Collection Search

[Appointment of Second Lieutenant Enos Briggs]

Document of the Congress of the Colony of Massachusetts Bay appoints Enos Briggs a second lieutenant of a Company of Foot. Signed by James Warren, President of the Congress and Samuel Freeman, Secretary of the Congress. On verso is note written by...

GLC00994

to Henry Remsen

Written by Otis as Secretary of the United States Senate to Remsen as principal clerk of Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. Otis says he will send five copies of the journals of the First Congress and says he will send eight additional copies in...

GLC00995

[Rhode Island laws]

Signed by Ward as Rhode Island Secretary of State. Printed set of laws passed by the legislature and Nicholas Cooke, Governor of Rhode Island. Second page lists members of the legislature. Each page lists resolutions and laws and each paragraph has a...

GLC00996

[Appointment of John Collins as a Rhode Island delegate to the general congress]

Signed by Greene as governor of Rhode Island, countersigned by Henry Ward as secretary of state. Commissions Collins to represent Rhode Island in the general congress in Philadelphia until ratification of the Articles of Confederation.

GLC00997

to Russel Alger

Draft copy, no place or date. Edwards, Brevet Major General U. S. Volunteers, writes to Alger as Secretary of War. He discusses a medal wrongly awarded by the War Department to a private for the capture of General Custis Lee at the Battle of Sailor's...

GLC00998

to Andrew H. Foote

Bixby, seeking a mail contract, asks Foote to recommend him to Postmaster General Montgomery Blair. He notes that Flag Officer Davis has already written such a letter. He adds that in the event of his flotilla being turned over to the navy, and there...

GLC00999

Speeches By Oliver Wendell Holmes, Junior.

Inscribed to philanthropist Charles Fairchild and signed with initials "O. W. H." With autograph explanatory notes on Civil War persons mentioned in his speeches, including W. Putnam, W.F. Cabot, James Lowell, General Charles Lowell, Paul Revere...

GLC01001

to William J. Hardee

Handwritten telegram sent by Confederate General Hill stating that he needs two thousand arms, and that nine hundred men arrived from the west but one half of them have deserted.

GLC01002

[Collection of Oliver D. Pratt, L company, 1st battalion, 4th regiment, Massachusetts, cavalry] [Decimalized .01-.03.12]

Contains 2 diaries and 12 letters.

GLC01003

Collection of two items related to Abraham Lincoln and Lazarus Whitehead Powell [Decimalized]

GLC01011

General orders no. 139.

Preliminary version of the Emancipation Proclamation published for the Army War Department printing, removed from a compilation of general orders. Noted on pages 117-120 are the orders that all people enslaved in the south will be freed. Beginning on...

GLC01024

[Collection of letters from Oliver D. Pratt to his brother Albert S. Pratt] [Decimalized .01-.12]

Includes nine dated autograph letters signed, and three undated or fragmentary autograph letters (two are signed). Pratt served in Col. L, 1st Battalion, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry. Includes fighting in Charleston, South Carolina, and Petersburg...

GLC01003.03

[Diary of Horace A. Smith, 3rd NY Cavalry]

Autograph manuscript signed. Smith served in Company A, 1st Battalion, 3rd NY Cavalry, "Van Allen's Regiment." Diary kept in ink and pencil with later pencil pagination. Includes ink drawings of Camp layouts at Poolesveille, Md. and Harpers Ferry...

GLC01004

5th Corps original field orders of the last campaign

Retained letterpress copies of over 200 original field directives pasted into a bound manuscript. Copies are of the original orders sent to the 5th Corps, or V Corps, Army of the Potomac. Almost all orders were issued by General Meade and almost...

GLC01005

[Diary aboard the U.S.S. Nantucket]

Allen was an officer on the USS "Nantucket" during and before the bombardment of Fort Sumter. The diary appears to have been written within days of the actions. Includes manuscript pencil and ink "Sketch of Charleston Harbor and fortifications," and...

GLC01006

[5 Documents pertaining to the surrender of CSS Atlanta to Union ironclads] [decimalized .01-.05]

Documenting the surrender and prisoner transfers of a Confederate ironclad steamer. Webb was commander of the CSS "Atlanta," which surrendered to Union ironclads. Documents include lists of officers and crew. The CSS "Atlanta" was an ironclad ram...

