8 July 1817

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus Lincoln [incomplete]

Says Lincoln's daughter reports his health is as good as can be expected. Hewson says his health has been poor since last winter and that he was confined to the house for eight or nine weeks. Says God wanted him to live in order to help his youngest son, who ruined his family through drinking, move westward to Ohio and work as a carpenter. He has bound him out to a master carpenter for two or three years to complete his training. Says his other son James was in the Hospital for one year at 4 dollars a week and he is to move west as well. A son-in-law has also gotten into debt and ran away and…

GLC03849.04

30 March 1819

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

Tells of his six month confinement to his room. Had two colds in that time, despite sitting four feet from a fire the entire time. Relates their harshness. Did not send for a doctor, but was bled twice. When his daughter saw how bad he was, she sent for a doctor, who prescribed some medicine. He took it once, but it made him feel worse and he stopped. Says his faith in God kept him from complaining and that he never expected to live this long. Says he has not seen Lincoln in 40 years and six months, which is probably when they escaped from New York around October 1778. Says Lincoln's daughter…

GLC03849.05

20 November 1819

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

References Lincoln's letter of 6 June 1819. Says he is sorry that Lincoln's hearing is so bad and goes on to explain his temporary problems with hearing. Says he put drops of oil in his ear and took a piece of smooth wood and used that to clean out the wax from his ears. Claims he pulled out two or three pea-sized balls of wax from his ear and that he repeats this every few years. Says he is writing this small script without the aid of glasses, which are in his wig. Claims he read a newspaper article about putting drops of spring water in your eyes daily and that has preserved his eyesight.…

GLC03849.06

circa 1820

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus Lincoln [incomplete]

Undated, circa date inferred from other letters in the collection. Note in pencil in different hand says page 13 is the last, but it is missing here. Pages numbered 5-12 so beginning and end of letter are missing. After escaping to New Jersey, probably in October 1778, from a reference in another letter, they went back to pick up their fellow escapees who could not swim and paid their helpers with the canoe they stole. They were forced to keep moving and were helped by farmers who supported the Revolution. Says this took place in Monmouth County where "General How made so many wigs by his ill…

GLC03849.08

May 1863

Calvin, Agnes, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Petition of a free black to become a slave of a master of her choice]

Petitions for the right to choose her master. States that since she is "a free person of Africa descent" she is entitled to "choose a master for herself and two said children," and the "petitioner makes choice of J.S.H. Hossack to become her master." Though free, Calvin has been struggling so badly to get by that she is willing to have a master of her choosing in exchange for subsistence for herself and her family. Petition made "to the honorable B. W. Gray." Signed by Calvin wih her mark. For related documents see GLC03840, GLC06375, and GLC09123.

GLC08955

1915 circa

Woman Suffrage Party of the City of New York

Broadside

Title: Women in the home

Argues that a woman's place may be in the home, but that she can perform these domestic duties much better if allowed the vote, since she will have greater control outside events that influence her housekeeping, such as public health and clean food. "ALONE she CANNOT make these things right. WHO or WHAT can?...the City Government...DO THE WOMEN ELECT THEM? NO, the men do. So it is the MEN and NOT THE WOMEN that are responsible" for the ills of their household. "MEN are responsible for the for the conditions under which the children live, but we hold WOMEN responsible for the results of…

GLC08964

28 September 1851

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas L. Sprague

Thanks Sprague, a schoolboy, for his compliments: "Through my mother, who recently visited your friends in Hingham, I have learned your kind interest in me, & the manner in which you have spoken of me in one of your exercises at school. The words of a soul, so young & ingenious as yours, are precious to me. I receive them as an encouragement for myself & as an [illegible] of your own consecration to a great cause."

GLC02095.04

1865-1890

Lewis, A.A., fl. 1865-1890

Photograph

Title: [Eleazer L. Sarsons and his family]

Family portrait showing Sarsons and his wife, Etta (as reported by the Civil War pensions index), sitting in front, and their two children standing behind. The printed verso identifies the photograph as being made through an "Instantaneous Process Used Exclusively by A.A. Lewis" at Richard's Block in Newport New Hampshire.

