12 December 1874

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Broadside

Title: Will the American people never cease to oppress and torture the helpless poor?

Begins with an excerpt from the New York "Tribune" indicating that thirty-five black children were ejected from public schools in Brazil, Indiana, by order of local trustees. Smith criticizes the children's ejection and urges the Republican Party to pass a pending Civil Rights Bill.

GLC02448.20

12 March 1783

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elias Boudinot

Adams introduces Joshua Grigby, Jr. to President of Congress Boudinot. Adams describes Grigby as the wealthy son of a Suffolk gentleman, who "wishes to settle and be happy in America." Adams notes that Grigby will be able to tell Boudinot about English politics.

GLC02449

1770-1819

Header Record

Title: Annapolis Convention: 20 letters & docs [decimalized]

Annapolis Convention member: [decimalized 02450.01-02450.20]

GLC02450

June 23, 1779

Bowen, Jabez, 1739-1815

Autograph note signed

Title: [Order to pay Colonel William Barton six thousand pounds from the Rhode Island General Assembly]

Sent to Joseph Clarke, the General Treasurer of Rhode Island. The money was owed for Barton's efforts "recruiting his light corps." A note from Barton on the verso dated 24 June 1779 indicates he received the payment.

GLC02450.04

1815-1860

Moore, Alfred, 1755-1810

Autograph note signed

Title: to unknown

Requests that Mr. Capley be paid the market price for 4,100 shingles.

GLC02450.13

May 11, 1781

Nash, Abner, 1716-1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathanael Greene

The Governor of North Carolina relays military intelligence and discusses military preparations. Mentions that Lord Cornwallis reached Halifax. Expresses his fear that the Marquis de Lafayette "is in some danger as the Enemy force when joined will undoubtedly be supr. to his." He inquires about General Greene's successes in South Carolina.

GLC02450.14

10 June 1785

Ronald, William, fl. 1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Patrick Henry

Seeks instructions from the governor of Virginia on how to attend to the upcoming sale of public lands. Comments on the financial matters pertaining to the sale and requests money for surveying and marking boundaries. Also wishes to be informed of the commands given by the governor to "the Commissioners appointed to the canal business." Discusses a plan orchestrated by Colonel Carrington to have a Mr. Andrews from Williamsburg "lay off" some valuable lots. Inquires about plans for payments. A clipping from another letter also discussing the land sale accompanies this letter. Clipping…

GLC02450.16

December 21, 1788

Smith, Meriwether, 1730-1790

Manuscript document signed

Title: to the Freeholders of the County of Westmoreland

Announces Meriwether Smith's desire to become a representative in Congress for the district containing Essex County, Virginia, through the upcoming election, the first under the recently ratified Constitution. Cites his public service during the Revolutionary War and his desire to improve the Constitution.

GLC02450.18

18 November 1836

Houston, Sam, 1793-1863

Document signed

Title: [Appointment of William H. Wharton as minister to the U.S.]

Signed by Sam Houston. Countersigned by Austin as Secretary of State, with Samuel A. Roberts presentation on back to Mrs. Hugh White, regarding provenance. Red wax seal on bottom left corner.

GLC02452.01

May 1914

Header Record

Title: American literary figures: 36 letters, quotes and documents [decimalized .01-.37]

Hopkinson was a congressman, jurist and author of the lyrics to "Hail Columbia!"

GLC02453

March 1864

Halleck, Fitz-Greene, 1790-1867

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: Lines on the death of a young officer of the United States Navy, fallen in battle for his country

Sentimental poem lamenting the death of a soldier in battle. 12 lines written in one stanza. Poem ends: "He lived as Mother's wish their Sons to live, / He died as fathers wish their Sons to die." Halleck was a poet from Guildford, Connecticut. He wrote, with Joseph Rodman Drake, "The Croaker Papers," a series of satirical and humorous verses. "Fanny," his longest poem, was a satire on the literature, fashions, and politics of the time. It was published anonymously in December, 1819. Halleck was also the private secretary to John Jacob Astor.

GLC02453.01

January 5, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are valued, as Washington enjoys corresponding with those he loves. Discusses the extended navigation of United States rivers, hoping that the legislatures will agree. Proposes to employ adventurers to first navigate the rivers, and later to impose tolls as river traffic increases, noting that the enterprise will not begin at the expense of the public.…

GLC02437.09406

18 June 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his appointment (on March 8, 1785) to the post of Secretary at War. Encloses a certificate of service for Major Sergeant (not included). Hopes to receive limestone for use in construction. Discusses the Virginia Assembly's appropriation of shares intended for him (Washington) in navigation of the Potomac and James Rivers. Referring to Knox's new position as Secretary at War, mentions the Western Territory, Great Britain, and military posts near Detroit. Suggests Fort Pitt or Fort McIntosh as posts of deposits from which other forts may draw supplies. Discusses…

GLC02437.09407

December 11, 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus, by Honoré Gabriel Riqueti, comte de Mirabeau. Refers to limestone previously discussed with Knox in relation to Washington's construction projects. Sends his best wishes to Knox, his wife Lucy, and their family.

GLC02437.09408

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to "combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to." Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General…

GLC02437.09409

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the constitutional rights of Massachusetts. Also discusses insurgents in that state (Shays' Rebellion was losing momentum). Relates in confidence that he does not want to go to the Constitutional Convention (to be held in Philadelphia) but that convention organizers have included him and implored him not to make a final decision regarding whether or not he will attend. Admits that "powers are wanting" in government, but takes a pessimistic view, wondering how such powers shall be derived. Comments that Knox's opinion, to build a central national government, is energetic and…

GLC02437.09410

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent suppression of Shays' Rebellion. Comments that Shays is "either a weak man - the dupe of some characters who are yet behind the curtain - or has been deceived by his followers." Reports the adjournment of the Assembly of Maryland regarding issuance of a paper emission. Wishes to see the country happy and at peace while "gliding down the stream of…

GLC02437.09411

2 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects of the Constitution, the Convention will be a worthwhile endeavor. Asks Knox to find out from his friends in Congress the degree of power Delegates will possess. Also asks him to probe for others' views regarding his attendance (or non-attendance). Hopes to see Knox in Philadelphia before the Convention (Knox will be there for a Society of the…

GLC02437.09412

27 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the French view the Society of the Cincinnati. Since Washington cannot read French, he has to rely on Jefferson's comments on the article, and has asked "a gentleman who lives in my family" to prepare a translation he encloses [not present]. Allows Knox to decide how to present the topic of the article to the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.09413

19 August 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that may be obtained "at the present moment, under such diversity of ideas as prevail." Had anticipated a visit to New York during adjournment of the Convention, but was unable to plan the precise time when an intermission would arise, and thus placed his carriage in the hands of a repairman. Offers his condolences to Knox regarding an unspecified…

GLC02437.09414

January 10, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named George. In a post…

GLC02437.09415

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the…

GLC02437.09416

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and exciting alarms. Notes that residents of the Kentucke area (the later state of Kentucky) will have a large impact on ratification. Their primary concerns are navigation of the Mississippi River and organization into a separate state. Discusses details of the Virginia convention for ratification. Is disappointed that a great majority opposes the…

GLC02437.09418

1 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: So unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill- abilities & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm..." Promises integrity and…

GLC02437.09419

10 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or listlessness with which our public measures seem to be pervaded." In a post script, predicts a quorum in both Houses of Congress.

GLC02437.09420