December 5, 1792

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Letter signed

Title: to John Hay

McKean, Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, instructs Hay, Treasurer of York County, to pay Henry Miller for service as a Pennsylvania elector during the first Presidential election.

GLC01501

December 24, 1780

Harrison, Benjamin, 1726-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Harrison, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Says he will need the recipient's assistance when he goes before Congress, the French Ambassador, and the Generals of the Continental Army to communicate the wants and needs of the southern states. Wants information on the troops under the recipient's command. Would like a full report on their status, place of origin, and supplies. Says the assembly is "straining every nerve to send you a respectable body of men, to cloth them well and to lay in the necessary stock of provisions."…

GLC01502

August 11, 1862

Brisbin, James S. (James Sanks), 1837-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Brisbin

Captain Brisbin writes to his wife following the Battle of Malvern Hill, which he describes as "the memorable occasion when General [George] McClellan changed his base of operations from the York to the James River." Refers to Captain Kantz (possibly August V. Kantz), Captain Gregg, and [Lieutenant Kermin?]. Describes the stench of rotting corpses and witnessing the death of a severely wounded soldier. Recounts delivering his Company to safety during a mission by ordering them to take off their blue shirts, exposing grey shirts underneath, thus disguising themselves as Confederate soldiers…

GLC01504.01

June 30, 1864

Banks, Nathaniel Prentiss, 1816-1894

Typed letter

Title: to James Sanks Brisbin

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Banks informs Colonel Brisbin that "while many Officers are censured or praised without sufficient reason for their services in the Red River Campaign, I am glad, that you should get just credit for what you did which was of service to the country and honorable to yourself. " These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.01

February 23, 1865

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894

Typed letter

Title: to the Adjutant General

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. Excerpt from a letter from General Burbridge, who praises Brevet Brigadier General James S. Brisbin's recruitment of African American troops in Kentucky and his service as Burbridge's Chief of Staff. Recommends Brisbin's promotion to the rank of full Brigadier General. Written from Headquarters, Department of Kentucky. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.02

February 28, 1865

Burbridge, Stephen Gano, 1831-1894

Typed letter

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Burbridge recommends that Stanton, Secretary of War, promote Captain James S. Brisbin to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel for his meritorious service at the Battle of Marion, Virginia. Declares that Brisbin's charge of the enemy aided in restoring "the wavering fortunes of the day." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.03

June 25, 1865

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Typed letter

Title: to Edward Davis Townsend

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Meade recommends the promotion of Captain Brisbin in the regular army based upon distinguished service with his Regiment in the Army of the Potomac. These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.04

June 29, 1865

Pleasonton, Alfred J., 1824-1897

Typed letter

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

Typed and signed as a true copy by Albert L. Mills as First Lieutenant and Adjutant First Cavalry. General Pleasanton recommends to Stanton, Secretary of War, that General Brisbin be retained at his current post based on his meritorious service in the campaigns of Antietam and Gettysburg. Adds that he has recently been "actively employed in organizing colored troops in Kentucky" and will therefore "prove a very useful officer to be retained in this branch of the service." These typewritten copies date to circa 1887-1891 based on Mill's rank and assignment at the time.

GLC01504.02.05

April 26, 1841

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Letter signed

Title: to Joshua Spencer

Signed by Tyler as President and Daniel Webster as Secretary of State. Tyler offers information concerning Canadian Alexander McLeod to Spencer, United States Attorney for the Northern District of New York. States that Henry Fox, Minister Plenipotentiary of Great Britain, transmitted an official communication to the United States Government stating that McLeod, accused of murdering several Americans, was acting as a military agent under orders.

GLC01512.01

September 18, 1866

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Fitz-John Porter

Pierce, former President of the United States, discusses General Porter's court martial and conviction for his actions at the Battle of Second Manassas. Writes, "There are reasons why I am disinclined at at [sic] present to address any request to the President, altho' I concur with his views upon the issues which now particularly Engross the public mind." Transmits a "brief expression of my convictions with regard to yourself- your services and the infamous sentence with which these services have been rewarded" (document not present). Remarks that if Porter wishes, he may send the enclosed…

GLC01513

circa 13-21 July 1804

Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836

Autograph letter

Title: to Joseph Alston

Writes in partial cypher to his son-in-law after his duel with Alexander Hamilton. In the text that is not in cypher, Burr states that the jury has adjourned until Monday, 23 July, and that the results will determine whether or not he flees. He indicates that there is sentiment against him by Governor DeWitt Clinton and his allies. Thanks him for an earlier letter of support. At the end of the text is "Enclose to Ch. Biddle, Phila." Charles Biddle was a friend of Burr's. The second and third pages are in cypher. Date is from docket. The letter was written no earlier than 13 July 1804…

GLC01523

April 7, 1798

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Walton Morris

Warns of attempt to plunder the North American Land Company. Advises William not to provide information concerning the company, unless requested in writing. Written from debtor's prison after the collapse of the company. With a rare copy of the original prospectus from 1795 (see GLC01528.02).

