January 20, 1842

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Brooks

Adams comments upon his "essay" in defense of British actions in China during the Opium War. He maintains that he confined himself "to the question of right from wrong between the parties, as it stood upon the ransom of Canton." He bases his judgments on two principles: the equality of men and the love of God and neighbor. Adams alludes to Chinese demands of submission, and contrasts that with the Britons, "a Christian nation of Freeman" whom he hopes will practice mercy and moderation.

GLC05508.001

12 April 1862

Gordon, George Washington, 1836-1911

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his daughter

Written in pencil as P.O.W. at prison no. 3, Camp Chase, Ohio. Gordon writes about conditions living as a P.O.W and the liberty he enjoys through Christ. He mentions sickness in the camp, both deceased and surviving members of his company, and some of his neighbors.

GLC05508.004

12 October 1836

Key, Francis Scott, 1779-1843

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Apparently written to a clergyman friend who refused to baptize the child of unbelieving parents. Key dwells at length on the sponsors' obligations in baptism, supporting his friend's decision. He gives specific advice on how he would have proceeded. He also expresses sympathy for the child who would grow up unbaptized, but sees more danger from "profanation of a Sacrament." Key also mentions other options such as baptizing the child with religious sponsors (acceptable) or without sponsors (unacceptable).

GLC05508.007

29 September 1862

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Autograph note signed

Title: to Edwin M. Stanton

A two-page petition regarding churches in Port Royal, S.C., occupies recto and verso of first leaf. Lincoln's note appears on verso of second leaf. Lincoln writes about the danger of conflict among different religious denominations in their ministry to the colored people in Port-Royal. He suggests that the churches not have interference from others, hoping that "a real Christian charity and forbearance on the part of all" will eliminate the discord. One colored bust engraving of Lincoln included. Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University…

GLC05508.008

8 November 1928

Abbot, Charles Greely, 1872-1973

Typed letter signed

Title: to "Our Heroes Class," First Methodist Church

Writing to a Sunday school class, Abbot, an Astrophysicist and Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, recounts an anecdote from his childhood in which a cobbler told him "the Kingdom of Heaven is within you." Abbot explains that Heaven is within you when you follow a "philosophy of happy life." This philosophy is characterized by study of the classics of human culture--such as the Bible, literature, music, and great paintings.

GLC05508.014

27 August 1974

Albert, Carl, 1908-2000

Typed letter

Title: to Earl G. Hunt

Responding to Methodist Bishop Hunt's request for his favorite quotation, Albert cites the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12). He learned a slightly different version from the text given in the King James Bible. He also remarks that it has subconsciously influenced his decisions.

GLC05508.017

January 11, 1838

Haughton, Richard, 1799-1841

Newspaper

Title: Atlas. [Vol. 6, no. 164 (January 11, 1838)]

Most prominent on this page is a report on the debate of "Calhoun's resolutions" concerning the parameters of the "gag rule," which was renewed by the senate annually between 1836 and 1844. The debate touches on states' rights, free speech, and secession, and provides an example of how the Senate avoided direct consideration of slavery by instead debating how they should discuss slavery. Contributions are made by senators John C. Calhoun, Daniel Webster, James Buchanan, and Thomas Morris, among others. The page also includes a resolution by Martin Van Buren urging U.S. citizens not to…

GLC05508.025

2 April 1836

Buchanan, James, 1791-1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Harriet Henry

Buchanan writes to his sister because he is concerned for her health. He writes: "let me strongly urge you to resist the gloomy feelings & apprehensions which I fear you indulge." He asks her to submit to the will of God, but also acknowledges he is not a model Christian. Buchanan assures Harriet that should he survive her, he will comply with any requests she makes of him.

GLC05508.054

circa 1977-1989

Byrd, Robert C., 1917-2010

Typed quotation signed

Title: [Except the Lord build the house...]

Quotation from Psalm 127 typed on stationery of the Senate Majority Leader: "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that built it: except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain." Originally in the Earl Hunt Collection. Watermarked 1978.

GLC05508.058

circa 1875-1885

Cable, George Washington, 1844-1925

Autograph quotation signed

Title: [I believe in beauty and in joy...]

Cable quotes Charlotte Oliver, in part: "As to the resurrection, punishment and reward, I can't see what my noblest choice has to do with them; they seem to be God's part of the matter; mine is to love perfect beauty and perfect joy...."

GLC05508.059

30 May 1924

Carver, George Washington, 1864-1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Hardwick

Discusses at great length Hardwick's emerging spirituality. Carver mentions that he created a medicine from peanuts to alleviate respiratory problems after hearing a sermon about an African girl who converted to Christianity and then died, probably from tuberculosis.

