903

Horsfall, Charles G., fl. 1900-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to My Dear Children

Mentions how much the children must have grown. Talks about selling all his equipment; boilers, engines, pipe tools, etc. States he will enclose a money order with this letter. First page is written in very light pencil, and there is bleedthrough from the ink on the other side making it difficult to read. With letter to his wife Mary of the same date (see GLC05245.18.01).

GLC05245.18.02

30 May 1853

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his Secretary residing in Napa, California, after receiving Cripps' commission to repair Mexico City from Secretary of State Marcy. Says he will meet with Cripps sometime in July. In case Cripps arrives first, Gadsden instructs him to secure comfortable lodging and together they will find more permanent housing. Suggests obtaining a good cook and translator. Feels inclined to take Cripps' mother along to Mexico as a companion for Mrs. Gadsden, but says that, instead, they will both see him off at the port. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a galleon below the word "Paris."…

GLC03587.02

29 November 1853

J.B.M., fl. 1853

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Cripps

Writes to his friend about his lack of correspondence. Chides Cripps about setting up the San Francisco boys for when they arrive in Mexico. Includes local news and describes the financial burden the ranch has become. Sends his regards to Cripps' mother, if she has yet joined him.

GLC03587.06

6 December 1849

Peyton, Balie, 1803-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S.A. Hall

Describes his crossing at the Isthmus of Panama and reaching the Pacific in time for the steamer to Valparaiso. Reports difficulties crossing and dealing with the American consul, who Peyton feels is un-American, rude, and greedy. Writes about the newly-vacant consul position and the ideal characteristics of the appointee. Discusses the health of his daughter.

GLC05527.03

6 January to 15 January 1850

Sarah, fl. 1849-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Everett

Writes to her husband who is currently in Boston. Mentions having received a letter from James (possibly a brother) who was seriously ill and has since forsaken California. Thanks Everett for sending papers, which are just as appreciated as letters. Worries about his safety in such a "mixed population" as there is in Boston. Writes that she is becoming increasingly anxious about his safety and worries constantly. Reports that she has received another letter from James and that he is recovered and his business is picking up. Is considering visiting a friend and waits for Everett's…

GLC06573.04

19 May 1850

Sarah, fl. 1849-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Everett

Writes to her husband (possibly in Plymouth) about visiting several friends and family members. Mentions the death of a family friend and the subsequent return of Catherine (possibly a sister). Is sorry she will not be able to see him this week but is glad to have finally received his letter. Talks about their baby and how it is getting along. Signed G.S. Rob[inson]. Written on blue paper.

GLC06573.05

20 April 1865

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Frederick Schuckhardt

General Sherman replies to a previous letter from Schuckhardt. Discusses assisting their mutual friend Joseph Grafton with recovering the body of his brother Captain James Ingersoll Grafton, who was killed the previous month in the Battle of Averasborough. Relates he will ensure that Grafton's grave is properly marked, and he will assist in bringing the body back to the Grafton family's home area. Writes "I think the War is nearly if not quite over." States that he has been negotiating with General Joseph E. Johnston, and the results of this negotiation will be presented to the President…

GLC08895.02

May 1864

Manuscript document

Title: [Pay and Muster roll with wages for former slaves]

Lists approximately 100 freedmen by name on the "Mdme. Rosts Hermitage Plantation, Parish St. Charles," Louisiana, who were under the charge of Federal officer Henry B. Fitch. Next to their names are their ages and wages. In some cases there are notes next to the entries; one is listed as a "Suckler" and one with "Child sick -deduct rations." The plantation was that of Pierre Adolphe Rost (1797-1868), a French immigrant, Louisiana judge, and Confederate diplomat. The Union army had seized the plantation while the Rosts were in Europe, and transformed it into a work colony where…

GLC08912

11 September 1875

Spinner, Francis Elias, 1802-1890

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George W. Bungay

States that although he is flattered by the nomination to Comptroller of the State of New York, it has made him unhappy as it was done against his will. States that his friends have influenced him to accept it even though he was planning on moving to Florida and spending time with him family. Remarks, "But all my plans have now been disarranged and I may be remanded to two years more of confinement and hard labor."

GLC03225.02

14 September 1875

Spinner, Francis Elias, 1802-1890

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Francis G. Fine

Expresses his disgust at being nominated for Comptroller of New York State. Feels that he was forced into it by his friends. Compares the nomination to a prison sentence. Informs him that he wanted to retire to Florida with his children and have some peace. Then says that he should not complain because the people want him and they have always been good to him. Mentions being disappointed that he had to cancel a fishing trip with Judge Stilwell.

