3 September 1840

Tappan, Lewis, 1788-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore Sedgwick

Tappan, an abolitionist supporting the freedom of the Amistad Africans, discusses a letter from Roger Sherman Baldwin to Sedgwick. States that Mr. B. (Baldwin) requests the advice of Sedgwick and Seth Staples regarding the trial. Refers to Judge T. (possibly Smith Thompson, Judge of the Amistad trial at the Circuit Court level). Writes "We ought to make a powerful onset on the 17th to obtain the liberation of the Africans- and to let the Judge understand explicitly that we expect to carry the point..." Expresses astonishment that President Martin Van Buren has not yet upheld a promise to…

GLC05799

22 May 1825

Lawton, Edward W., fl. 1810-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Evans

One letter from Edward Lawton to Thomas Evans dated May 22, 1825. Relays the details of an enslaved girl seeking refuge. States that two years prior, she had been Anthony Barklay (or Barclay) and his family during a moved to Newport. The girl escaped and has been residing at the family of Nathaniel Hathaway in New Bedford. Reports that Barclay is still searching for the girl, and friends are hiding her to protect her from Barclay's cruelty. Hathaway's wife, Anna Shoemaker, has taken to girl to Philadelphia. Hopes to obtain for the girl "the speedy and effectual protection which her case…

GLC05800

9 February 1861

Cooper, Peter, 1791-1883

Letter signed

Title: to John Sherman

Cooper, an inventor and philanthropist, replies to a letter from Sherman, a United States Representative from Ohio. Referring to the pending possibility of Civil War, states " I infer ... that there is much doubt that an arrangement will be made in time to secure the adhesion of the border states ... I am surprised and astonished when I see how little our Republican friends are aware of the widespread ruin that must attend a breaking up of a government, when all its parts must be thrown into the greatest possible doubt and uncertainty about the mode by which an reorganization can be affected…

GLC05801

1865-1866

Header Record

Title: Collection of three letters pertaining to 19th century petroleum production [decimalized .01-.03]

GLC05802

5 October 1865

Clifton, Allen J., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Explains that he thinks she is not getting some of his letters and vice versa because he moves around a lot. States that he will not advise relatives to come out to the oil region because he is not sure he would be able to get them jobs, as they go very fast. If they come of their own accord, he will try to help them but he does not want to be blamed if they cannot find work. Describes how the men get along in the oil region. Mentions a man named Adam Eckert from home who is running a tobacco store here. Gives love to all at home. Advises her to address his letters to him at Petroleum…

GLC05802.01

13 November 1865

Clifton, Allen J., fl. 1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his mother

Mentions that it just snowed but that previously the weather had been pleasant for awhile. States that the water pipes to the refineries froze and busted. Advises that crude oil is worth $7 a barrel. Mentions that the area is just being developed and a few wells have been built. Informs that he will bring some crude oil to help her with her rheumatism.

GLC05802.02

16 February 1866

Miller, R., fl. 1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Friend Canfield

Regrets not writing before now but says that it is quite difficult for him because of his lame hand. Describes the success they have had in drilling for oil in the region. Advises that he should invest in the oil territory and come for a visit to see the oil wells. Mentions that there was a terrible fire last week but that it did not burn his well. States that the weather has been very cold.

GLC05802.03

14 November 1791

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Constable

Assures Constable that the whole interest on the stock of his business associates in Antwerp (then part of the Netherlands) has been paid. He notes that the transactions were carried out in such a way that violated the laws of both countries. He states he assisted because of "certain political considerations. . .with a wish to accommodate you determined me to pass over the obstacle . . ." but also insists that the gentlemen "transact their business with more accuracy in the future." Addressed to Constable in New York.

GLC05804

3 July 1695

Penn, William, 1644-1718

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Friends, Bretheren and Sisters.

In a sermon-like letter quoting the words of the apostle Paul, Penn instructs his flock: "You see by wh[ich] way God began his election. It was by tryals, yea great tryals, but promesses accompanied you, & strong faith." Written from Worminghurst, his estate in England.

GLC05806

3 April 1837

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Document signed

Title: [Bond on the estate of John M. Bingley].