GLC01528.01

August 7, 1776

Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Varick

Written to Connecticut Governor Trumbull and General David Waterbury of Connecticut shortly after General Schuyler led the controversial retreat from Crown Point. Says he received their letters of 4 and 5 August 1776, along with their enclosures. Asks them to send iron and spikes and any other supplies they might think the army will need. Says he is "greatly surprised" that money has not arrived and says he will not be to blame if it doesn't arrive. Says they can borrow on his credit as long as they can, but to keep track of who they are borrowing from in his name. Note at bottom of recto…

GLC01529

April 21, 1908

Morgan, J. Pierpont, 1837-1913

Letter signed

Title: to Charles Conant

Writes to financial author declining request to have his biography written. He writes "... At the same time any such procedure is entirely contrary to my taste, nor can I say that I am very anxious to have any biography published, even after I have passed away." Written on Grand Hotel d'Aix, letterhead with hotel envelope. Envelope includes a twenty-five cent French stamp and four postmarks: two from Aix-les-Bains and two from Paris.

GLC01530

March 4, 1910

Wright, Wilbur, 1867-1912

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hart O. Berg

Comments that he hopes to be in New York before Mr. Peartree leaves. Discusses aircraft engines and mentions the new German motors that give five horsepower more than the French. Asks if he has received a statement of account that was supposed to have been sent. Written on printed stationery of the Wright Brothers, with several penciled notes by recipient or a secretary.

GLC01536

November 16, 1910

Wright, Wilbur, 1867-1912

Typed letter signed

Title: to Hart O. Berg

Gives a detailed account of the 1910 International Air Meet. States that the Americans did much better than the French. Comments on a few men whose planes broke down and states, "Why does not the French government forbid monoplanes?-They have killed ten times more men than double propellers have." Describes many of the flight events including information about the pilots, the wind, speeds, and breakdowns. Goes on to discuss the profits of the American Wright Company for the year. Talks again about monoplanes and their problems. Compares the Wright planes' flight records with European…

GLC01537

June 2, 1785

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Jay

Marked "Duplicate" by Adams, and possibly used for en-cyphering because of the marks and lines above letters, words and sentences. Describes in great detail Adams's reception by King George III as America's first ambassador to Great Britain. He quotes his speech to the king, and the king's response. He also describes an awkward moment when the king tactlessly remarked "There is an opinion, among some People, that you are not the most attracted of all your Countrymen, to the manners of France." Adams writes "I was a little embarassed, but determined not to deny the Truth on one hand, nor…

GLC01538

December 2, 1794

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Written as United States consul to the Hague, to the American Vice Consul in Amsterdam. Adams quotes portions of the treaty and asks that the extract not be published. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC01539

August 4, 1812

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Joy

Discusses some political pamphlets that dealt with the 1807 British naval attack by the ship Leopold against the Chesapeake, an American ship, and its consequences for the War of 1812. Adams was then the United States Ambassador to Russia. Joy, who lived in London, was an advocate for the Americans during the War of 1812.

GLC01540

January 25, 1765

Winthrop, John, 1714-1779

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Belcher

Congratulates Judge Belcher on recovering "from a dangerous illness." Notes having read that many French Acadians have been removed from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the West Indies, and observes that because of their religion, they "could hardly ever have been good Subjects to a Protestant government." Indicates that the Sugar Act and the Currency Act, referred to as "The late Acts of Trade," are widely discusses and cause much uneasiness among merchants and judges alike. Notes the death of Edward Wigglesworth, the first Hollis professor of Divinity at Harvard College. Discusses Thomas…

GLC01541.01

February 13, 1745

Pepperrell, William, 1696-1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Wendell

Pepperrell writes to Colonel Wendell first of his poor health, then discusses his hopes that the siege of Louisbourg will end by the spring.

GLC01541.02

May 30, 1689

Blackwell, John, fl. 1689

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Penn

Captain Blackwell, the Deputy Governor, writes regarding the disbursement of his promised salary of 200 pounds per year. He has drawn a bill upon him for 100 pounds, and hopes Penn will honor it. With red classical seal of Blackwell intact on address panel.

GLC01541.03

March 8, 1749

Pepperrell, William, 1696-1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Coade

Requesting payment of a bill. Written at Spring Garden.

GLC01541.04.01

June 5, 1866

Bryant, William Cullen, 1794-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Thomas Fields

Bryant writes to Fields, editor of the Atlantic Monthly. Transmits a poem, "The Death of Slavery" (GLC 1543.02). Remarks that the poem was "meditated a year since but written out within the last few days. I had a good deal of trouble with some of the stanzas, or you would have had it earlier. You will publish it if at all, when you please." Relates that his wife is ill. In a post script, notes, "What shall I call the poem. 'The Death of Slavery,' does not please me much but I can think of nothing else." Accompanied by three collateral prints of Bryant (two depicting an elder Bryant in…

GLC01543.01

July 25, 1807

Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Rhea

States that he is writing reluctantly to ask his attention to a matter concerning the plans for defense at his treason trial. States that George Morgan and his sons John and Thomas of Princeton, New Jersey have sworn before the grand jury about conversations that did not take place. Discusses plans to discredit their character and mentions three men in Princeton who might be willing to do this; Daniel Agnew, John Hamilton, and William Hight. Implores Rhea to procure men of a higher character to testify on the bad credit of the Morgans. Conveys that if Rhea is reluctant to do this, he may…

GLC01544