23 March 1798

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Breckinridge

Writes to Breckinridge, a former neighbor of Monroe in Albemarle County, Virginia who moved to Kentucky in 1793. Was a member of Kentucky House of Representatives when he received this letter. Monroe had recently returned from France, burdened with debts and writes that he wants to sell his Revolutionary War land bonus in Kentucky. Writes of problems with the sale. Says he is returning to practice of law in Richmond. He mentions early news of XYZ affair from Pinckney, Gerry and Marshall in Paris and rumors of Napoleon invading England.

GLC02323

24 April 1782

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: [Reciept for Benjamin Franklin]

Receiving twelve bills of exchange from Charles Pettit drawn by Francis Hopkinson on Benjamin Franklin, Minister Plenipotentiary to France. These total nine thousand eight hundred dollars, which the government had given him. Written at the Office of Finance.

GLC02324

February 23, 1778

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Timothy Pickering, Sr.

Colonel Pickering writes a poignant letter to his loyalist father, Deacon Pickering, who he recently learned was gravely ill. Expresses happiness over an improvement in his father's health and regret over their political differences. Thanks his father for his "example & instructions in all the duties to God, and my neighbor." Also states that "altho' the line of action I have pursued has not always been such as you would have chosen...in regard to religion and morality, I hope you have never repented that I was your son." The "prospect for recovery" mentioned was not realized; Deacon…

GLC02325

30 July 1799

Pickering, Timothy, 1745-1829

Letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Marked duplicate. Written by Pickering as Secretary of State to Bourne, a merchant and Counsel General of the United States to the Netherlands. Acknowledges letter of 10 May 1799. Pickering says he can return to America, despite the United States Minister to the Netherlands William Vans Murray's mission to Paris. Murray went to Paris as part of the a final peace mission to end the Quasi War, along with Patrick Henry and Oliver Ellsworth. He states there is no answer from the French government, but says the mission "will not remain in Paris to be neglected or trifled with: We shall not submit…

GLC02326

10 December 1867

Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869

Letter signed

Title: to Carroll Spence

Writes that he has been sick. Hopes that Spence was somewhat cheered by the fall elections. Laments fanaticism and states, "There is no hope however except through tribulation and suffering, either for the South or for the North. Madness & wickedness of fanaticism have brought us all to the brink of ruin." Written to diplomat Spence is Baltimore, Maryland.

GLC02328

circa June 1775

Morison, Malcom, fl. 1775

Manuscript document signed

Title: A General Association, agreed to, and subscribed by the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Dutchess

Cosigned by Matthew Paterson, Joseph Chandler, Comfort Ludinton, Ruben Miers, James Dickinson, Jr., Isaiah Barnett, Malcom Morison, Alexander Kidd, Henry Ludinton, William Calkin, David Akinis, Stephen Baxter. Issues a statement in support of resistance to Parliament's policies in order to preserve "the Rights & Liberties of America." Explains that they were "alarmed at the avowed Design of the Ministry, to raise a Revenue in America; and, shocked by the bloody Scene, now acting in the Massachusetts Bay." Resolves to follow whatever recommendation the Continental Congress makes "opposing…

GLC02329

23 April 1862

Rosecrans, William S. (William Starke), 1819-1898

Letter

Title: to Nathaniel Prentiss Banks

General Rosecrans transmits a telegraph to Banks, commander the Department of the Shenandoah. Discussing military matters, mentions Generals John Charles Frémont, Irvin McDowell, John Joseph Abercrombie, and George McClellan, and Edwin McMasters Stanton, Secretary of War: "...possibly Genl Fremonts apprehensions of losing his promised troops induced the Secretary of War to let things go. Nothing is done, except McDowell has Fredericksburgh, People capitulated- Bridge was burned- on information of Abercrombies movements. I wish we could combine to strike a blow while in Richmond troops…