GLC01007

List of blockade runners with ALS and photograph [decimalized .01-.02]

GLC01008

Vessels captured within the limits of the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron

Ledger book lists 42 ships captured from South Carolina to Florida with inclusive dates of October 3, 1863 to May 5, 1865. Six columns listed as: Prize (name of the vessel), Class, Whom captured, Where captured, Where sent, and Remarks. Occasionally...

GLC01008.01

Letter to his mother and photograph of Byron P. Drowne [Decimalized .01- .02]

Letter from 16-year-old Drowne to his mother, written on the USS "Catalpa" off Charleston. Accompanying photograph.

GLC01008.02

[Ordnance used by ships during siege of Vicksburg]

Ordnance book listing supplies used by Union ships Pensacola, Sportsman, Fearnot and Storehouse. Documents ordnance issued and ordnance used. Dated March 31- August 1863.

GLC01009

[General Orders acknowledging soldiers' bravery in the capture of Forts Morgan and Gaines, Alabama]

General Granger relates his appreciation to officers and soldiers. Writes "In the midst of danger you have been brave; under the severest exposure and fatigue you have been patient... continue to cherish all those virtues of discipline and courage...

GLC01010

[Collection of Creed A. Lay, A company, 40th regiment, Illinois, infantry] [decimalized]

Lay was served in the 40th Regiment, Ill. volunteers. Collection includes 64 items including 32 letters, 25 envelopes, 2 metal lapel pins, and 5 miscellaneous items. Letters include many original envelopes, some with patriotic designs, a cut-out...

GLC01013

Collection of Daniel G. Winegar, B company, 95th regiment, Illinois, infantry [Decimalized .001-.189]

This collection consists exclusively of correspondence from Daniel G. Winegar, to his wife Elvira in Belvidere, Ill. Winegar enlisted as a private in August 1862, and was mustered into Co. "B" of the 95th Illinois infantry in September of that year...

GLC01014

List of killed & wounded at the battle of Gettysburg Pa. July 2nd & 3rd 63

Manuscript field report of killed, wounded, and missing from the 1st Massachusetts Infantry. Most likely written while at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Includes comments such as "coward" and "d-d good soldier" after a few names.

GLC01015

Diary and Photograph of Benjamin F. Thomas [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC01016

General orders, no. 112

Praises his men, the "Fighting Fourth" Division of the Army of the Tennessee, for their actions after the battle of Corinth. Hurlbut's men arrived after the Confederate assault on the city had been repulsed, but he praises their actions against the...

GLC01017

Manuscript journal and letter book

Bulk, 1765-1769 on Stamp Act Congress; some pages cut out. In four sections: 1) Correspondence of CT and Philadelphia Merchant's Committee, re: Stamp Act, 1765-1766; 2) Resolves of colonies re: Stamp Act Congress, with minutes of the Congress from...

GLC01018

[The laying and completion of the Pacific cable]

Two volume scrapbook covering the completion of the Pacific cable linking North America to Hawaii, Australia, and the South Pacific. Includes cablegrams charting progress of the cable and sending congratulations from officials in places along the...

GLC01020

Extracts from minutes of our yearly meeting of Pennsylvania & New Jersey, held in Philadelphia by adjournments from the 23rd day of the ninth month.

One copy of a meeting minutes dated September 23-28, 1776. States that Quakers should not participate in governments active in war, or contribute to the promotion of war through business or other activity. Condemns all forms of slavery and...

GLC01021

Grant's Petersburg progress. [Vol.1, no.1 (April 3, 1865)]

Union occupation newspaper announcing the capture of Petersburg: "Petersburg Ours! We are here! Hallelujah!" Prints the official surrender correspondence, describes Black celebrating as the "colored population." Brief report that Union forces had...

GLC01022

to John D. Godman

Letter discusses the upcoming presidential election. Speculates on the contest between himself, John Quincy Adams, Andrew Jackson, and William H. Crawford. Thinks it certain that the election will be decided in the House of Representatives (it was)...

GLC01028

to Mary Wood

He writes to his sister about his activities in Canada at Fort George and elsewhere in the northern campaign during the War of 1812. Also discusses the heroism of their brother, Eleazor D. Wood, at Fort Meigs, as recounted by General William Henry...

