22 December 1863

Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893

Letter

Title: to Charles A. Heckman

Secretarial letter written and signed for Butler by R. C. Davis. Writes to Brigadier General Heckman, commanding forces at Newport News, Virginia. Encloses orders for Captain Belger's Rhode Island battery to report to Point Lookout, Maryland for duty. "The reason for this move is that that country has been added to this Department and an attack by the Rebels is apprehended to release the prisoners now confined there." Written on stationery of Headquarters 18th Army Corps, Department of Virginia & North Carolina.

GLC02297.05

31 March 1863

Combs, Leslie, 1793-1881

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles K. Gallup, esq.

Declares, "The Union as it was, in all its greatness & glory- not one state to be given up."

GLC02297.06

1776-1803

Barry, John, 1745-1803

Printed document signed

Title: [Certificate for distribution of naval prize money]

Signed as a captain in the navy. Blank document certifying that the bearer, aboard a ship under Barry's command, is entitled to a portion of the prize-money (from ships seized). Penciled in notes indicate the document's connection to the navy and the rarity of Barry's autograph.

GLC02297.07

20 October 1861

Curtin, Andrew Gregg, 1815-1894

Letter signed

Title: to Col. J. B. Finlay

Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania, writes to Finlay, who is organizing a regiment, then placing the regiment in the field under the command of another qualified officer. Recommends Colonel Samuel Morris Wickersham of Pittsburgh for the position. Remarks that Wickersham is "a high minded & honorable gentleman, of fine abilities, thorough education & patriotic impulses- Having already authorized Regimental organizations, somewhat in excess of the requisitions of the Genl Government on Penn, I cannot accommodate Col. Wickersham by a further extension of this authority, but take…

GLC02297.08

1862/08/10

Eliot, S. F., fl. 1862

Letter signed

Title: to Brigadier General John M. Brannan

Signed as Brigade Surgeon, 4th N.H. Vols. About health problems in his regiment.

GLC02297.09

6 October 1784

Clark, Abraham, 1726-1794

Autograph document signed

Title: [Abraham Clark's account to Congress]

Submitted and signed by Clark, a Declaration of Independence signer, as a Continental Congressman from New Jersey. Formal account for service in Congress. Mentions that he attended Congress on: 15 November 1782-4 January 1783, 25 February 1783-25 June 1783, 7 July 1783-20 August 1783, and 12 September-31 October 1783. At his pay rate of 4 dollars/day he claims he was owed 1056 dollars. This account corrects Clark's dates of attendance in E.C. Burnett's "Letters of Members of the Continental Congress." On verso are two notes signed by "Colonel Houston." The first note says he received…

GLC02298

August 1857

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written after relinquishing the post of Secretary of War, defending himself against charges made by General John Wool. Davis asks that his correspondent publish his letters on the matter, in hopes of clearing his name. Davis also writes about the events at the Battle of Buena Vista. Wool had been voted a testimonial sword by Congress but had not received it in California and believed that Davis kept it out of spite.

GLC02299

1802-1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Header Record

Title: [Collection of 26 letters from William Ellery to his son, George Wanton Ellery. Decimalized.]

GLC02300

4 August 1802

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island, to encourage him in his studies: "It is my highest wish that you should be so educated as to assist you in becoming a useful and honorable member of society; and if can give you such an education it will be the best legacy I can leave you." Would like him to go to college. When he next visits, he is to get winter clothes. Sends his regards to the Chaloners and to Mr. Updike and to his family. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He…

GLC02300.01

16 January 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is pleased to learn that the son of his friend, Mr. Bowen, boards with George. Advises him to be studious: "Now is your time to lay a foundation for future usefulness. Time past cannot be recalled. Therefore, my son, exert yourself, and let not your hours run to waste without improvement." Asks him to have the weak part of his skates replaced. Mrs. Barney is to apply to Mr. Updike for any monies owed the school for him. Docketed by George Wanton Ellery. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785,…

GLC02300.02

25 January 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Admonishes his carelessness in exposing himself to poison sumac, and warns him to avoid poisons in the future: "I wish to see you a strong, vigorous boy, not a puny effeminate one." Encourages him to expose as much of his body as is possible to the air and not to overdress. Notes spelling errors in his letters and gives him advice on word division. Explains that he took him out of Mr. Chaloner's School and placed him in Captain Barney's School because it was less expensive. Asks if he has the proper Latin textbooks…

