10 March 1828

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Document signed

Title: [Patent for George M. Selden's improvement in the tide pump basin or reservoir]

Signed by Adams as President. Countersigned by Henry Clay as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Selden's written description of his improvement is signed by Thomas Addis Emmet and Dudley Selden as witnesses. Contains a receipt attached to page one signed 9 February 1828 by Michael Nourse, Assistant United States Treasurer. Sealed and bound with red ribbon.

GLC06467

11 August 1821

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Document signed

Title: [Patent for George Smith's improvement in medicine, entitled anti-dyspeptic pills]

Signed by Monroe as President. Countersigned by John Quincy Adams as Secretary of State and William Wirt as Attorney General. Contains a seal and blue ribbon.

GLC06470

6 December 1864

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Pamphlet

Title: Message of the President of the United States and Accompanying Documents ...

Title continues, " ... to the Two Houses of Congress, at the Commencement of the Second Session of the Thirty-Eight Congress. Part I." Lincoln's State of the Union Address, marked Executive Document No. 1. Printed by the Government Printing Office.

GLC06472

1877/01/13

Baker, David, fl. 1877

Printed letter signed

Title: to Peter Cooper

Partially printed letter from the Division of Loans, with Treasury Department letterhead. Acknowledges the recipient's desire to redeem $100,000 worth of bonds.

GLC06473.06

1877/01/16

United States. Department of the Treasury

Printed document

Title: [Transmittal of a check in the amount of $101,084.93]

Printed document from the Treasury of the United States with "Coin Transfer Check" enclosed. Worth $100,000 plus $1,084.93 in interest, for the redemption of bonds. Contains a printed signature from A. U. Wyman, Treasurer of the United States.

GLC06473.07

2 June 1863

Otto, William T., 1816-1905

Document signed

Title: [Patent for Lewis Tees' improvement in iron-clad vessels]

Signed by Otto as Acting Secretary of the Interior. Countersigned by David P. Holloway as Commissioner of Patents. Tees' written description of his improvement is signed by John Clouds and J. R. Deacon as witnesses. Includes a one-page diagram of Tees' invention, signed by Tees' lawyer Henry Howson, and by Charles E. Foster and Charles Howson as witnesses. Includes a seal and dark green ribbon.

GLC06476

24 September 1777

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Discusses poor performance of militia and possibility of losing Philadelphia. "The conduct of the Militia is much to be regretted. In many instances, they are not to be roused, and in others, they come into the Field with all possible indifference, and to all appearance entirely unimpressed with the importance of the Cause in which we are engaged. Hence proceeds a total inattention to order and to discipline, and too often a disgraceful departure from the Army, at the instant their aid is most wanted. I am inclined to think, the Complaints and Objections offered to the Militia Laws are but…

GLC06482

19 January 1779

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Discusses moving the cavalry of Count Pulaski's legion to where it will interfere less with supply with Rodney, then President of Delaware. Suggests Kent and Sussex counties in Delaware as a possible location and seeks the proper authority to quarter them there. Docketed twice, on the second page and on the address leaf.

GLC06483

26 August 1779

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Circular letter written by Washington as commander of the Continental Army to Rodney as Governor of Delaware. The two page letter is accompanied by a leaf entitled "List of American Officers Prisoners who have violated their Paroles belonging to the State of Delaware." Says that he needs the help of the executive power of Rodney to recapture prisoners who have violated their paroles because they have served with the state militia and not the Continental Army. Washington claims it is a matter of honor for prisoners on parole to follow the stipulations of that condition. Says it will help…

GLC06484

10 June 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Desires that the posts for "Four Vacant Ensigncies" be filled by new officers. Says "It is essential to service that Troops should be well officered -- and in our's the compliment allowed should be generally full." He mentions that two officers in captivity should not be replaced. Autograph docketing by Rodney reads, "About appointing officers to fill vacancies."

GLC06485

August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter

Title: to Samuel Huntington

Manuscript copy of a letter from Washington to President of Congress Huntington dated 20 June 1780. With address leaf that enclosed this copy sent from South Carolina politician John Mathews to Delaware Governor Caesar Rodney. Washington writes that he anxiously awaits the arrival of the French fleet. He is embarrassed by the condition and supplies of his troops: "were this generous Succour of our ally now to arrive, I should find my self in the most awkward embarrassing and painful Situation." Reports that "the troops...are absolutely destitute." With John Matthews free frank on address…

GLC06486

27 July 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Asking Rodney to give orders for the Delaware militia "to march and join the army under my command where ever it may be."

GLC06487

17 August 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Original manuscript copy, with clerical signature, of a letter appealing to the Committee of Congress for Cooperation. This copy of the letter was sent to Delaware Governor Rodney. Discusses the shortage of troops in the Continental Army, the unreliability of the militia, and the need to begin this years campaign as soon as possible. Lists the troops received from each state, mentions the shortages of men, supply, and transportation. "In this state of things, Gentlemen, I leave it to your own judgement to determine how little it will be in my power to answer the public expectations, unless…

GLC06488

10 December 1780

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Informs Rodney that all provisions for the army should be placed at Christiana Bridge, Delaware. This was in accordance with an act of Congress saying that the provisions provided by each state should be placed at a point of Washington's choosing. Washington notes that he would have contacted Rodney earlier "had not the greater part of my time... been taken up in arranging & visiting the Hospitals, and Winter Cantonments of the Army."