GLC01043.02

to Eleazor D. Wood

Transmits a brevet commission to the position of lieutenant colonel for Wood's service in the Battle of Lundy's Lane near Niagara Falls on July 25, 1814. One black and white bust engraving of John Armstrong included.

GLC01043.05

to nearest relatives of Eleazor D. Wood

Circular letter from the Adjutant General's Office signed by Jones as aide-de-camp. Requests a copy of the brevet commissions conferred by President Madison during the War of 1812. Wood had been brevetted lieutenant colonel on August 19, 1814 (see...

GLC01043.06

[Appointment of Eleazor D. Wood to major in the corps of engineers]

Madison signed as President and countersigned by John Armstrong as Secretary of War. The commission was a brevet for Battle of Lundy's lane near Niagara Falls.

GLC01043.07

General post-office, New-York [postmaster's first report]

First report of the Post Office, by Postmaster general Samuel Osgood. Evans 22978. Folio.

GLC01033

Report of the Attorney-General. Read in the House of Representatives,

A2-H2 I2(-I2) ($1 signed). Submitted by Edmund Randolph as Attorney General on the U.S. judicial system and revising the Judiciary Act of 1789. Randolph was helped in drafting this report by Justice James Wilson. Sabin 67816. Evans 23909

GLC01035

The Secretary of the Treasury [...], relatively to [...] a Mint

A-E2 F2(-F2) ($1 signed). Regarding establishment of a Mint. Submitted by Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury as an appendix to his report on the Public Credit. Evans 23920.

GLC01036

Report of the Secretary of the Treasury, on the subject of the Public Debt.

A-D2 ($1 signed). Submitted by Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury. With his name misspelled "Alexarder" on p.15. Evans 24926

GLC01037

Communications from the Secretary of the Treasury, to the House ....

A-Q2 R2 ($1 signed). Evans 26343, Bibliotheca Hamiltoniana 246. Submitted by Hamilton as Secretary of Treasury. With foldout "General Statement of the Appropriations" for 1792

GLC01038

A Plan for the general arrangement of the militia of the United States

A-F2 G2 (-G2) ($1 signed). Submitted by Henry Knox as Secretary of War, the first report issued by his department. Evans 22958, Howes K220. 1 black and white bust engraving of Peter Cooper included.

GLC01039

Treaties between the United States and France

Printed by John Dunlap. First American printing of the first United States treaty.
Contains both the Treaty of Alliance with France and the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. The Treaty of Alliance is the first Philadelphia printing and the first...

GLC01040

The Secretary of Treasury respectfully reports.... [state debts report]

An appendix to Hamilton's Public Credit report on state debts. Proposes raising customs duties. Evans 23003, Bibliotheca Hamiltoniana 165

GLC01041

An Ordinance for the government of the territory of United States, northwest of the river Ohio

One printed copy of "An Ordinance for the government of the territory of United States, northwest of the river Ohio" dated 1795. Details new laws on property rights. This printing comes from the first section of Laws of the Territory of the United...

GLC01042

to Mary Wood

He writes to his sister about his orders to see General William Henry Harrison at Detroit. He urges her to take an educational opportunity and discusses the benefits education would bring her. Notes that the time has come for him to be tested as a...

GLC01043.01

to Mary Wood

He discusses his desire to visit home that winter, which could not be fulfilled because he is fighting in the War of 1812. Discusses the perils of his activities in the west (in Ohio), being surrounded by Indians, and fearing he would not see his...

GLC01043.03

to unknown

Draft of a detailed report of the attack on Fort Erie that had been repelled on August 14, 1814. Wood commanded forces in the battle. Letter written at Fort Erie to a superior officer.

GLC01043.04

Report on public credit. Appendix Treasury Department, March 4, 1790

Written by Hamilton as an appendix to his Public Credit report and issued six weeks later. He recommended raising duties on imported liquor and enacting an excise tax on domestic Whiskey. (This tax eventually led to the Whiskey Rebellion).

GLC01044

Report on the adoption of the gold standard in Japan

Printed by the Government Printing Press. Contains information on the development of the coinage system in Japan during the Meiji Period. Discusses implementation of the Coinage Law of 1897.

