16 April 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Reflects on the atrocities of war. Criticizes those who venerate the dead Confederate soldiers and feels that the widows and children should be given more attention. Writes that 50 to 60 dead soldiers are buried daily and most graves are unmarked. The rebel soldiers are returning home to Richmond in large numbers. A second part of the letter is dated 17 April 1865. Painter describes hearing the news of Lincoln's assassination. Writes that he has never seen the soldiers so anguished. Reports that an order was given for every…

GLC02016.082

20 July 1865

Painter, Heber, 1841-1900

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his aunt

Written to his aunt, Mrs. George A. Frick (Rebecca Frick). Describes his camp as being on a hill where he can look down at the city of Staunton. Writes that the women of the city are very bitter towards the Union soldiers, while the men seem sociable. Also writes that he has noticed many amputees in the area. Would like to visit the Weirs cave, which is only about 16 miles from camp. Reports that there has been a conflict of command involving the Army of the Shenandoah and General Terry who commands at Richmond.

GLC02016.085

3 October 1776

Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr., 1710-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Esek Hopkins

Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, informs Commodore Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy, of a letter he previously transmitted discussing naval operations. States that he recently received letters from Generals George Washington and Lincoln (possibly Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that he requested Reverend Thaddeus Burr to complete a more lengthy letter to Hopkins, (Trumbull does not have time). States "Am putting everything forward in the best manner- please to promote the forwarding The Whaleboats- and give Me intelligence as you see fit."

GLC02511.01

February 22, 1864

Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Speech delivered to the Great Central Fair of Buffalo]

Former President Fillmore notes historic inventions and developments, such as the rail road, steam engine, and telegraph, that have shaped Buffalo since the city's 1832 Centennial Celebration. Refers to the farewell addresses of Presidents George Washington and Andrew Jackson to offer guidance during the tumultuous war era. Declares "much must be forgiven- if not forgotten- on both sides before this Union can ever be restored" (page seven). Expresses his wish to immediately conquer the Confederate army, then to unite North and South by restoring Southerners with their Constitutional rights…

GLC04884.02

25 July 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

George Washington is to be obeyed by the French troops as "Marshall of France," and American troops are to have command over French troops of equal rank. Discusses the size and movements of the French and British fleets. Also mentions General Anthony Wayne's failed attack at Bergen, "the Torries in Carolina," and the need for the Americans to be more aggressive.

GLC06500.03

June 10, 1862

Olmstead, Charles H., 1837-1926

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Olmstead, a Confederate officer who surrendered Fort Pulaski and was taken as a prisoner of war at Fort Columbus, writes to Union Secretary of War Stanton. Olmstead is concerned that the Union is violating the prisoner of war terms signed by General Quincy A. Gillmore and himself at the surrender. The surrender terms stated that the Confederate sick and wounded should be sent up to the Confederate lines. Olmstead has found out that instead of these sick and wounded men being allowed to return home, they were kept and arrangements were made for them to be exchanged for Federal prisoners in…

GLC00319.01

11 June 1862

Loomis, Gustavus, 1789-1872

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: to Lorenzo Thomas

Transmits correspondence from Confederate Colonel Charles H. Olmstead to Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War (see GLC00319.01) concerning the alleged violation of the surrender terms of Fort Pulaski. Autograph endorsement signed by Major General David Hunter, 7 July 1862, from Hilton Head, South Carolina stating it was received 27 June 1862 and referred to Hunter for report on instructions from Stanton. Hunter then endorses the letter on 7 July 1862 from Hilton Head, South Carolina and states that, "The surrender of Fort Pulaski was unconditional. Capt. Gillmore had no authority from me to…

GLC00319.02

circa 1778

Johnston, Francis, 1749-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Persifor Frazer

Discusses American troop movements, including those of General Gates and Comte d'Estaing. Asks Frazer to send Andrew, since he is in need of a good waiter.

