30 March 1819

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

Tells of his six month confinement to his room. Had two colds in that time, despite sitting four feet from a fire the entire time. Relates their harshness. Did not send for a doctor, but was bled twice. When his daughter saw how bad he was, she sent for a doctor, who prescribed some medicine. He took it once, but it made him feel worse and he stopped. Says his faith in God kept him from complaining and that he never expected to live this long. Says he has not seen Lincoln in 40 years and six months, which is probably when they escaped from New York around October 1778. Says Lincoln's daughter…

GLC03849.05

20 November 1819

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

References Lincoln's letter of 6 June 1819. Says he is sorry that Lincoln's hearing is so bad and goes on to explain his temporary problems with hearing. Says he put drops of oil in his ear and took a piece of smooth wood and used that to clean out the wax from his ears. Claims he pulled out two or three pea-sized balls of wax from his ear and that he repeats this every few years. Says he is writing this small script without the aid of glasses, which are in his wig. Claims he read a newspaper article about putting drops of spring water in your eyes daily and that has preserved his eyesight.…

GLC03849.06

1 November 1820

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus Lincoln

Claims to be suffering from severe influenza and that he might die soon. Hopes they can meet in heaven.

GLC03849.07

circa 1820

Hewson, John, 1744-1821

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus Lincoln [incomplete]

Undated, circa date inferred from other letters in the collection. Note in pencil in different hand says page 13 is the last, but it is missing here. Pages numbered 5-12 so beginning and end of letter are missing. After escaping to New Jersey, probably in October 1778, from a reference in another letter, they went back to pick up their fellow escapees who could not swim and paid their helpers with the canoe they stole. They were forced to keep moving and were helped by farmers who supported the Revolution. Says this took place in Monmouth County where "General How made so many wigs by his ill…

GLC03849.08

9 June 1778

Heath, William, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Phillips

Written by Heath as American commander in charge of the Convention Army, which consisted of the British prisoners of war from the Saratoga campaign, to General Phillips as the highest ranking officer in captivity with the Convention Army. References Phillips's letter of 8 June 1778 where he complains of restrictions put on the movement of his men. Heath previously gave orders saying the prisoners were not allowed to travel to Watertown anymore. The prisoners were housed in Watertown previously because there were too many to keep them all in Cambridge. Heath says that exchanges have culled the…

GLC04789.01

11 March 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter

Title: to George Weedon

Discusses waiting for news of a peace treaty to end the American Revolution. Indicates that no major breakdowns in negotiations are anticipated. The British desire "a kind of naturalization for their merchants" and free trade to their islands in the West Indies, which is likely to be conceded. A note on the verso states that he will relay the official communication as soon as it arrives.

GLC06491.01

18 March 1783

Mercer, John F., 1759-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Weedon and William Fitzhugh

Relays information related to the negotiation of the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Discusses a dispatch from Henry Laurens, one the American delegates working on the treaty, that "conveys...the design of the court of London...to disconnect belligerent Powers" and that "the spirit of the Nation is high for the prosecution of the War agt. France." Laurens recommends that the United States "adhere religiously to our engagements with France." Also encloses (not included) and discusses newspapers with pertinent information.

GLC06491.02

22 May 1885

Purvis, Robert, 1810-1898

Autograph endorsement signed

Title: to Wendell P. Garrison

Writing to the son of William Lloyd Garrison, Purvis, an abolitionist and civil rights leader, answers several queries about the birth dates and places, deaths, and locations of important events among old guard abolitionists. He mentions James McCrummell, James Cassey, Joseph Sharpless, Mary Sharpless, and Frederick Hinton. Among the information he provides is his recollection that the "Declaration of Sentiments &c" was written at McCrummell's house. Also notes that he is glad to hear that Wendell has published the first volume of his father's biography.

GLC08943

1867-1868

Header Record

Title: [Two letters by Harrison Stearns, a former slave, to the wife of his former master] [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC08945

16 November 1867

Stearns, Harrison, fl. 1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Jane Ferris Stearns

In response to a letter from Mary, the wife of his former master, William F. Stearns, Harrison, a freed slave, offers condolence for William's death and inquires about a gift of land William promised him. Writes in part: "You said something bout conveying my lots to me. I had just write to mass Wiliam a little before his death...he promest to convey to me as soon as he could be satisfied that the laws of Miss. would allow colored people to hold land. Colored people has the same right to hold land as the white people."

GLC08945.01

14 January 1868

Stearns, Harrison, fl. 1868

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Jane Ferris Stearns

Harrison, a freed slave, writes to Mary, the wife of his former master, William F. Stearns, to inform her that he received the deed for the gift of land William promised him (see GLC08945.01) and has had it recorded. Thanks her and indicates he will write to her in New York, where she is moving.

GLC08945.02

1893

Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895

Autograph note signed

Title: [Resignation as the Director and President of the Freedom Manufacturing Company]

Addressed to the companies Board of Directors. Accompanied by an (unrelated) engraving of Douglass by Augustus Robin of New York (see GLC08948.02).