GLC01045

to John Hunt Morgan

Smith ordering Morgan to defend Nicholasville and Bryantsville, near Lexington, Kentucky. Letter written in pencil.

GLC01049

to John S. Preston

Confederate general Buckner asks Colonel Preston to have some letters of General John Hunt Morgan's wife sent to Confederate President Jefferson Davis to be forwarded to Morgan, who was in a Union prison camp in Ohio. Partial docket on verso; lower...

GLC01050

to James B. McPherson

Confederate General Adams sends two men, under a flag of truce, to visit their brother, who was being held in Vicksburg as a spy. Asks Union Major General McPherson for permission for them to attempt to obtain proof of their brother's innocence.

GLC01051

[Endorsement on petition for a dentist to join the Confederate Army]

Endorsement on Marx E. Cohen's request to the Surgeon General of the Confederate States to provide " 'Dental Surgery' " to the Confederate Army in the field. WIth several signatures approving the request and several signed annotations on the verso...

GLC01052

[Diary Oliver D. Pratt]

Autograph manuscript signed. Pratt served in Co. L, 1st Battalion, 4th Massachusetts Cavalry. Approximately 100 pages written in pencil. Military content about war in Virginia. Dated June 10- October 1, 1864.

GLC01003.01

[Diary of Oliver D. Pratt]

Autograph manuscript signed. Military content about war in Virginia. Written in pencil. Dated October 1, 1864-June 24, 1865,

GLC01003.02

[Seated portrait of John H. Surratt]

One portrait of John Harrison Surratt, Jr., taken by Mathew Brady in 1868.

GLC02194

Journal of a whaling voyage on board ship Cortes of New Bedford, [Massachusetts]

Includes five separate pages of watercolors that were possibly previously bound in the log. Includes daily entries of the whaling voyage and numerous miscellaneous newspaper clippings, poems, and songs. Many entries are accompanied by an ink stamp...

GLC02212

[General orders no. 30 regarding food rations for contrabands]

Signed by Townsend, United States Assistant Adjutant General. By order of the Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, establishes food rations "for issue by the Subsistence Department to adult refugees and to adult colored persons, commonly called...

GLC02225

[Collection of two items, quotation signed by Dolley Madison and engraving] Decimalized

GLC02231

to John C. Tidball

Writes a friendly letter to Tidball about how their military circle is breaking up since Tidball is leaving to head the Artillery School at Fort Monroe, and Sherman has left for St . Louis. Praises Tidball's reputation over the years he has known...

GLC02246

[Official ordnance document]

Partially printed document, with printed signature. Treadwell, Captain of Ordnance, informs Captain Albert A. Day (Company K, 20th Michigan Infantry, 9th Corps) that his return of ordnance and ordnance stores for the fourth quarter of 1864 has been...

GLC02249.01

To the men under his command

Written aboard the flag steamer USS Philadelphia. General order, signed clerically, sent by Flag Officer Goldsborough as commander of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron thanking his men for a victory "worthy of yourselves and the sacred cause the...

GLC02252

[Envelope addressed to Major Vincent]

A free franked envelope (War Department stationery) signed as Secretary of War, allowing the bearer, Major Vincent, to see the Board of Inquiry into Lincoln's assassination.

GLC02256

[Collection of Amos J. Harding, L company, 6th regiment, Missouri, cavalry] [decimalized]

The collection consists of thirteen letters written by various men but all addressed to Amos J. Harding. The letters are from friends and officers in service during the Civil War and are mostly from Missouri; eight of these letters possess dockets....

GLC02178

[Collection of Erastus R. McKinney, I company, 11th regiment, Illinois, infantry] [decimalized]

Collection of 47 items from the papers of Erastus Root McKinney, who served as a private in the 11th Illinois Volunteers. The collection consists of 43 documents, 4 photographs, and a diary, much of which documents McKinney's service in the Civil War...

GLC02179.01

[Diary of Erastus McKinney]

Autograph manuscript signed. Includes reports on Union casualities during the capture of Fort Donelson (fought from 11 February to 16 February 1862 at Stewart County, Tennessee).