Signed by Jane Bingley and Thomas J. Nance as co-administrators, and John T. Stuart and Lincoln as legal counsel. Bingley and Nance give bond for 2000 dollars as administrators of John M. Bingley's estate, who died in Morgan County on December 4, 1836. Attested by Aaron Will. Executed one month after Lincoln was admitted to the Illinois bar and two weeks before he became Stuart's partner.

GLC05807

1807/10/18

Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston

Hopes to be able to obtain exclusive rights to navigate the Mississippi River for another two years. Also gives a detailed report on the vessel "Clermont." Written two months after the maiden voyage.

GLC05808

11 April 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph note signed

Title: to Edwin McMasters Stanton

President Lincoln sends a colored man to advise the Secretary of War, Stanton, on the organization of colored troops in the army. Instructs Stanton to "see [L.H.?] Putnam, whom you will find a very intelligent colored man, and who wishes to talk about our colored forces, their organization ... " Written on a small card.

GLC05809

circa April 28, 1862

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Endorsement regarding defense of New Orleans]

Beauregard's signed pencil docket on telegram from General Mansfield Lovell regarding defense of New Orleans. Lovell telegramed Beauregard to inform him that he is prepared to defend New Orleans, but "will not be responsible for the loss of life to women & children if the city is bombarded." At the bottom of this telegram, in pencil, Beauregard has written his reply, saying "I believe the attempt to defend New Orleans with troops now would cause it unnecessary destruction and loss of life. But all Forts on Rivers & Lakes ought to be held to the last extremity."

GLC05812

23 November 1861

Bowen, John Stevens, 1829-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E. D. Blake

Col. Bowen urges Capt. Blake, acting assistant adjutant general under Confederate general Leonidas Polk, to urge Polk's attention to "the condition of my Quartermaster Dept." Notes that Polk owes money to him and "nearly every farmer around us…I say nothing about the men who are also in need of their pay…." Bowen, then commander of Camp Beauregard at Columbus, Kentucky, rose to the rank of major general before his death from dysentery in 1863. Polk's decision to occupy Columbus in the fall of 1861 was a blunder that led to Union control of Kentucky.

GLC05813

5 December 1863

Cosby, George Blake, 1830-1909

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Birdseye McPherson

Written from CSA Headquarters, Cosby's Brigade. Marked as unofficial. Contains a watermark on the upper left corner. General Cosby writes to McPherson, commanding forces at Vicksburg, Mississippi. States "I am informed that Peter Grinner a citizen of Vicksburg has been arrested and is to be tried for being a spy & c- Said Grinner came out from Vicksburg by permission of Genl Sherman on a visit to his brother who is Chf Bugler at my Hdqr- He staid I believe near the camp two or three days- I solemnly pledge my word of honor that said Grinner gave me no information whatever prejudicial…

GLC05814

15 March 1865

Ewell, Richard Stoddert, 1817-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smith

Warns Smith, Governor of Virginia, that "the enemy," (Union forces) gather for an immediate attack on Richmond. "Respectfully [urges]" Smith to create legislation calling all capable men in Richmond to arms to face the impending attack. Urges a joint resolution of the General Assembly to approve the call of men to arms. Received the warning from General Jubal Early who arrived in Richmond the previous night, passing enemy columns on his way. 1 black and white bust engraving of Ewell included.

GLC05815

2 January 1861

Pickens, Francis Wilkinson, 1805-1869

Letter signed

Title: to John Cunningham

Orders Cunningham "to assume the command" of operations in Charleston Harbor, since Brigadier General Simons has resigned. Orders him "to take such measure as to prevent any intercourse with Fort Sumter from obtaining supplies of any kind from this city." Postscript states that the orders come directly from Pickens because Major General Schnierle is sick. Postscript signed by J. Jonathan Lucas as aide-de-camp.

