1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Sarah Gibson]

Writes to her niece about family news, particularly concerning a cousin who just married and Nathaniel, who is very ill.

GLC04501.103

1861-1865

Gibson, Tobias, fl. 1861-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to Sarah Gibson Humphreys]

He discusses social activities in Lexington. He also instructs Sarah to forward his letters if she and Mr. Humphreys cannot come to Lexington.

GLC04501.104

1861-1865

Humphreys, Marian, ?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sallie

News concerning family members. Contents suggest these are probably Sarah Gibson Humphreys' children. The letter is partly cross-written.

GLC04501.105

May 6, 1857

Manuscript document signed

Title: Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Crawford to Lord Clarendon

A manuscript extract from a May 6, 1857 dispatch from British consul at Havana, Joseph T. Crawford, to Lord Clarendon, giving names and tonnage of five American vessels sent to Havana, presumably for the slave trade. The ships are the schooner "Abbot Devereaux," brig "R.B. Lawton," schooner "J.H. Record," barque "Clara B. Williams" and barque "Minetonka." This is followed by a one paragraph update, written in the same hand as the extract, and signed "G.G.," noting the August 1, 1857 capture of the "Abbot Devereaux," with 266 slaves on board, by the HMS "Frazer" and the September 2, 1857…

GLC05832.01

12 October 1857

Davidson, Hunter, 1827-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Lt. Davidson of the USS "Dale" reports on his official interview with Commodore Wise, commander of the H.M.S. "Vesuvius," regarding Wise's capture of the slaveship "Bremen" on October 10, 1857. Davidson interviewed Wise by order of the captain of the "Dale," William McBlair. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" off the West Coast of Africa. Davidson relays Wise's statement that he boarded the "Bremen" and told her captain that he knew she was a slaver flying an American flag without proper papers. The slaver's captain then threw the flag and papers overboard, stating that he would rather be…

GLC05832.02

October 19. 1857

Conover, Thomas A., 1794-1864

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Directing McBlair to proceed to the Congo River area to suppress the illegal traffic in slaves and ordering him to cooperate with British naval forces already in the area. Sends "private instructions" (possibly related to GLC00722.04) on how to deal with foreign vessels. Tells McBlair "The slave trade appears to be centered chiefly at and near the mouth of the Congo River" and that he should patrol mostly around this area while searching for illegal slave trading ships. Written on board the U.S.S. "Cumberland" at St. Paul de Loando, now called Luanda, the capital of Angola. These orders…

GLC05832.03

13 November 1857

Burgess, George F., 1827-1860

Manuscript document

Title: [Statement regarding slave ship capture]

Clerical copy of a statement by British commander George F. Burgess recording the capture of the slave ship "Joseph H Record" by HMS "Antelope" on September 3, 1857. The vessel had "191 Slaves on board - and had a crew of Spaniards & Italians - or other foreigners - no papers or colours." The statement also excerpts the boarding book of the HMS "Hecate" regarding information received about the "Windward," a ship flying American colors, but with a Portugese crew. The original statement was written on board the HMS "Hecate" at Sharks Point, R. Congo. The schooner "Joseph H. Record" was…

GLC05832.04

1857 circa

Pike, John W., fl. 1857

Manuscript document

Title: Information regarding slavers, received from the master of the "Jupiter" captured by Her M S "Antelope"

Clerical copy of a deposition taken by Lt. John W. Pike, captain of the HMS "Antelope," from the master of the "Jupiter," an illegal slaver captured by the "Antelope" in June of 1857. The statement describes the operation of an illegal slave ship, including financing, use of false papers and colors, circuitous route taken, initial contact with slave traders in Africa by the raising of certain colors, refitting of the ship from a merchant hold to a slave ship, picking up of the slaves some time later, and other tactics. It then details the voyage of the "Jupiter" prior to her capture. The…

GLC05832.05

24 November 1862

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents and sister

Writes that he and Darius have received money by way of Mrs. Warner, their captain's wife. He reports that General Dumont is issuing a notice in the papers identifying men who have deserted and offering a reward for their return. In response, the regiment voted that "it was justice to proceed in this manner." Wheeler writes that he and Darius are elated that they have their families support.

GLC07460.006

2 April 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

He thanks his family for the letters and food they've sent. Complains that Uncle Sam owes him eighty dollars but thinks that he will get paid some of the amount tomorrow. Mentions to his family that they should set out an orchard on which they could live and still keep a place in the village. Reports that Companies A and I have been sent down the railroad towards Nashville after hearing that rebels were tearing up the railroad tracks. Addresses Darius (his brother-in-law) specifically and tells him that he will be moving to better quarters. Writes that he had been sick but is now better.

GLC07460.023

17 April 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha

Writes that he would like to hire Welly (his nephew Wellington Spohn) at five cents a day to help with the harvest. Reports that rebels are camped nearby and that he is anxious toget rid of them. Discusses the feeling of brotherhood amongst the soldiers even though some regiments, such as the 79th Ohio are not necessarily liked. Writes that while commanding a post, a negro informed them that some rebels were cutting down telegraph poles. As a result, General Paine sent out six companies from the 70th Indiana and all of the mounted regimental scouts. Discusses another rebel raid in…

GLC07460.024

25 April 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Hopes that more men will be drafted to fill the regiments. Writes that he would like to see the North "whip" the South entirely with volunteers. He describes a reported rebel attack on a Union picket that forced the picket to retreat. Wheeler also describes the presentation of the regimental and national flags to the 105th. Of the national flag (battle flag) he writes, " is of blue and has on it but twelve stars- I think the absent one must be South Carolina." Wheeler describes a visit from the 79th Ohio which he describes as a visit of "mutual good feeling". The letter is accompanied…

GLC07460.025

1 April 1817

McCarthy, Charles, ?-1824

Printed document signed

Title: [Bill of exchange related to captured slaves in Sierra Leone]

McCarthy, Colonial Governor of Sierra Leone, instructs commissioners of the British Treasury to pay Major Donald McKenzie four hundred pounds, for "the expences of the Captured Negroes of this Colony." Partially printed, and housed within GLC 8059.01.