GLC06489

7 June 1781

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Caesar Rodney

Informs Delaware Governor Rodney to send enlisted troops to Virginia. "One battalion of Infantry and a Corps of Horses... are required of the State of Delaware to serve for three Months" due to the "alarming progress which the Enemy are making in Virginia."

GLC06490

30 July 1782

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Autograph letter

Title: to George Washington

Indicates that he is sending recruitment-related reports (not included) and discusses difficulties recruiting soldiers. Lists the reasons that soldiers will not join: worries about pay and depreciation, efforts to defend Chesapeake Bay, lazy officers, and poor conditions including lack of food, clothes and shelter for the recruits. Comments that "The treatment, naked and wretched situation of those in service, the abject distress and total neglect of disabled and disbanded soldiers... rendered desertion very prevalent." Complains of delays in fulfilling his requests for provisions and…

GLC06506

24 November 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Whipple, chairman of the Marine Committee in the Continental Congress, discusses a former request for money submitted by Langdon, naval agent for Continental prizes and supervisor of the construction of several ships. Regarding the money, mentions Langdon's acquaintances Wharton (possibly Samuel Wharton) and Donaldson. Relates that Congress has agreed to increase the Navy by one ship, and requests that Langdon assist in formulating a plan to procure materials such as iron. Discusses obtaining material from France and Spain. Discusses Langdon's financial situation, prize money procured for…

GLC06518

4 and 7 December 1776

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

Written by Whipple, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a New Hampshire Congressman to Langdon as agent for Continental prizes in New Hampshire. First two pages are a letter from 4 December 1776 and is signed "W Whipple" and the third page is a letter from 7 December 1776 initialed "WW." 4 December: previously wrote that the navy will add another ship of 74 guns to be built in New Hampshire. Says he will send the dimensions in a few days and the builders are to make their own drafts. Says the carpenters who built the "Raleigh" will do a good a job as any. Langdon is to…

GLC06519

7 July 1778

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington with the Front of his Army Amounting to nearly one half his numbers came up with the Rear of the British Army Consisting of nearly one half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton ... a severe Action immediately Commenced which Lasted well near four in the Afternoon where victory Declared in Favor of the American Army." States that the…

GLC06521

27 April 1856

Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry A. Davis

Responds to Davis's former request for one of Fillmore's speeches on the subject of slavery. Relates that he never saved his speeches. Referring to slavery, remarks "all who know me must know that I am opposed to it. I enclose an article which supports me here on that subject, and my Biography, where you will see a letter at page 49, used against me at the South to prove I am an abolitionist; and two other letters in 1848, which are all I have on the subject." Marked "Private" at the top.

GLC06454

19 February 1864

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph document signed

Title: [Appointment of Gibson's aide-de-camp to serve as agent in matters pertaining to slaves]

Brigadier General Gibson (Confederate) discusses matters pertaining to people enslaved by his family. Appoints his aide-de-camp, H.P. Kernochan, as his agent to handle all business discussed within this letter. Learned from his brother Preston that five slaves (Thornton, Wallace, Big Jim, Little Jim, Baker, and Bidwell) from his father's plantation have been sent to Judge Thomas Gholson. Discusses other slaves sent to Gholson for work in the mines. Relates that his brother has thus far been in charge of these matters. Written from Headquarters, Gibson's Brigade, Army of Tennessee.

GLC06455

28 October 1862

Holt, Joseph, 1807-1894

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lorenzo Thomas

The military commission investigating the surrender of Harpers Ferry desire that Major General Wool testify before the commission, and also bring with him all orders and correspondence between himself and Colonel Miles regarding the defense of Harpers Ferry. The Union army was badly defeated at Harpers Ferry on 15 September 1862 by Stonewall Jackson's forces, and forced to quickly surrender.

GLC06457

29 July 1862

Kearny, Philip, 1815-1862

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: [Recommendation for the promotion of Lieutenant Col. Nelson A. Gesner]

Brigadier Generals David Bell Birney and Samuel P. Heintzelman, and Major General Kearny recommend Gesner for promotion to Colonel of the 101st Regiment, New York Volunteers. Major General Kearny supports Gesner's promotion, commending his service in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks and his ability as a drill officer. All recommendations appear to have been written as dockets. Missing the page with the full recommendation. Prepared by Thomas W. Egan, Colonel, 40th Regiment, New York State Volunteers.

GLC06459

28 June 1865

Meade, George Gordon, 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Leander H. Riddle

Praises a fallen comrade and expresses the need for "care and protection of the widows and orphans of those who have offered up their lives in saving the nation." Comments on the death of General Thomas A. Smythe and Brigadier General Thomas. Written on printed stationery of the Army of the Potomac.

GLC06460

January 27, 1865

Merritt, Wesley, 1834-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Marked Confidential at top of first page. Addressed only to Major. Detailed instructions for a secret cavalry movement in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. "The enemy has a force of... not more than two hundred men... picketing across the valley.... The object is to capture this force.... No officer or private must know your real destination." Instructs the Major to march by way of Wardensville, continuing on to Devil's Hole and Columbia Furnace. Advises him to dispatch Major Jones to the valley pike south of Edinburg to capture the enemy there. Writes "It is very important that this…

GLC06461