GLC01450.457.11

October 1, 1775

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Cudworth

Cudworth, impressed on board H.M.S. Asia, writes to his father James in Scituate, Massachusetts. Assures James of his well being. Expresses uncertainty regarding his return home. Mentions John White, Daniel [Mack], Morris Comdon, and Joseph Pierce, possibly some of his shipmates aboard the Asia. Reports that he received news of his father from Edman Patrick.

GLC01450.630.01

March 24, 1776

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Otis

Cudworth, impressed on board H. M. S. Asia, writes to Otis, his friend in Boston. States that on March 14, he was impressed on the H. M. S. Livley, at Marblehead, Massachusetts. Relates that he was on the Livley until March 24, when he was taken to Boston and placed on board the H. M. S. Asia. Pleads with Otis to visit him on board the Asia. Asks that Otis inform James Cudworth, Melzar's father, that he went to Marblehead with Samuel Holbrook. Possibly written in 1775 (date is partially illegible).

GLC01450.630.02

March 25, 1776

Cudworth, Melzar, fl. 1775-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Zephaniah Cudworth

Cudworth, impressed on board H. M. S. Asia, instructs his brother Zepheniah "what you do do quick for I hear we are a going to nan tasket ... " Letter addressed to Melzar's friend Joseph Otis in Boston. Includes some mathematical calculations near the address.

GLC01450.630.03

circa 1776

Cudworth, Zephaniah, 1752-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Cudworth

Cudworth reports to his father in Scituate, Massachusetts that he has been aboard the ship where his brother Melzar remains impressed. States that Melzar, who was impressed on H.M.S. Asia in March 1776, is on board the ship Russia. Informs James that Melzar fairs well. Relates his plans to hire a man to "go in his bierth theirs one appears to go in his Room for ten guines & if I Cant get no other I must give that ... " Assures his father not to be concerned.

GLC01450.630.04

circa 1776

Cudworth, Zephaniah, 1752-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Melzar Cudworth

Zephaniah informs his brother, Melzar, impressed aboard H.M.S. Asia "I have got a man to go in your Room If you go to Nantasket Road I Shall Come in a Sail boat to bring the man ... " Mentions Mr. Otis (possibly Joseph Otis), a friend of Melzar's. A small hole obscures some text.

GLC01450.630.05

circa 1783

Object

Title: [Anchor button]

Round in shape. Contains the image of an anchor. Transmitted with a certificate of discharge for Jonathan Mury, who served on board the frigate Alliance 6 December 1781- 13 April 1783 (refer to GLC01450.655.01). Date inferred from certificate of discharge.

GLC01450.655.02

5 April 1777

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas

Complains about his profession as a doctor and compares it to being a "galley slave." Describes a man abroad named William Roberts as unambitious. Mentions, and discounts, the prospect of war in India and comments on related political and military matters, discussing a man named Mr. Erskine and the "Directors & Proprietors" of the East India Company. A Mr. Floger is mentioned in connection to a position in "the Government of Bombay." Discusses the disagreement between Lord Pigot, the governor and commander-in-chief of Madras, and his council (concerning the restoration of the Rajah of…

GLC02549.04

February 5, 1862

Moore, John, 1826-1907

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Kelly

He hopes that with all the hard work in his regiment, that Jim will receive a promotion. The present condition of the roads prevents movement near Louisville, with no active operations for at least two more months. He mentions a congressional discussion of Sherman's retrenchment bill. Notes that "Bright was expelled yesterday from the Senate. Served him right." (Sen. Jesse Bright of Indiana was thrown out of Congress for supporting the rebellion and acknowledging Jefferson Davis as president of the Confederate States.)

GLC04195.01

27 June 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Hears that Weedon has been called back into service. Feels the war is going well and expects a favorable outcome. "Let it not be said that Virginia was exceeded by any" other state. The British burned Springfield, then retreated to Elizabethtown. Expects them to attack West Point next, but thinks America will soon "be prepared for them at all points." Wonders "where in the name of Heaven are the Monsieurs (the French) all this time."

