circa 1779

Yonge, Henry, 1712-?

Document signed

Title: The Sloop Lucky Chance her Tackle and One Negro

One legal document in the Court of Vice Admiralty of East Florida given to Judge Robert Catherwood dated approximately 1779. Claims that the sloop "Lucky Chance" contained tackle and one enslaved person identified as "one Negro." The ship previously belonged to a subject of the King of Spain. The person who captured the sloop, Jacinta Pau, did not have commission or authority to take the ship on the high seas and Yonge is stepping in to take the ship for Britain. Document dated from around the time Spain and Britain began fighting during the American Revolution. Probably written in St.…

GLC01411.10

6 June 1841

Carter, Henry L., fl. 1841

Printed document signed

Title: [Printed bill of sale for John, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by John P.B. Jones to James C. Pleasants dated June 6, 1841. Jones paid 670 dollars to enslave a man named John. The document was filled out and signed by Henry L. Carter, Pleasants' attorney.

GLC01445.01

December 27, 1862

Jones, William W., fl. 1862-1863

Printed document signed

Title: [Printed bill of sale for Tom, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid to W.W. Jones from Leroy Jones dated December 27, 1862. Leroy Jones had paid $1,450 to enslave a 32-year-old man named Tom. According to the printed bill, W. W. Jones enslaved Tom through Pulliam & Betts, Auctioneers at Odd Fellows' Hall in Richmond, Virginia. It appears that Leroy Jones lived in Raleigh, North Carolina.

GLC01445.02

December 29, 1862

Cohen, Solomon, fl. 1862

Printed document signed

Title: [Printed bill of sale for Lee, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by William W. Jones to Solomon Cohen dated Richmond, December 29, 1862. Jones paid Cohen $1,500 to enslave Lee.

GLC01445.03

December 31, 1862

Nolting, A.W., fl. 1862

Printed document signed

Title: [Printed bill of sale Joe, an enslaved man]

One printed bill of sale paid by William Winston Jones to A.W. and E.O. Nolting dated December 31, 1862. Jones paid the Noltings $1,400 to enslave a man named Joe.

GLC01445.05

8 June 1862

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [brother and sister]

He writes from a hospital, describing it as a "regular palice," where "evry thing is so clean." He had an ambrotype made but it turned out poorly, especially because he's been sick.

GLC03523.15.01

28 August 1863

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to sister

He has been sick and finally saw the doctor, who gave him some pills but did not excuse him from duty. Comments on the list of drafted men in the newspaper (Enrollment Act of July 1863).

GLC03523.15.02

4 September 1863

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [sister]

He asks her to write more often. Comments on her adopted son. "Every day makes one less for me to be in uncle Sams grand Army that is all the comfort I have."

GLC03523.15.03

6 February 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Tells them never to let Jed enlist, even if a high sum of money is offered. "Helth is worth more than money." Describes the effects of the war on him physically: "only 22 years from my looks you would say I was 40." Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.04

February 14, 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

He is afraid that Jed will enlist. Receives weekly letters from his friend James, but John does not write very often. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.05

26 March 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Reminisces about going down to Presket Point in heavy winds and how the boat sank. "Danger seems to be my lot for I am always in it." Expresses hope in Grant's leadership. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.06

20 May 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily Brown

He recounts the various notes and items he has sent recently, including a pipe for Jed. Their march slowly progresses, but "be of good cheer at home and we will try to do the best we can in the field." Includes a photo of Aggness's daughter (not included here). Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.07

5 June 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily Brown

Reports a slight wound on his left leg. They have been in fighting position for over 50 hours but are doing well under Grant. "Oh when I come home I shall have plenty to tell you that I cannot now." Sends a belt buckle from a dead Rebel for Jed. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.08

24 June 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Asks them to send stamps and a red pepper. It would be more expensive to send blankets than for his mother to buy them at home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.10

27 June 1864

Brown, Harvey T., fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Expresses confidence in Grant, then complains that Congress insults the poor man with low pay.

GLC03523.15.11

29 June 1864

Canty, James, fl. 1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to friend Brown

Apologizes for not visiting him while he was at home due to sickness. Although they have had hard times, Jesse visited. They all hope this summer would see the end of fighting. While Jesse has not reenlisted, he has; he wants to see the end of the war.

GLC03523.15.12

23 August 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

They are doing more marching, and he is avoiding action. Again he requests $50 if it's not too difficult. He waits for six months' pay and won't be paid again until he is discharged. Mailed from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.14

31 August 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Apologizes for his parents not having received his recent letters, but again requests $50, preferably not in state money because it is not good there. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.15

13 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Has received the money. Although $20 was in state money and is not worth anything there, it worked out because he owed a friend $20 who sent it home to Rhode Island, where it had full value. Is anxious to start a tug boat business after the war. Gives news of friends James Canty, James Kerns, and Major McMahorn. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.16

17 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Thanks them for the final $10 they sent. Though it was state money, he manages to use it by trading it to another soldier who sent it home. Written from the 5th Maine Battery.

GLC03523.15.17

27 September 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Brown and Emily Brown

Received a slight wound in his side and is now in the hospital. His leg wound is recovering well, and he hopes to be in good shape when he is discharged. He suffered considerably in transport to the hospital, riding 32 miles in a six-mule wagon.

GLC03523.15.18

23 October 1864

Brown, Jesse, 1844-1933

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Brown

Finds no excitement in the upcoming election, though they may send soldiers home to vote. Hopes to see her before long.

GLC03523.15.19

2 April 1861

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to mon ami

Comments on a recently received photograph and his friend's new maturity from a schoolboy to a businessman, with philosophical underpinnings. Reports their company drilling schedule, with particular attention to the word "skirmish" and its definition.

GLC03523.23.01

28 April 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

He writes while squatting on the ground with his portfolio on his knees. Describes the soldier's life with the bulk of time spent in marching: "marching is what breaks the men down so much; they hate it worse than they do fighting." He prefers picket duty. He describes the battleground of Sharpsburg and the march to Williamsport. "The Mined balls, shells, and grape and canister make a fellow feel a little shaky." He also describes food.

GLC03523.23.02

27 October 1862

Allison, William A., fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stockton Bates

Describes the scene as "a cold, rainy Sunday in a crowded, leaky tent, three more letters to write, and no dinner in prospective except 'beans.'" Mentions constant marching with little rest. As it is getting cold, "the boys draw around the fire, where we have some gay time, telling yarns, arguing, &c." Fellow soldiers call him "Pud" or "Clothes" for his large shape. "With us, the war seems but little advanced toward the end."

GLC03523.23.03