GLC02330.01

16 May 1862

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philemon Ewing

Just after the battle of Shiloh, Major General Sherman defends himself from reports in the press that he falsely discredited Ohio troops. He describes a letter fueling those reports published by Colonel Rodney Mason, commander of the 71st Ohio, who had been accused of cowardice. Sherman explains how brigades were assigned to various commanders from Ohio and Illinois, determined by seniority. He tells the story of Mason's cowardly inaction during the battle, but comments that he declined to include a discussion of it in his official report. He also denies the accusation that Shiloh was a…

GLC02331

February 24, 1862

Jordan, F.H., fl. 1862

Map

Title: [Manuscript Civil War map of the site of the Battle of Shiloh]

Entitled on docket: "Sketch of County embraced in a Reconnoissance made by Capt. F.H. Jordan." Also has a "Table of Distances." Pencilled "No. 2" on the front. An additional docket reads : "Jackson. Tenn March 20 [or 2d] 1862." Shows the Tennessee River running through Tennessee and into Alabama. It further shows the junction of the states of Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Depicts major towns, roads, railroads, and watercourses. Pittsburg Landing is in the center. Made two months prior to the battle. Paper has a Great Eagle watermark. Additional later docketing reads: "Chap. VII p 38…

GLC02333

18 August 1863

Stuart, Jeb, 1833-1864

Autograph letter

Title: to Flora Cooke Stuart

Stuart, commander of a cavalry division in the Army of Northern Virginia, writes to his wife. Mentions General John Bell Hood. Expresses confidence that General Lee (possibly Robert E. Lee) has recommended him (Stuart) for the position of Lieutenant General of Cavalry. Writes that newspaper reports (on the topic on the subject of who will assume the post of Lieutenant General of Cavalry) are false attempts "to manufacture public opinion in favor of Hood." Predicts that Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Secretary (possibly James Seddon, Secretary of War) will favor him for the…

GLC02334.01

16 April 1864

Stuart, Jeb, 1833-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Flora Cooke Stuart

Stuart, Commander of Cavalry Corps, Army of North Virginia, writes to his wife from Wigwam (possibly in Virginia). Mentions mutual acquaintances and family members. Took a moonlight ride with Fontaine and Garnett (possibly Colonel Edmond Fontaine and Stuart's aide-de-camp, Theodore Stanford Garnett). Encourages his wife not to worry. Discusses a group of young girls, possibly family, who will soon visit Mrs. Stuart: "...do not interfere with the girls, they are old enough and pretty enough to take care of themselves... I think you judge the girls too harshly." Transmits a letter from…

GLC02334.02

5 August 1776

Trumbull, Jonathan, Sr., 1710-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Committee of Pay Table

Orders the committee to provide Chauncey Whittlesey with 1,000 pounds to purchase tents and supplies for the Continental Army. A document signed by Whittlesey on the verso, in Oliver Ellsworth's hand, is dated 6 August 1776; it indicates that he received the money.

GLC02335

14 September 1827

Willett, Marinus, 1740-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Christian Miller

Reports on the impending death of his brother and continues with a discourse on the subject. Discusses his belief in everlasting life for those who believe in the divine redeemer. Written in Cedar Grove neighborhood.

GLC02338

circa 1780

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782

Autograph letter

Title: to unknown

Writes as mercenary Major General in the Continental Army about the abuses of Congress. Remarks that "America had almost better be conquered ... then endure any longer such an odious tyranny as the capricious arbitrary government of an unlimited uncontrolable assembly." Stresses that " ... no consideration on earth should deter us from putting some immediate restraints on the Power of a body of Men ... " Note on verso of last page briefly describes what is included in the letter. Dated 25 May 1782 later in pencil but it is more likely circa 1780.

GLC02340

January 26, 1813

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

Apparently a retained draft briefly outlining the manner in which Gerry will take the vice presidential oath of office It is written on the verso of the docketed address leaf of a letter from Madison to Gerry. With Madison's free frank.

