24 September 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions rumors that Stonewall Jackson has been taken prisoner in Washington or that he has conquered Washington. Talks of gifts sent from home (one especially exciting was a piece of cheese.) In return, he sends a paper, Sunday Delta, home. Then, talks of the death of his fourth tent-mate, being paid again (now having saved up $100), and the resignation of General John Wolcott Phelps ("we all feel as if we had lost a friend.")

GLC02165.10

4 January 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Talks of mutual acquaintances, (including a death, one in an "insane retreat" and one who goes down town and returns "pretty tight"), Christmas (when he hears a sermon by an African missionary on "what shall be done with the Black race,") and often of God and Church. Mentions having his photo taken, and the "Boys" needing the mittens that Mary's Sewing Society has made. Finally, he acknowledges Mary's invitation to spend next New Year's with her, adding, however, that "soldiers can not tell whether or what they will do much before hand." Written on military…

GLC02165.01

January 28, 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Confesses that the people enjoying the winter, sleighing etc., makes him miss home and that he hopes he never sees fighting like that which has been going on in Kentucky. Also says the stormy winter inhibits drilling. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside and an expedition of some secrecy (perhaps the North Carolina Expeditionary Corps). Finally, he discusses a friend who has been drafted into the state militia, expresses some doubt whether he will ever be discharged, and describes the regiment receiving their colors "without ceremony" in the city at Col. Demong'…

GLC02165.02

February 23, 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Lyon to a friend. Laments camp accommodations ("you are at Church listening to a good sermon while I am seated on a wash basin and writing on a Camp Kettle") and not being able to spend "the last Sunday in Brookfield that perhaps I shall ever spend in Ct. with you." Talks of writing letters for soldiers in his company who are ill with measles or in the hospital. Jokes with some hints of jealousy that his friend went sleighing with a man named John. Then, describes part of the journey his company will take by railroad and steamboat, stopping at Fort Monroe (in Virginia).…

GLC02165.03

27 May 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Describes his time in New Orleans in the beginning of May, including the abuse from the natives, such as threats of the Yellow Jack. Also describes in good detail his regiment's role in the taking of New Orleans upon his arrival on May 1st and their discovery of ammunition, cannon, and even money buried by the Rebels in their retreat.

GLC02165.04

29 May 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Mentions going into New Orleans and meeting many acquaintances from home, noting that the people "seemed to behave themselves very well." Wounded acquaintance, William, returns to service, and William, the writer, notes he would not like to return home until he can do so "for good." Discusses heat, flies/mosquitoes, and the manner in which troops can trade rations for fruit in season. Finally, the war is taking a toll when he says, "I am getting tired of this life which I am leading. It is so monotonous, every day a like, and I shall be glad when this war…

GLC02165.05

25 July 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Talks of the attempts of some (such as his friends Wilkinson and Johnson) to be discharged, and Sunday morning mandatory cleaning routines. Mentions General Ambrose Burnside will be reinforcing General George McClellan and that he doubts his regiment will stay put for long as the army needs them on the move. Says a scouting expedition will be going out because of a guerrilla band that has been harassing Union men. Written on military stationary with the image of an eagle.

GLC02165.06

29 July 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. First mentions a skirmish near Lake Pontchartrain. Visits a nearby plantation, visiting its sugar house, and conversing with former enslaved people who say they would rather be there than in the camp. Describes the situation of the Blacks in the camp and describes them as "independent and saucy." Talks of a funeral for two uncommisioned officers and a march through mud, then a Maine regiment that loses one or two men a day to disease.

GLC02165.07

16 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Hubbard to a friend. Talks of the departure of "Doctor" for whom Holly most likely works and whom Holly is sad to see go. A man comes along and asks for whiskey; describes his practices of "prescribing" whiskey. Comments that though his accommodations are fine, he wishes he were home with friends. Says he is glad he enlisted for three years instead of nine months, as the nine month enlistees have some disgrace attached to them. Anticipates news from Charleston, hoping that if Charleston falls, and they can take Mobile "the Rebs will have to cave."