GLC02300.03

26 March 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks George for admonishing him for forgetting to date his last letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors, and instructs him how to fold and seal letters properly. Asks George to retain his letters: "keep my letters as I do yours." Commends George on his diligence in getting through his Latin grammar. In the event of Ellery's death George's care will be entrusted to his older brother, William. Will pass on to Dick his thanks for the oranges. Docketed by recipient. A Member of the Continental Congress from…

GLC02300.04

2 May 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Corrects his spelling and grammar errors. Encloses with this letter a pair of socks from Nancy. George is to bring his clothes when he visits, and leave his books where they will be safe. He should also bring his old clothes, "for they may be useful to a little boy whom I have hired because old Dick has become infirm." Ellery will travel to Providence on business, but will return the next Wednesday. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of…

GLC02300.05

16 June 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions Dr. Pearson, a professor at Harvard College, who visited Wickford. Uses George's fishing mishap, a dogfish snapping his line, as a metaphor to teach a lesson about dog-like men giving one trouble in life. Corrects his spelling and grammar, but also commends George for his improved spelling and writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.06

25 October 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter of 15 October, which had been delayed because of misdelivery. Ellery is a strong supporter of good local schools. Encourages George in his study of Latin grammar. Carr has not finished his shoes, and when he does, he will send them to George. Critiques his handwriting, grammar, and spelling. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.07

11 November 1803

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Thanks him for his letter. Gives dietary advice to avoid cholic. Accuses George of writing a short letter in order to avoid errors, and tells him to "[s]tretch your wings, and fly over two pages at least." Since his shoes are too small, he should get a pair in Wickford. Includes a recipe for rat poison for Mr. Updike. Closes with an admonition to George to keep his teeth clean. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was…

GLC02300.08

25 May 1804

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Advises George that perseverance is necessary to succeeding in studies, and that education lays the "foundation for future reputation and usefulness." Is sorry to hear of the derangement with Benjamin Reynolds. Tells him of the unexpected deaths of two members of the same family. Advises George to read his Bible, and to go to church both forenoon and afternoon on Sundays. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the…

GLC02300.09

23 June 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Encloses the shoes made for him by Mr. Carr. Advises that diligence and attention will enable the gradual process of knowledge acquisition. Also advises George to be pious and virtuous, so that he will "grow in grace, and every kind of useful knowledge, and be a comfort to me in my rapidly declining years." A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.10

20 September 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is sending him Lindley Murray's abridged English grammar. Advises George to employ himself in useful activity by reading books. Reading provides comfort, instruction, and aids in "forming right judgment." George should reserve reading for leisure time, and focus especially on the Bible. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.11

4 October 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Mentions positive reports concerning his son's progress in mathematics and also his improved health. Notes that his own skin disorder, identified as "ascorbatic Erysipelas, or St. Anthony's fire," may not improve as easily. A postscript indicates how to fold letters so that the seal does not cover the writing. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.12

5 November 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses the barbarism and immorality of dueling. Ellery is not sure he will become involved with the North Kingston Bank. Corrects George's spelling errors. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820. Signature clipped from letter.

GLC02300.13

12 November 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Comments on George's experience seeing the invisible lady, an acoustical illusion of the Enlightenment that appeared to trick the senses by transforming mundane voices into divine utterances. Reassures his son that their is more reality than magic in the device, and explains that it is the invisible lady's inscrutable mode of operation that makes it a popular curiosity. Explains his point through an oppositional example, telling the story of how Christopher Columbus balanced an egg on its small end by using an obvious…

GLC02300.14

3 December 1805

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Discusses George's school and his studies. Corrects his spelling and grammar. Calls sickness and death "unavoidable evils." Advises that a religious life will prepare one for death, and urges George to be pious. Pitt Carr says that George's shoes will be ready this week. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.15

10 January 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Is glad to hear that George's academy increases in numbers, and believes that it will rival the Greenwich Academy. Advises George to master one concept in arithmetic before moving on to the next. Critiques George's composition against dueling, telling him "to adduce all the arguments," and noting that "[s]hort and sweet is good, but long and sweet is better." Complains the winter cold aggravates his bad humour because it checks his perspiration. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William…

GLC02300.16

12 February 1806

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Wanton Ellery

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Berates him for his delay in answering his previous letter. Tells George about the importance of mathematics and neat handwriting for his expected career working in the Customhouse. Critiques George's spelling and grammar. Hopes George will be able to finish his education at Wickford within six months. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

GLC02300.17