4 September 1780

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ebenezer Foote

From West Point, Arnold writes to a supplier asserting that "The Enemy from their Preparations seem to have some important movement in contemplation, their object may be an attack on these ports." Consequently, he requests the cattle meant for the post be expedited so that they will be well provisioned. Written at "Robinson's House."

GLC08919

16 July 1863

Will, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Account of New York City Draft Riots from an unidentified soldier signed "Will." Explains that he joined the "Citizens Brigade at the 7th Military headquarters" and was "ordered out to shoot down the riot." Discusses how "The Rebels were on the house tops laying down so that they could throw stones at us & shoot at their pleasure & we had a very poor chance of seeing them, but we must of shot some Ten of them." Also indicates that he helped collect the wounded. He "expects a bloody day is before me." Closes with: "As you can see this is written in haste. my hand trembles in…

GLC08920

7 June 1756

Hardy, Charles, fl. 1716-1780

Letter signed

Title: to John Van Rensselaer

Discusses recruiting a militia unit for an expedition against the French at Crown Point, New York during the Seven Years War. Tells Lieutenant Colonel that "You will find by the enclosed Estimate made by the Assembly, that the Quota of your County is 211 Men, exclusive of 150 which the House supposed to be at Forts Edward and William Henry, and would reengage in the Service against Crown Point." Written in Fort George neighborhood of New York, New York

GLC08922

17 December 1747

Shirley, William, 1694-1771

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Request for 100 pounds sterling to pay troops]

Requests funds, to be given to Daniel Ayrault, to pay troops intended for an expedition against Canada during King George's War: "When the Parliament of Great Britain shall make Provision for Paying the Troops rais'd for the late intended Expedition against Canada. Be pleas'd to order Payment of this my third Exchange." Sent to William Pitt, who was "Paymaster General of His Majesty." A signed note on the verso by Ayrault orders that the money be paid to Elias Bland, for Ayrault's account. A signed note beneath that signed by Bland and witnessed by John Bland & Sons and dated 8…

GLC08923

24 July 1871

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George S. Boutwell

Writes to Secretary of the Treasury Boutwell seeking to reverse consolidation of tax districts in Alabama: "The consolidation of the 2d & 3d districts of Ala. if approved by me, was approved without reflection." Explains that there is no means of rapid transit between the districts, which would be problematic for consolidation.

GLC08924

8 September 1860

Nicolay, John G., 1832-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Lemen

Writing on behalf of candidate Abraham Lincoln, he declines to answer the question Lemen mailed to him (and questions sent from individuals in general) because it would be too time consuming and "break faith with his friends, who nominated him with the expectation that he would let the people judge him by his past record."

GLC08926

29 December 1820

Madison, James, 1751-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George A. Otis

Thanks Otis for the copy of a translation of Carlo Botta's History of the War of Independence, Vol. 2 (Storia della guerra della indipendenza degli Stati Uniti d'America, in Italian). Discusses the translation, noting that "Of the original work the high character seems to be sufficiently established." Indicates that a recent letter he wrote was not for publication, but permits Otis to use as he sees fit. Tells Otis that Andrew Stephenson of Richmond, Virginia requests a subscription of "your volumes as they come out."

GLC08928

2 March 1904

Cleveland, Grover, 1837-1908

Autograph note signed

Title: to Walter Harris

Replies to Harris letter, written and signed 1 March 1904, inquiring if Cleveland "entertained a negro, C.H.J. Taylor, of Kansas, at dinner" at the White House during his presidency. He heard the information in a speech given on the floor of the House of Representatives by Charles F. Scott. The reply, in which Cleveland asserts that "Of course the statement is absolutely false," is written on Harris's original letter. Harris was a reporter at the Senate press gallery.

GLC08931

June 11, 1814

Treadwell, John White, 1785-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Oakes

Treadwell orders Captain Oakes of the first regiment of Massachusetts militia to hold his company armed and ready to march at a moment's notice and to appoint a meeting place in case of alarm. Should there be an alarm they should meet in the designated area then march to the regimental rendezvous point at Washington Square. Notes that the Major General has expressed confidence in the local forces. The United States was then engaged in The War of 1812.

GLC01450.720.06

September 11, 1814

Treadwell, John White, 1785-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Oakes

Treadwell orders Captain Oakes of the first regiment of Massachusetts militia to appear with his company fully armed and with knapsacks and blankets at Washington Square at 8:00 AM on September 12, 1814. The United States was then engaged in The War of 1812.

GLC01450.720.09

September 15, 1814

Treadwell, John White, 1785-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Oakes

Treadwell orders Captain Oakes of the first regiment of Massachusetts militia to appear with his company fully armed and with knapsacks and blankets at Washington Square at 8:00 AM on the following Monday. They will meet "for inspection which will be as particular as this crisis demands." The United States was then engaged in The War of 1812. Appears to be a successive draft of GLC01450.720.11.

GLC01450.720.10

September 15, 1814

Treadwell, John White, 1785-1857

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Oakes

Treadwell orders Captain Oakes of the first regiment of Massachusetts militia to appear with his company fully armed and with knapsacks and blankets at Washington Square at 8:00 AM on the following Monday. They will meet "for inspection which will be as particular as this crisis demands." The United States was then engaged in The War of 1812. Appears to be a draft of GLC01450.720.10.