GLC03953.22

17 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses appointments by the state legislature, which is currently in session, and a recent speech given by the President (George Washington). Notes Speaker Eustis (likely referring to William Eustis who was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from 1788 to 1794) and others are well acquainted with the petition and will "meet it." Writes his father's health is no longer as it was and that he will not last much longer. States that "he is 83 years of age; and my good mother is 82 she appears to be as well as I have known her this twenty years, they have lived together near 60 years in…

GLC02437.04472

20 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's most recent letter, and is glad to hear his daughter Julia has recovered completely from her illness. Relates that all the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in Boston were invited to dine aboard a ship, the Leopard, whose captain is also a Society member; also describes another feast aboard a boat, to which the Governor was invited. Describes a dinner the Cincinnati are throwing the following week. Mentions that "little Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow, Jr.) recently returned from "the Eastward" (likely the Waldo patent lands) and is very happy with the job Captain…

GLC02437.04362

11 October 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as such with respect to his property." Forwards a letter from Dr. [William] Eustis concerning his desire to "have the charge of the Invalids" in Massachusetts (not present). Speaks highly of Eustis's integrity, and suggests Knox may want to appeal to Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton on Eustis's behalf, as Hamilton will be making the appointment.…

GLC02437.04386

8 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his trip back to Boston as a "most disagreeable and damnable passage of five days ..." Still suffers from the voyage, noting: "at this moment the Sea is rolling in my head, and the Room and Chairs... if ever I am caught again in the sound I pray I may be committed to a mad house as a lunatic." States that he had wanted to discuss "a misunderstanding which took place on the day of the arrival of the President," but will have to put it off since he is not feeling well. Relates that his parents are in ill health and are declining fast. Asks Knox to give his regards to Lucy Knox and…

GLC02437.04408

13 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a proposal that they had put together and writes in detail about showing it to [James] Bowdoin, John Pitts, and [Sylvanus] Bourne. Declares, "I think we have but little hopes of success - " Comments on other business transactions. Gives news of the adoption of the Constitution by North Carolina: "By a vessell in five days from North Carolina we have the pleasing intelligence that that State has adopted the Federal Government by a majority of 118... yesterday all the Bells in town were put in motion on this joyous event." Encloses a newspaper from 12 December (not included). Relates…

GLC02437.04438

21 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a dispute between mutual friends Mr. Tracy and Mr. Gibbs. Reports attending the funeral of Miss Abigail Otis, daughter of Mr. S[amuel] A[llyne] Otis, Massachusetts politician and Secretary of the U.S. Senate. Miss Otis was a lovely young girl of sixteen who died of consumption. Provides news of other illnesses in his family, including the imminent passing of his father. Reports that his mother is in good spirits considering the illness of his father, and that they have passed nearly sixty years together.

GLC02437.04557

31 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has had a conversation with Dr. [William] Eustis, and that Eustis would find a particular (unnamed) circumstance highly pleasing if it came to pass. Informs Knox about the progress of Samuel Shaw, who is sailing again to China. Also discusses a 17- or 18- year-old debt owed to the Flucker estate. Reports that he should be able to secure its repayment if he can find the note explaining the debt, but asks if Knox has any knowledge of this issue or wishes about how to handle it. Adds that his father is still alive but "cannot continue many days."