GLC02179.02

[Collection of George F. Morse, 91st regiment, New York, volunteers] [decimalized]

Collection of George F. Morse, private, 91st New York Volunteers. There are 52 items in the collection, including 17 letters from Morse, from his enlistment in October 1864, until his discharge in July 1865. Letters were written from Kingston, New...

GLC02180

[Collection of John H. Powers, 1st regiment, Vermont, cavalry] [decimalized]

Collection of 75 letters written to a private in the first Vermont Cavalry, 1860-77, from friends and schoolmates at Newbury Seminary, and fraternity brothers from Wesleyan College. Some of the letters are from soldiers in the field, while others...

GLC02181

[Collection of E. Wyman Stone, A company, 21st regiment, Massachusetts, infantry] [Decimalized .01- .37]

Stone was a corporal in the 21st Mass. Vols., Co. A. The letters are written from Massachusetts, Annapolis, and New Berne, North Carolina. The collection includes 34 letters (some with envelopes), three receipts, a newspaper clipping and a furlough...

GLC02182

[Collection of Edward L. Sturtevant]

A collection of 37 items from a Union captain. Includes 26 wardate letters, 10 envelopes, and 1 carte-de-visite. Written from the training base at Camp Maine, Brooklyn, New York. Describing in detail his duties as an officer, he often finds the army...

GLC02183

to Francis Preston Blair

Praises a letter Blair wrote, published in a newspaper (possibly the New York Evening Post). Has confidence that "we shall succeed in electing Fremont," referring to John C. Frémont's candidacy in the 1856 Presidential election. Compares the...

GLC02184

Why We are at War. Messages to Congress January to April, 1917

Signed in front endpaper. Content surrounding America's entry into World War I. Deckle edges.

GLC02186

Confederate cavalryman with canteen, 1/6 plate ambrotype, ruby-glass

GLC02187

Confederate cavalryman seated with pistol, 1/9 plate ambrotype

The image is said to be that of a member of a cavalryman in Morgan's troop.

GLC02188

Fall in Men! Fall in Promptly! To the Rescue of the State!

Pennsylvania recruitment broadside, published by recruiting officer Lieutenant Thomas Sparks probably asking for men to defend the state during Robert E. Lee's invasion in June-July 1863. Focal point is large depiction of a debonair soldier charging...

GLC02192

Largest Bounties! Recruits Wanted for the Penn'a Volunteers

Pennsylvania recruitment broadside published by recruitment officer Captain P.S. Tinen of the 69th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers. Printed in blue and red ink by King & Baird at 607 Samson Street in Philadelphia. Dominated by the image of an...

GLC02193

to Edwin M. Stanton

Signed as Major General commanding in the Department of North Carolina. Writes to the Secretary of War to report on the positions and activities of various troops and generals. "From information obtained through our Spies, I am Satisfied that the...

GLC02196

[Collection of Civil War letters from various soldiers & civilians] [decimalized]

Collection of 51 letters, including 24 wardate soldiers' letters, to recipients in Lancaster and York County, Pennsylvania. Written by various individuals, mostly to Isaac Cover (Kover, Coover) and family in Pennsylvania. Most have envelopes....

GLC02197

[Collection of Leander A. Williston, B company, 3rd regiment, Massachusetts, heavy artillery] [Decimalized .01- .60]

Williston was Lieutenant in the 6th Co. Massachusetts Volunteers. Collection includes his appointment as Sergeant in Company 6 of the Massachusetts Heavy Artillery, 27 June 1863, cloth map, muster rolls and ordnance reports and correspondence from...

GLC02198

[Appointment of Williston, Quarter Master Sergeant of the 6th Co. Mass. Vols.]

Signed by Capt. A. P. Allen, printed document on "art. vellum."

GLC02198.60

Life studies of the Great Army

Print portfolio of 40 copperplate etchings made by Forbes while accompanying Union armies. All the etchings have been separated and put in individual folders. Created by Forbes, a member of the French Etching Club, while he travelled with the Union...

GLC02199

[Oil painting of General Ulysses S. Grant on horseback overlooking a battlefield]

Depicts Grant writing in a notebook while overlooking a battlefield. Several Confederate soldiers lay dead and dying in the foreground. Other Union leaders confer on horseback. Completed in black, white, gray, and brown. Signed by the artist in...