GLC02165.08

28 August 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at an unkown location to a friend. First, he compares a soldier's occupation to a teacher's and observes that if he is paid no matter the amount of work he does, it is logical that he should be lazy. Is dubious whether they will defeat the rebels. Expresses dislike for Bethel Military Co., hoping they will have to fight in the front ranks. Talks of friends at home. Says furloughs are not being granted, but he would still not like to come home without being able to stay. Talks of Major General John C. Breckinridge's victory at Baton Rouge and gives a detailed description of their…

GLC02165.09

5 September 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Parapet to a friend. Expresses boredom at the monotony of life. Describes an incident in which Confederate soldiers escorted under a flag of truce the wife of General John Bullock Clark, who had been taken prisoner, so that she could nurse her husband. Contrasts treatment of Mrs. Clark to the treatment of the Union's General Robert Latimer McCook. Talks of letters received from friends, and the death of an L. Smith, who was "prepared [I] think for death" but laments the death of so many men in the "wicked war." Expresses hope that he and friend William will remain far from…

GLC02165.11

10 October 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Kearney to a friend. Talks in awe of a herd of 1500 cattle captured by forces to be eaten. Describes the quarters of Dr. Benedict, a friend, for whom Holley most likely works, in a former home of Confederates. Then, talks of the harsh drilling of the sargeant of his company and the cannon drills.

GLC02165.12

16 November 1862

Holly, William H., ?-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Ann Davis

Written at Camp Stevens to a friend. Criticizes the self-interest that seems to taint much of the war and harsh officers who are "inferior in every thing" who "curse and damn you;" however, when they do this, he threatens to report them and they stop. Talks of his attempts to be assigned a "situation," either with a Dr. Steward or with the brigade quartermaster, as a "private soldier does not have any influence, he is looked upon as a mere machine."

GLC02165.13

24 March 1783

Lillie, John, 1755-1801

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Army Rations issued to the Engineer's Department]

Request for six days' worth of provisions for Masons;. Signed by a Joseph C. [Dellezenne]. Countersigned by John Lillie with note from Robert Matthews. Date and place writ from note.

GLC02437.02023

24 March 1783

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Return of provisions]

Return of provisions for one man. Signed by [Runals Forman] Countersigned by Samuel Shaw and John Buell with note from Thomas [Man]. Date and place writ from note.

GLC02437.02024

circa October 1945

Goldberg, Mildred, 1923-2008

Typed manuscript

Title: Personal recollections of Mildred Goldberg, secretary to the theoretical group, SAM Laboratories, The Manhattan Project; 1943-1946

Goldberg, a secretary working in the Substitute or Special Alloy Metals (S.A.M.) Laboratory at Columbia University, recalls the people and events that were part of her work experience. Mentions various scientists and other colleagues at the laboratory, including Drs. Richard Present, Francis Bonner, Andre J. De Bethune, Howard Levi and William Nierenberg. Worked under Drs. John Ray Dunning and Irving Kaplan at what Goldberg calls "the Nash building" (a previous automobile showroom on 137th St. and Broadway in New York City). Notes that the entire enterprise was supervised by Dr. Harold…

GLC03152.01

circa August 1945

Kaplan, Irving, 1912-1997

Typed manuscript

Title: Preliminary statement of the Association of Manhattan District Scientists

Typed by Mildred Goldberg, who was working as a secretary for the Substitute or Special Alloy Metals (S.A.M.) Laboratory at Columbia University. Goldberg notes that this manuscript was created "two or three days" after the atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan (GLC03152.01). Outlines the scientists' responsibility due to their "awareness of the possibilities of energy... it is particularly important for us to indicate the grave danger that lies ahead and the catastrophic results that may eventually follow a wrong decision by the leaders of our government." Discusses problems…

GLC03152.02

circa August 1945

Kaplan, Irving, 1912-1997

Manuscript document

Title: [Draft of the preliminary statement of the Association of Manhattan District Scientists]

Handwritten draft of GLC03152.02. Contains several inserted typed paragraphs. The remainder of the declaration is written in pencil.