GLC02437.04567

11 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that his father passed away the day before, stating that "he was calm & resigned, and died in full faith of perfect happiness in the world of spirits - this was a great consolation to my honored mother & to his Children & friends around him - my aged mother is very much afflicted, and cannot reconcile the separation they having live'd together fifty eight years last month, and but very little apart during that period - " Goes on to discuss matters regarding the raising of troops and a possible appointment in the military, though he states "but why do I mention QMG [Quarter…

GLC02437.04581

25 April 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his letter of condolence on account of his father's death. Discusses Secretary of State Alexander Hamilton's plan for the federal government to assume state debts. Writes, "[t]he nonassumption of the State Debt has thrown the people into the greatest confusion, and will be the means of weakening the Federal government more than any other measure they could have persued..." Believes that "unless this measure is obtained in the present session of Congress, very serious consequences will take place..." Mentions a number of public creditors had a meeting on Thursday, and will…

GLC02437.04589

20 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a trip he made to visit his mother, and asks about Mrs. Lucy Knox's health. Relates that there will be great opposition to Mr. Dalton's election, referring to Tristram Dalton's reelection to the United States Senate. Reports news from a captain recently arrived from London: "we have accounts of a Spanish War with England, he informs there was a very hot press in England & [every] British Seaman was put on board their Men of War." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04631

1 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his arrival in Portland en route to Burnt Coat Island. He is traveling with his "friend Ben" [possibly Benjamin Hichborn], and expects that they will return to Boston in ten to twelve days. Mentions his hope that a General [John] Glover will receive "the appointment of Collector for the port of Marblehead." Also touches on international issues: "I wish from my soul for a Spanish War, I think it would put a new face on the affairs of this Country." Also provides information on Knox's extended family, and reports that Knox's cousin Samuel Winslow wants Knox to inspect parts of the…

GLC02437.04666

1 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Talks about people from Boston including the Brecks who were heading to Philadelphia. Jackson would have liked to have joined them, but could not due to "the particular situation of my good mother." Discusses military appointments and that Dr. William Eustis thinks finding a good army surgeon might be difficult. Jackson reports that "recruiting is very dull." Once again, Jackson believes the compensation is too low to "induce our country's lads." Says "Capt. Ulman of Ducktrap" wants Knox to "write the people on Patent to whom [he]…

GLC02437.04935

8 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 2 May 1791. Thanks Knox for his "promise respecting the appointment of Marshall." Jackson believes that another, unrelated "Mr. Jackson" will try to hold on to that appointment along with the other appointment he holds. Says, "I have no fears in this head as the President will not approbate so great an impropriety as one man holding two Offices under the government." Goes on to discuss the issue of government appointments and the problem with choosing some men and leaving others out. Explains that "were the Deputies appointed by the President, they would have some…

GLC02437.04939

25 March 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides information on his transactions with their business associates, including Colonel [Benjamin] Walker and Mr. [Samuel] Shaw. Discusses their land acquisition projects (in Maine), as well as the communications he has received from Mr. [Royal] Flint on the subject. Explains the financial bids he is placing on land they are purchasing. Asks for details regarding Mrs. Knox's trip with the children to the Boston area. Would like to know how many children will be coming, and asks Knox to send a trunk with bed and table linens for them; everything else Jackson will be able to provide for…

GLC02437.05376

8 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a copy of a letter from Mr. [Royal] Flint (not present) regarding their business propositions (relating to land purchases in Maine, which they have been working on). Writes that he had been very nervous about it but now feels he can proceed, with their support. Received a bill of monies owed him, which will help him pay his debts. Comments on their land project, and mentions paperwork being sent to the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands to work out the terms of the purchase. Would like Knox's input and advice on the most recent acquisition. Discusses the upcoming visit of…

GLC02437.05406

25 April 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he and General [David] Cobb arrived in New York yesterday. Received Knox's letter via Colonel [Sebastian] Bauman, and would like to assure Knox that he believes Mr. [Royal] Flint will stick to their plan and make deals that are in their interest. He and Flint have signed the papers to purchase specific lands in Maine. Also reports to Knox that he has prepared his house in Dorchester for the visit of Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.05429

22 May 1792

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the Committee [the Committee for the Sale of Eastern Lands] has called on him to make a payment for a purchase. Writes that Mrs. Knox, Mrs. [Sarah Lyons] Flucker and the children are well, and encourages Knox to send his son Harry [Henry Jackson Knox] to school. Lastly, mentions that Mrs. Flucker's son Francis recently arrived from Bristol, much to the party's pleasure. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05475