GLC05508.063

26 November 1924

Carver, George Washington, 1864-1943

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles White

Carver answers five questions posed by White. He writes that he is comforted by reading the Bible; that God supplies strength for living (quoting Philippians 4:19); that he always asks for God's direction whenever he begins a task or journey; and that living according to the Golden Rule would bring an end to war.

GLC05508.064

22 December 1929

Zuber, Osburn, fl. 1929

Pamphlet signed

Title: Negro Scientist Shows "Way Out" for Southern Farmers[:] A Story of George Washington Carver of Tuskegee

Reprinted from the "Montgomery Advertiser." With Carver's signature beneath his photo portrait inside the front cover.

GLC05508.065

9 April 1925

Coolidge, Grace Goodhue, 1879-1957

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mrs. Strong

Answers Strong's question, which asks what has given Mrs. Coolidge the most comfort. Coolidge states that passages from the Bible about faith and Whittier's "The Eternal Goodness" have provided much comfort but she finds that James Martinean's Commendatory Prayer, published as a memorial to her husband, has given her the most comfort. On White House Stationary.

GLC05508.073

19 August 1940

Davis, James, fl. 1940

Typed letter signed

Title: to G. F. Robinson

Davis believes Willkie will be the next President. He discusses the passing of his wife, the life they had together and the one she now has in heaven. Briefly mentions aid to Britain. Written on Stationery of the Senate Committee on Finance.

GLC05508.082

1865

Object

Title: [Mourning ribbon]

The ribbon is made of gathered black cloth and is tied with white ribbon in the center. A small lace rondelle with a portrait of president Lincoln is found in the center, below the white ribbon.

GLC05502

1855

Autograph letter signed

Title: Collection of two items pertaining to Thomas Sully [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC05503

11 April 1869

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Horace Greeley

Claims that the newspaper clamor over the terms of Confederate surrender, including slavery, would not have arisen had Lincoln not been assassinated. Fragment of a letter.

GLC05507

1699-1980 ca.

Header Record

Title: [Collection of documents relating to religion and spirituality. See decimalized entries.]

GLC05508

14 September 1699

Cotton, John, 1640-1699

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Lord

Cotton writes from Charleston, South Carolina, where he had been called in 1698, to Joseph Lord, a minister at Dorchester, South Carolina. Lord had sailed to South Carolina with Cotton in November 1698. Speaks of mutual acquaintances in Charleston and touches on various issues, most significantly the proper procedure of the church when members, baptized as infants, renounce their baptism. Mentions the funeral of a Rev. Marshall, and the pending baptism of a slave owned by Madam Blake. Cotton died of yellow fever on 18 September 1699, four days after this letter was written. Contains…

GLC05508.002

30 December 1770

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jane Mecom

Written to his sister concerning various matters, including stories of the threatened loss of his position as colonial postmaster, the difficulties he faces for expressing his political opinions, and sending some books Jane had asked for. Franklin comments that the books resemble the opinions of a Mrs. Ilive, whose "Solemn Discourse" attempted "to prove, that this World is the true Hell or Place of Punishment for the Spirits who had transgress'd in a better State, and were sent here to suffer for their sins in Animals of all Sorts."

GLC05508.003

31 August 1842

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary P. Payson

Jackson sends Miss Payson a sentiment: "Seek true wisdom[:] it is the pearl of 'great price' which cheers us thro' life, and ends in happy mortality." One black and white bust engraving of Jackson included.

GLC05508.005

3 January 1855

Jackson, Thomas J. "Stonewall", 1824-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his uncle

A heartfelt letter noting the spiritual guidance that Jackson's uncle gave to Jackson's now deceased wife, Ellie. Jackson expresses thanks for his uncle's condolence after her passing. He discusses his sadness and changed outlook on life. Jackson also writes of his faith in God overlooking him.

GLC05508.006

21 July 1743

Pepperrell, William, 1696-1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Waldron

Pepperell reports his daughter and grandson very ill. He also mentions business matters.

GLC05508.009

December 1946

Rickenbacker, Edward Vernon, 1890-1973

Typed letter signed

Title: to George L. Rihl

Rihl resided around Mexico City. Rickenbacker reflects on the state of the country during the Christmas season. He sees Americans' hatred of Germans and Japanese, cultivated during WWII, being transferred to fellow citizens in post-war America: parties against each other, and even employees against bosses and stockholders. He sees the result as disorganization, industrial strife and poverty, and calls upon his friend to "take inventory of ourselves and our pet hates as we approach the holiday season."

GLC05508.010.01