GLC03225.03

29 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry who was an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy and appears to be in New York. Mentions a band that came from Frederick, Maryland to play on Thanksgiving. Says that their father went to Baltimore on Friday morning to see their cousin William. They are going to look at a farm owned by a Mr. Keg. Questions the purchase and wonders if William can run it properly. Also mentions other investment possibilities. Last 2 pages updates him on friends and neighbors, especially on weddings that have taken place. Says there is little news to pass on, but mentions she did…

GLC03523.21.04

10 November 1861

Harlow, Charles D., fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Asa Smith

Written by Harlow to his cousin Asa Smith in the Union Army. Harlow and Smith were not close before Smith joined the army, but Harlow hopes they will get to know each other through writing. Harlow claims he heard Smith was in good health through Homer. Says the family is well and that 2 regiments will soon leave the area for Washington. Reports that there are 800 soldiers at Fort Warren in Boston Harbor. Claims "They have come from most all parts of the Union; they are men of Secession principles, who have said and done to[o] much, but they are in safe quarters now." Says a severe storm last…

GLC03742.03

10 November 1861

Smith, William Wallace, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References Smith's letter to him. Says everyone dives for the Washington papers when they arrive, but that Boston papers have more news on the war in them. Asks him " Do you think an attack is going to be made on Richmond or what are you cutting that road for[?]" Wallace says not much has happened recently except a divisional review by General George McClellan and his staff. Says it rained during the review he got soaked. Reports that "Our pickets brought in a contraband last week. Who was going to be killed by his master for giving…

GLC03742.04

9 March 1862

Smith, William Wallace, fl. 1861-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Asa Smith

Written by William Wallace Smith to his brother Asa Smith. References receiving Asa's letter and the "smoking cap" that came with it. Says nothing is going on, but says it won't be long because every man is to be provided with 60 rounds of ammunition. Tells him about picket duty. Says he went to Falls Church and went to the church that George Washington helped to build. Says "it is a square brick building [that] does not look much like a church on the outside." Updates him on mutual friends. Embossed American eagle on the first page of the letter with the words "Union and…

GLC03742.10

19 February 1863

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: To his wife

Responds to his father who believes the rebels will be beaten sooner or later, talking about discharges and belief that a Binghampton lawyer in Washington can get them for $5, bemoaning his bad luck, mentions his bad grace about not getting promoted.

GLC04558.069

20 June 1863

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: To his wife

Trying to comfort his wife, who was depressed by the death of a relation (Lucy who had died a year earlier). Expects marching orders soon.

GLC04558.100

28 November 1863

Tillotson, George W., 1830-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: To his wife

Various news; says he approves of a monument for daughter Lucy (deceased). With postscript "No News."

GLC04558.125

31 January 1861

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

From his father. References previous letters. There is confusion where the writer should send letters - to New York or Fortress Monroe in Virginia.

GLC03523.21.01

21 November 1860

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. References receiving Henry's letter the day before. Says he is in negotiations with John Janney(?) to purchase his farm "as you were so anxious I should buy land." Claims "The affairs in the South look very threatening - But when action comes they will find more difficulties in the way than they expect." Thinks they will reconsider and not break from the Union. Is worried he has too many temptations to spend his money where he is and will not send it home. Letter is fragile and has a partial tear along a fold.

GLC03523.21.02

27 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry who was an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in Brooklyn, New York aboard the USS "Vandalia." References receiving Henry's letter. Says he ought to get any books that he wants as "time spent in reading good works is well employed." Says the more she looks at his photograph, the more she realizes it is such a good likeness. Mentions sights to see in New York, including Trinity Church, the Cooper Insititute in the Astor Library, and "Mr. Aspinwall's picture of the Immaculate Conception." Says Dr. McGary came by to say goodbye. McGary is…

GLC03523.21.03

28 November 1860

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. References receiving his letter. Gives him investment advice. Tells him Tom is getting married tomorrow, Anna is writing him again, and that Dr. McGary will stop and call on him before going to Europe. Reports that two hogs were killed, giving them 659 pounds of meat. Says he has not settled on a contract to buy John Janney's(?) farm and will not "unless the southern difficulty is settled."

GLC03523.21.05

30 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to his brother Henry in the U.S. Navy. Letter is extremely faded in most sections and is hard to read. References receiving a letter from him. Says she cannot write a book, but has thought of writing children's stories. Wishes he was home and says his life must be hard without "intellectual and sympathetic association." Seems to be giving him an update on events in the neighborhood, but it is hard to read. Several tears in the letter.

GLC03523.21.06