GLC02201

to Arthur Carpenter

Writes a witty letter to the business manager at Warm Springs, Georgia, where Roosevelt founded the Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation in 1927. Jokes about mosquitoes briefly. Discusses the sprinkler system for the Meriwether Hotel. Signed...

GLC02202

to Howell Cheney

Letter regarding raising money for the war effort. Typed on personal stationery.

GLC02203.01

to Howell Cheney

Letter regarding the Red Cross. Typed on personal stationery.

GLC02203.02

to Howell Cheney

Discusses the sacrifices needed to support the American war effort during World War I. Mentions the War Savings Stamp project as a means for both rich and poor to contribute, but asserts that the such financial support "is a duty rather more...

GLC02203.03

to John Lovett

Serving as New Hampshire State Representative, Webster discusses possible future political appointments with New York Representative Lovett. Discusses a dinner with Richard Stockton, a New Jersey Representative. Referring to the New York election...

GLC02204

[Receipt for meals and lodging]

Signed by Charles Pyncheon. Verifies receipt of 32 shillings from Bartlett as payment for his and Colonel Nathaniel Peabody's food and lodging for eight days at the Springfield, Massachusetts monetary convention held 30 July - 6 August 1777.

GLC02205

to William Moore

Written by Irvine as Brigadier General to Moore as President of Pennsylvania. He is concerned with British deserters and prisoners enlisting into the Continental Army despite the vigilance of recruiting officers. Since there is no defined punishment...

GLC02206

to unknown

Thanks the recipient for information in a previous letter, about the "hostile disposition of the Indians on the Frontiers." Shares his hope that federal treaties will ease the recipient's apprehensions and "produce a general peace." Introduces Col...

GLC02207

[Clipped signature mounted on engraving of Pownall]

Includes Pownall's signature and an engraving of Pownall mounted on backing. Signature possibly created circa 1780. Engraving copyrighted 1897 by Little, Brown, & Co. based on the original engraving by Richard Earlom, first printed in 1777....

GLC02207.02

Proclamation: [Salem Gazette printing re: invasion of Capitol]

Salem Gazette printing dated September 7 at 3 o'clock P.M. from the Salem Gazette Office, reprinting the text from the Boston Evening Gazette.

GLC02208

Dignified retirement: parody on the house that Jack built, -- fitted to the times

A parody of the nursery rhyme styled upon eighteenth century children's chapbooks making fun of Jefferson's retirement at a time of national crisis. The figures are rough allegories of Jefferson (alternately a king then a priest, retiring to a...

GLC02209

[Arkansas survey map depicting land claims]

Depicts a map of the Arkansas surveying district "shewing the extent of Public Survey's in said district on the 30th September 1844." Contains boundary lines, including the Cherokee and Choctaw line, the Louisiana Line, the Missouri line, and the...

GLC02210.02

Speech of governor Dorr, in answer to the question by the court, why sentence should not be pronounced against him

Published by the Republican Herald Office. Appeals to the citizens of Rhode Island, arguing that the sentence given to him goes against the principles of a democratic Republic. Dorr was charged for treason and sentenced to life imprisonment and...

GLC02211

to John A. Wharton

Discusses military matters. Wishes to know the strength of the army Wharton is fighting, says he cannot send General Wood's forces far away, and says his men will soon be prepared to fight. Address page contains a penciled endorsement signed by...

GLC02213

to Walker

Remarks that he has been unable to fight any battles in his home state (Virginia), but has instead served in Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Wishes that the French Emperor, Napoleon III, would speed mediation. Notes that his promotion has not...

GLC02215

to Colonel Gibbs

General Pryor instructs, "Don't carry your troops to Blackwater Bridge in the morning. Hold them in readiness to join me at Franklin. The enemy threatens us seriously." Gibbs notes, in pencil, that he received this message at 9:30 pm. Possibly to...

GLC02216

to Daniel S. Donelson

General Randolph, former Confederate Secretary of War, writes: "If the War Department recognized the disbanding of your regiment you were thereby put out of commission and your subsequent assignment to duty was invalid. But if the Regt is still kept...

GLC02217

to John G. Walker

Discusses artillery, ammunition, commissions, assignments, and other military matters in the trans-Mississippi Department. Praises General Walker's command.

GLC02218