GLC02343

1 September 1869

Forrest, Nathan Bedford, 1821-1877

Document signed

Title: [1000 dollar Selma, Marion, and Memphis Railroad Company first mortgage eight percent bond]

Bond was "No. 465." Signed twice by Nathan Bedford Forrest as president of the railroad company; co-signed by company secretary, Alpheus Monroe Fowlkes. On verso, includes endorsement of the State of Alabama, signed 25 May 1870 by Governor William Hugh Smith. Bottom half of the page consists of 33 small $40 bond notes. Includes an account balance on verso, signed by a register [name illegible].

GLC02347

1862/05/16

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph E. Johnston re: defense of Richmond, troop positions, etc.

Written as commander in chief of the Army of Northern Virginia.

GLC02348

21 August 1863

Schofield, John McAllister, 1831-1906

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Myers

Schofield, commander of the Department of the Missouri, writes to Colonel Myers, Quartermaster for the Department of the Missouri. Writes, "Genl Hurlbut informs me that Steele and Davidson, who are now at Clarendon on White River, are much in want of forage, and that it is likely to be a serious matter" (Frederick Steele and John Wynn Davidson were at Clarendon, Arkansas). Orders Myers to transmit forage immediately. Written on Headquarters, Department of the Missouri stationery.

GLC02349

28 April 1887

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

Letter signed

Title: to G. R. Brown

Writes to Brown as the Editor of the New York Syndicate Bureau. Refuses to write an article requested by Brown. Exhibits his characteristically negative attitude toward newspapers and reporters by saying, "Further I would respectfully say that I am opposed to writing newspaper articles generally, and no consideration on your part could possibly overcome this determination."

GLC02350

21 April 1868

Thomas, George Henry, 1816-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry M. Cist

Writes to Union General Thomas concerning the various meetings of the armies of the Union. Writes that he does not believe General William T. Sherman wanted to break down the Society of Army of the Cumberland by having all the armies meet in Chicago next December. Discusses the scheduling of the various meetings. Mentions some ill will or dissatisfaction among the members of the Society of the Army of the Cumberland. States that he believes General Sherman was trying to please everyone with the arrangement of the meetings.

GLC02351

9 May 1805

Bainbridge, William, 1774-1833

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Rodgers

Commodore Bainbridge, imprisoned after his ship went aground on the Tunisian Coast on 29 December 1803, writes to Rogers, Commodore of the Mediterranean Squadron. States that he and other prisoners "feel confident that no exertions will be wanting in our brother officers to retain us, we only regret that we cannot share the honor and danger with them."

GLC02352

18 April 1846

Hatch, John Porter, 1822-1901

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliza M. Hatch

Writes to his sister about a temporary cease fire. Discusses Mexican General Ampadia's proclamation to take Matamoros and General Taylor's polite letter that he and the Americans intend to stay. Mentions the citizens' fear that Matamoros will be destroyed and the government's inability to pay for reconstruction. Adds that the soldiers have almost completed a fort that should hold off the Mexicans. Discusses various divisions of Americans stationed throughout Mexico.

GLC02353

8 December 1846

Perry, Matthew Calbraith, 1794-1858

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Connor

Written aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi, Perry discusses visiting Captain George E. Lambert of HMS Endymion regarding two prisoners who were taken aboard the Palsot for attempting to reconnoiter the enemies' powder magazine and brought to Vera Cruz. Perry mentions the departure of the Morris, a ship carrying provisions for Connor's ship, the McLane, and suggests he stock up on water while in Tampico, Mexico.The war with Mexico brought Perry the principal wartime command of his career. He was initially sent to the Gulf of Mexico as vice commodore of the American squadron with orders to relieve…

GLC02354

22 September 1792

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Document signed

Title: [Remitting fine and property to Marshall Jenkins].

Signed as secretary of the treasury. Remittance of the Brig "Betsy" and a cask of alcohol to the petitioner, Marshall Jenkins, after it had been forfeited.

GLC02355

25 August 1796

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Stephen Van Rensselaer

Writing to his brother-in-law, New York State Senator Stephen Van Rensselaer (1791-1796), Hamilton introduces Minister of the French Republic Pierre Auguste Adet (1795-1797), who is visiting Albany, New York.

GLC02356