GLC05816

1808/06/11

Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles W. Peale

Fulton writes to prominent American painter Charles Willson Peale, enclosing $120, apparently in payment of a debt. He also details the success of his steamboat business and mentions the "virtuous exertions and enterprising spirit" of Peale's son, Rembrandt, also an artist. Fulton may have studied miniature painting with the elder Peale early in his life; both studied with Benjamin West in England. Peale had painted Fulton's portrait the previous year; and Fulton was involved in the artist's efforts to start an art museum in Philadelphia. Rembrandt Peale had also painted Fulton's portrait…

GLC05817

21 September 1781

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Broadside

Title: Postscript to the Freeman's Journal, Sept. 21.

This document is a copy of the Postscript to the Freeman's Journal from 21 September 1781. It contains letter from a free black man named Cato, "a poor negro," complaining of a newly proposed act that would have sent free blacks back into slavery. Also includes a continued recount of the proceedings of the assembly, a letter to the printer about the anniversary of the Battle of Bemis Heights, 19 September 1777, and a few other news items.

GLC05818

1855

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Book

Title: My bondage and my freedom. Part I : Life as a slave. Part II : Life as a freeman. By Frederick Douglass with an introduction. By James McCune Smith.

Published by Miller, Orton & Mulligan. Includes an engraving of a young Douglass by J. C. Buttre from a daguerreotype. Signed on front free yellow endpaper by Maggie R. Marriott 1 June 1861.

GLC05820

1864

American Anti-Slavery Society

Book

Title: Proceedings of the American Anti-Slavery Society, at its third decade, held in the City of Philadelphia, Dec. 3d and 4th, 1863.

Contain an appendix and a catalogue of anti-slavery publications in America from 1750-1863. Includes writings and/or speeches by William Lloyd Garrison (Anti-slavery Society President), Henry Ward Beecher, Stephen S. Foster, Abby Kelley Foster, Susan B. Anthony, Oliver Johnson, Lucy Stone, Frederick Douglass, and John Greenleaf Whittier, among others. Bound in yellow paper cover.

GLC05821

March 1948

Coles, Howard Wilson, 1903-1996

Magazine

Title: Frederick Douglass monthly. [Vol. 1, no.1 (March 1948)]

Published by Voice Publishing Co. Contains reprint of Douglass's "Men of Color, to Arms" from the 2 March 1863 printing: "This is our golden opportunity. Let us accept it and forever wipe out the dark reproaches unsparingly hurled against us by our enemies." Also includes a printing of a radio speech by Mrs. Howard W. Coles on Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony (originally delivered 3 November 1947). Includes an article on Abraham Lincoln, and a quiz on African American history. Stamped "Sample." On first page, contains a print of a photograph of Douglass.

GLC05822

1964

King, Martin Luther Jr., 1929-1968

Book signed

Title: [Why we can't wait, inscribed to Libby Holman Reynolds Shanker]

Published by Harper and Row. Inscription to Shanker, a singer and activist, states "To my Friend ... In appreciation for your genuine goodwill, your great humanitarian concern and your unswerving devotion to the cause of freedom and justice." Contains a sticker on the inner front cover containing the words "Ex Libris Libby Holman Reynolds" and the printed image of a house. Illustrated with photographs. Text advocates using nonviolent protest to obtain civil rights, and explains why he believes 1963 has been a time ripe for change in America. Considers many of the social, political and…

GLC05824

1866-1867

Header Record

Title: National anti-slavery standard. [Vol. 26, no. 35 (January 6, 1866)- v. 28, no. 34 (December 28, 1867)] [with gaps]

Volume 26 is missing issue numbers 43 and 47. Volume 27 is missing issue numbers 8,13,and 35. Volume 28 is missing issue number 28. The January 5, 1866, Vol. 27, no. 35 most likely contains misprint in either the date or the Volume and issue number. The issues contain information on the 14th Amendment & impeachment of [Andrew] Johnson, speeches of Sumner, women's suffrage, and advertisements for colored soldiers to collect bounties.

GLC05825

1839

American Anti-Slavery Society

Pamphlet

Title: The American anti-slavery almanac, for 1839.

With original yellow wrappers and illustrations for almost every month. Illustrations depict the horrors of slavery. Contains ink stains. Published for the Anti-Slavery Society by S. W. Benedict.

GLC05826