GLC08059.02

1 December 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Emily L. Gerry

Slave trade to Cuba and the evils of the slave traders. Details the methods used by traders who bring slaves to Cuba, and the horrible acts they have committed. Also discusses personal and family affairs, events in his daily life, and happenings in the Navy. "The Slave Trade is carried on openly from the port to a very great extent and that altogether in American built vessels and thru the agency of Americans...vessels arrive and depart daily, that are known to be Slavers...The horid barbarities committed by these fiends of darkness upon the poor Africans after they are taken on board…

GLC09099.04

December 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Desires to be a captain, and believes he may soon attain the role, though the Commodore, whom he dislikes, is making matters difficult for him. Describes Havana, Key West and the local flora, discusses slave traders and their evil ways. Believes he already does much of the work of a captain, and believes he should be promoted to the roll soon, though the Commodore may prevent this. Written on board the U.S.S. "Warren."

GLC09099.05

15 March 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry [incomplete]

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Says she is sorry she sent her last letter, which reported that Henry's resignation was accepted and that another surgeon was being sent to replace him. Says it is not true. Says Admirals Lee and De Clymer both intervened in Washington to keep the resignation from going through. Wonders where he is and says "how I would like that wonderful trunk of the Danish storyteller Anderson to carry me to China and in ... the Wyoming." Says their father is still anxious about his resignation and that he would "just [be] throwing away what is most valuable, a…

GLC03523.21.52

28 March 1866

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry. Makes reference to Henry's sister Anna returning from Washington where bureaucratic infighting involving Henry's resignation was taking place. Says reports of intemperance were stated against him. Says "Do my dear boy quit the poison I believe I once before went to you on the subject. It will destroy soul and body, distress fathers[,] sisters[,] and brothers." Envelope marked by Henry stating that the letter was received in Hong Kong on 5 May 1866.

GLC03523.21.54

15 July 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his brother John McKinley Gibson

A camp rumor states that Sherman gave up his campaign against Atlanta and is fortifying along the Chatahoochee. "But this is mere conjecture." Gibson goes on to offer offensive diversions to draw Sherman from Atlanta, such as massing Confederate troops along the Potomac or attacking Sherman's Army in the rear. "Kin" is John McKinley Gibson's nickname.

GLC04501.023

1 April 1822

Pleasonton, Stephen, ?-1855

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Forwards a letter (not included) he wrote "to Mr. Peirce in answer to the enquiry contained in his letter referred to me by you." Asks Hobart to send it to Peirce after he has read it. Written from the Treasury Department in Pleasonton's capacity as Auditor and Acting Commissioner of Revenues.

GLC06313.04.181

26 February 1822

Manuscript letter

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Written from the Treasury Department & Auditor's Office. Indicates that Edward Morton's claim for monies owed for a barge supplied during the War of 1812 (see GLC06313.143) was approved and he will be paid $289.

GLC06313.04.184

27 February 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Makes reference to the resignation and their father's disapproval again. Says she left Baltimore yesterday and has been ill since January and is taking cod liver oil. Mentions that the price of corn is 60 cents/bushel. Says the old town (probably Martinsburg) looks as usual and that "the railroad is its life." Claims that "Prices are high here, marketing and everything so the country people ought to have some money. Pa has rented the home next door for 250 dollars. the brick house ... for 375 and the small house ... for 75 dollars." Most of the letter…

GLC03523.21.51

27 March 1866

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry. Relates the story of the bureaucratic infighting involving his resignation. A man named Horowitz wanted to take Henry's place, but Admiral Lee intervened to keep the resignation open. There were accusations of Henry smuggling liquor on board and that he was "a drinking man." His honor was defended though and says "no one will ever say one word against you if I can help it." Creator inferred from content.

GLC03523.21.53

6 November 1851

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Sarah Gibson

Randall worries over their father's "daily sacrifices" since their mother's death (see GLC04501.100) and expresses concern for his well being. He has been elected to deliver an oration on behalf of the Southern Literary Society at an event in which two Northern Societies will also speak. He also discusses a possible trip south. Randall writes from Yale University, from which he would graduate in 1853.

GLC04501.001

26 February 1852

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Randall tries to explain falling grades in his junior year and emphasizes that a warning letter sent to his parents was due to excessive absence due to sickness, not to poor scholarship. Written from Yale University.

GLC04501.002

16 September 1858

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Discussing the impact of the weather on crops at Live Oaks and Greenwood plantations, an order for "gas fixtures," and the incidence of fever in the vicinities. Tobias Gibson's family owned three plantations in Louisiana. In part: "The health of the neighborhood is not at all good - the type of Fever, however, is mild & yields readily to treatment. Nearly everybody has been sick...The sooner you come the better - but you will observe that the Yellow Fever only assumes a more malignant type & may yet spread. It was after this that it was fatal in Thibodeaux."

GLC04501.003