GLC06500.01

11 July 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

Hears that new French ships have arrived in the West Indies, and hopes they can help defeat the British fleet. The fleet opposing the British now numbers almost "50 sail of the line with 30,000 troops." Thinks such a force capable of quickly taking all the British islands in the Caribbean. "This being done the Continental business will not be difficult. On the other hand, should they come immediately here we should be found so thoroughly unprepared to cooperate with them that I fear it will serve only to reflect disgrace on us." The British "remain quiet in and about N York. They have…

GLC06500.02

15 August 1780

Walker, John, 1744-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon

The French are still stuck in New York, but 20,000 American militia have arisen there. Says he is ashamed of his own state of Virgina and "almost determined to renounce it," since it lacks this sort of patriotism. Says Pickering will be the next Quarter Master General, now that Shippen has resigned and the finances are in disaray. Mentions the ship "Packet." Says "Our scheme is to take New York with the fleet and army there before winter sets in."

GLC06500.04

10 May 1861

Douglas, Stephen Arnold, 1813-1861

Letter signed

Title: to Virgil Hickox

Douglas, serving as a Democratic United States Senator from Illinois, responds to a letter from Hickox, Chairman of the Democratic State Committee (refer to GLC05621.01). States " ... war is being waged against the United States with the avowed purpose of producing a permanent disruption of the Union and a total destruction of its government ... All hope of compromise with the Cotton States was abandoned when they assumed the position that the separation of the Union was complete and final ..." Discusses the first Civil War battle at Fort Sumter, South Carolina, 12-13 April 1861. Cites…

GLC05621.02

May 2, 1871

Paca, William, 1740-1799

Document signed

Title: [Subscription for the barge experiment]

Also signed by [?] Baker, J. [Gibbon?], Matthew Tilghman, Edward Lloyd, Robert Goldsborough, William Hindman, James Hindman, and several others whose signatures are illegible. Document claims the British have fitted a number of small vessels that have been raiding and plundering the coast of Maryland. Says that the state treasury is overburdened and that the 11 signers will support and maintain a barge and a ship to protect their shores between Kent Point and Tilghman's Island for two months. Want ships manned by 20 men exclusive of officers. Will pay the charges and expenses in proportion…

GLC00218.01

02 May 1781

Tilghman, William, 1756-1827

Document signed

Title: [Subscription for the barge experiment]

Also signed by Thomas Ray, Robert Pickering, W. Dawson, James Benson, Richard Parrott, Joseph Hartley, W. Gibson, [?] Gibson, B. Skinner, Hugh Rice, and William Tilghman. Document claims the British have fitted a number of small vessels that have been raiding and plundering the coast of Maryland. Says that the state treasury is overburdened and that the 11 signers will support and maintain a barge and a ship to protect their shores between Kent Point and Tilghman's Island for two months. Want ships manned by 20 men exclusive of officers. Will pay the charges and expenses in proportion to the…

GLC00218.02

27 May 1861

Elmore, Edward Carrington, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Noble

Discusses the design of the Confederate currency and specifically mentions the place to be printed on it, instructing Noble not to use Montgomery, but use Richmond or leave the space blank for now as he does not know how long the Treasury will be in Richmond. Instructs him to order drafts of the currency. Comments on the Treasury's move to Richmond by stating, "I regret the move to Va very much & have heard nothing yet which I can consider a good reason for the move." Says that he would not have gone but he could not pass up a good salary. Written as Treasurer of the Confederate…

GLC03501.01

January 12, 1864

Slidell, John, 1793-1871

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Chevalier L. Debray

Slidell introduces a Senator from California to Debray (possibly a representative of Emperor Ferdinand Maximilian) to discuss plans regarding the colonization of Sonora, Mexico.

GLC05342.01

30 November 1861

Print

Title: [Print of John Slidell]

Print of John Slidell, clipped from Harper's Weekly. The print was based on a photograph. The caption under the print states: "The captured rebel commissioner Slidell." Photographed by "Brady." The verso of the newspaper is part of "A Strange Story" by Edward Bulwer Lytton, which ran in Harper's Weekly.

GLC05342.02