GLC01450.720.11

February 26, 1815

Smead, Benjamin, 1775-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moody Bedel

Smead writes to Bedel about the jubilation surrounding the news of peace in the War of 1812, the celebration of George Washington's birthday, and the dissolution of the consolidated 11th and 22nd regiments. He heaps praise on several officers. Indicates that "the interests of the regiment require your influence and presence." Describes the regiments collective dream of a glory-filled homecoming. A note on page 2 indicates that they are in need of instruments and medicine for forty sick men.

GLC01450.721.08

October 19, 1818

Tucker, Thomas Tudor, 1745-1828

Printed letter signed

Title: to Moody Bedel

Printed form letter with blanks filled in by hand indicating that a draft against the Bank of the United States had been sent (not included) and requesting a receipt. Tucker was the secretary of the treasury.

GLC01450.721.19

4 December 1856

Taney, Roger Brooke, 1777-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ira Joseph Patch

Declines a request from Patch to part with a letter from Francis Scott Key. Written to Patch at Salem, Massachusetts.

GLC03210.01

14 June 1844

Taney, Roger Brooke, 1777-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Poses an introduction for Philip Barton Key, who is looking to advance in the law profession in Washington, D.C. Key was the son of the late Francis Scott Key, Taney's brother-in-law. Asks Mason to procure Key an appointment as a judge advocate to some of the naval court martials. Stresses Key's competence and recommends him highly.

GLC03883.01

9 December 1846

Taney, Roger Brooke, 1777-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Y. Mason

Introduces Joseph Costrey of Maryland as a qualified young man and recommends him for an appointment.

GLC03883.03

5 August 1862

Hallidy, Adam, M., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Margaret McClelland

Writes to his friend about the hot weather and having received the letter she wrote yesterday. Mentions having received two New York newspapers to keep him informed of what is going on at home. Asks about her plans to travel while he is gone. Encourages her to continue mingling with society. Wonders why she answered his questions cooly and decides that when they meet in person, he will settle the issue. Written from Camp Wadsworth. Addressed to "Maggie."

GLC05522.01

19 May 1863

Hallidy, Adam, M., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Margaret McClelland

Discusses their correspondence and his improving health. Asks about her stay at her aunt's house and whether she has begun work yet. Written from the Cliffburn Barracks. Includes an incomplete reply from Maggie on page two regarding her health. Addressed to "Maggie."

GLC05522.02

31 July 1863

Hallidy, Adam, M., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Margaret McClelland

Discusses the significance of their correspondence. Describes his daily activities. Reports accompanying rioters from the New York Draft Riots to the old capitol prison to await court martial. Writes that after they see their new quarters, the prisoners won't be so quick to riot in the near future. Adds that the draft ends in Washington tomorrow and there will be much rejoicing. Addressed to "Maggie." Written from the Cliffburn Barracks.

GLC05522.03

6 July 1864

Hallidy, Adam, M., fl. 1862-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Margaret Hallidy

Reports having received a letter from Maggie dated 5 February, when she was still Miss McClelland, not Mrs. Hallidy. Includes his transcription of that letter which announces the receipt of his ring and $50, and her acceptance of his proposal. Ponders the possibilities of what would have been if he had received this letter months before. Reflects and comments on the letter. Written from the woods near camp. First letter as Maggie's husband, addressed to "Little Mack." Handwriting is more elegant than the first three letters, though there are similarities in style and signature. Imprint…

GLC05522.04

14 March 1857

Wilson, Henry, 1812-1875

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Theodore Parker

Senator Wilson thanks Reverend Parker for Parker's recent criticism of Wilson's speech on the topic of slavery and states' rights. Defends himself, stating "I deny the right of any state or nation to hold men in slavery, but I maintain the right of every state or nation to settle that question. I do not believe I have any right by legal action to settle that question for every state in the Union any more that I have to settle it for the people of any other nation..." Believes states' rights must be maintained to preserve United States' citizens status as a free people. Discusses his…

GLC08889

28 June 1865

Halsted, George B., fl. 1865

Printed document signed

Title: [General orders disbanding the Army of the Potomac]

Halsted, Assistant Adjutant General for the Army of the Potomac, announces that the Army of the Potomac "ceases to exist." Cites the names of division and brigade commanders. Gives in instructions for post-disbandment procedures. Signed at Head Quarters of the 5th Army Corps near Washington, D.C.

GLC08890

20 September 1847

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Matilda Mason

Responds to a previous letter from Matie, possibly a relative by marriage. Mentions mutual acquaintances, including a fellow soldier named Rhett. Relates that he occupies a suite of apartments belonging to Senora Santa Anna (wife of former Mexican leader Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna) at the National Palace. Discusses Senora Santa Anna's flowers at length. Supposes Mexico City's "principal people have fled..." Discusses characteristics and the layout of the city, including the position of the National Palace and museums. States that Bankhead (possibly Charles Bankhead) serves as the…

GLC08894

23 May 1864

Taylor, Richard, 1826-1879

Manuscript

Title: [Soldiers of the Army of Western Louisiana!]

Rallying speech written by Taylor's adjutant. Strongly exhorts his Confederate troops to repulse Union General Nathaniel P. Banks' army. Begins by stating that on 13 March 1864, Union forces of 30,000 men with ironclads and 150 mounted guns moved to conquer Texas and Louisiana. Extensively praises the Confederate troops of Texas and Louisiana for holding out for 70 days of fighting. Lists their accomplishments including how many they have killed, wounded or taken prisoner, and the destruction they have caused to the Union forces. "Soldiers! These are your great and noble deeds, and they…

GLC00825.01