GLC03152.03

circa August 1945

Kaplan, Irving, 1912-1997

Manuscript document

Title: Preliminary statement on legislation referring to the future development of atomic energy

Apparently issued by the Association of Manhattan District Scientists in conjunction with GLC03152.03. The Association states, "It has been established beyond doubt that the atomic bomb, because of its tremendous destructive power and the improbability of finding a defense against it, constitutes a grave hazard to the advance of civilization." Urges the United States government to openly declare its intentions in the development of atomic energy. Argues there should be international control of the military aspects of the bomb. Asserts that new legislation is necessary to dictate the study…

GLC03152.04

1 November 1945

Bonner, Francis T., fl. 1942-1946

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Newsletter for the Association of Manhattan Project scientists in the New York City area]

Written by Bonner, a Manhattan Project scientist and present-day professor emeritus of chemistry at the State University of New York. He writes as Secretary of the Executive Committee. Introductory note on first page indicates that the association hopes to recruit new members. In the following pages, the Association urges members to write to their Congressmen, asking that the May-Johnson bill "be reported back to the Committee on Military Affairs, and that extensive public hearings be held on all atomic energy legislation" (the May-Johnson bill, proposing governmental and military control…

GLC03152.05

circa 1 November 1945

Bonner, Francis T., fl. 1942-1946

Autograph document signed

Title: [Bonner's notes related to a recent meeting of the Association of Manhattan Project scientists in the New York City area]

Written by Bonner, a Manhattan Project scientist and present-day professor emeritus of chemistry at the State University of New York. At the time this note was written, Bonner was Secretary of the Executive Committee of the Association of Manhattan Project Scientists. Begins with a struck note to Dr. Rosenberg, possibly Lawson Rosenberg, who worked on the Manhattan Project at Los Alamos, New Mexico. The note states: "This is it. Please touch up whatever is necessary, add anything you feel essential. Last [paragraph] is corny- please write another one." Initialed by Bonner, perhaps in…

GLC03152.06

January 31, 1945

Dunning, John Ray, 1907-?

Typed letter

Title: [To staff members of Columbia University, S.A.M. Laboratories, Division 1]

Dunning, a physicist working on the Manhattan Project, tenders his resignation as Director of Division I (at the Nash building, where Columbia University's Substitute or Special Alloy Metals Laboratory was located). Writes, "The work to which we are all giving our best efforts has progressed a great distance since the early days of 1939 and 1940. The loyal cooperation, the brilliant ideas and the sound practical realism which have been welded together in this work have been virtually unparalleled. A miracle of development and production has been wrought." Marked "restricted" with a red…

GLC03152.07

January 1981

Browne, Malcome W., fl. 1959-1981

Newspaper clipping

Title: Harold Urey, scientist, dies at 87; war foe's work led to H-bomb [incomplete]

Written by Browne, a noted journalist, for the New York Times. Contains only the first page of the article. Discusses Urey's achievements, including his receipt of the 1934 Nobel Prize in chemistry for the discovery of heavy hydrogen. Describes how, in 1953, Urey and graduate student Stanley L. Miller conducted a landmark experiment demonstrating that electricity can transform earth's primordial materials (methane, ammonia, hydrogen, and water) into amino acids, "the building blocks of protein."

GLC03152.08

circa 1945

Photograph

Title: [Photograph of scientists involved with the Manhattan Project]

Depicts Drs. Irving Kaplan, Francis Bonner, Ernest O. Lawrence, and [Robert] Harrison together looking at an open volume on the table before them.

GLC03152.09

20 June 1863

Fuller, Franklin W., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary

Written "out on picket" near Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The officers are becoming familiar with her hand writing. He is glad to receive letters as it makes him feel that everyone at home cares for and remembers him. Sergeant Potter was recently discharged and is headed home today. He has received some mail from his brother-in-law Henry Stark and notes that the envelope was completely covered with directions. Asks if she can make him a few cotton shirts and send one through the mail. If she is unable to make the shirts she should get the material and ask Sarah to make them for him. He does not…

GLC03523.42.23