GLC08948.01

1853

Griffiths, Julia, fl. 1895

Book

Title: Autographs for freedom

An anthology of signed articles, poems, etc., by men and women prominent in the anti-slavery movement. Includes Frederick Douglass's "The Heroic Slave." The signatures are in facsimile. Published by John P. Jewett and Company for the Rochester Anti-Slavery Society as a fund raiser. Edited by Griffiths, who signed (in print) in the preface: "On behalf of 'The Rochester Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society,' Julia Griffiths, Secretary."

GLC08949

10 October 1864

Mussey, Reuben D., 1833-1892

Manuscript document

Title: [Report on the status of U. S. colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland]

Detailed account regarding recruitment, military efficiency, and attitude of whites toward colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland. Mussey has just suceeded Major George L. Stearns as "commisioner for organization U. S. Colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland," so his report focuses largely on his predecessors tenure. Gives a general history of Stearn's tenure. States public sentiment first opposed recruitment of colored troops, but that Stearns worked to improve attitudes. Colored soldiers have performed well in limited duty. Discusses success of recruiting in…

GLC08951

2 September 1843

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Calvin Colton

Suggestions for a pamphlet opposing Abolitionists. "Shew that the agitation of the question in free states will first destroy all harmony and finally lead to disunion. That the consequences of disunion - perpetual War - the extinction of the African race - ultimate military despotism...The slaves being free would be dispersed throughout the union; they wd. enter into competition with the American, the Irish, the German, and the free Colored; reduce his wages; be confounded with him; & affect his moral & social standing...Show...That the object is to unite in marriage the laboring…

GLC08952

1846-1847

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Header Record

Title: Two orders by George McClellan during the Mexican War [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC08953

26 September 1846

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph document signed

Title: Order No 12

Orders to his company of engineers on board the "Clinton" stating that there is no smoking between decks, only officers are allowed in certain areas, roll calls will be at Reveille, Retreat, and Tattoo, inspections will be nightly, gives schedule for the day, and explains proper dress and schedule. Written on board the "Clinton" at sea, during the Mexican War. Remnants of what appear to me a nautical log are pasted on verso. A note explaining the document pasted on front.

GLC08953.01

4 May 1847

McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885

Autograph document signed

Title: Orders no 25

Orders his men to "lead the march to the enemy capital," of Mexico City, during the Mexican War. Warns his men not to straggle as "The impotent & cowardly enemy propose to wage the war of the assassin - war to the knife." Promises that soon they will recieve new clothing, rest and payment. It is clear that the weather has made many of McClellan's men sick and weak. Also signed by McClellan for Major General Worth.

GLC08953.02

8 September 1847

Scott, H.L. (Henry Lee), 1814-1886

Printed document signed

Title: General orders - No. 281.

Proceedings of a Court Martial for 29 soldiers accused & convicted "of desertion to the enemy" during the Mexican War. The men, all privates, all pleaded not guilty, all were sentenced "to be hanged by the neck until dead." Three, who deserted before war began, and four others, had their sentences commuted to fifty lashes and being branded. Another was remitted because his son, "remained faithful to his colors." The remaining men were executed on 10 September 1847.

GLC08954

May 1863

Calvin, Agnes, fl. 1863

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Petition of a free black to become a slave of a master of her choice]

Petitions for the right to choose her master. States that since she is "a free person of Africa descent" she is entitled to "choose a master for herself and two said children," and the "petitioner makes choice of J.S.H. Hossack to become her master." Though free, Calvin has been struggling so badly to get by that she is willing to have a master of her choosing in exchange for subsistence for herself and her family. Petition made "to the honorable B. W. Gray." Signed by Calvin wih her mark. For related documents see GLC03840, GLC06375, and GLC09123.

GLC08955

20 January 1865

Pennsylvania State Equal Rights' League

Broadside

Title: Memorial of the Pennsylvania State Equal Rights' League, to the Legislature of Pennsylvania

Asks that the government force companies operating public trolleys to allow black passengers. Public trolleys run by private companies had been routinely barring black passengers from their cars. Signed in text by a number of citizens, including Jonathan C. Gibbs as chairman.

GLC08957

1792

Header Record

Title: Letter regarding Congressional order and broadsheet of the order [Decimalized .01-.02]

Letter from Alexander Hamilton to Simeon Baldwin requesting compliance with a Congress' order to compile all federal salaries, and a broadsheet with the order printed out.

GLC08960

1915 circa

Woman Suffrage Party of the City of New York

Broadside

Title: Women in the home

Argues that a woman's place may be in the home, but that she can perform these domestic duties much better if allowed the vote, since she will have greater control outside events that influence her housekeeping, such as public health and clean food. "ALONE she CANNOT make these things right. WHO or WHAT can?...the City Government...DO THE WOMEN ELECT THEM? NO, the men do. So it is the MEN and NOT THE WOMEN that are responsible" for the ills of their household. "MEN are responsible for the for the conditions under which the children live, but we hold WOMEN responsible for the results of…

GLC08964

circa 1852

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to T. P. Chandler

Writes about speaking in the Senate: "Had I made that speech, I would have taken a vacation of a week or more. Now I wait the Civil Appropriation Bill, when I shall move an Amendment, that nothing be paid [to] the execution of the Fug. Sl. Bill, but that the same be repealed. On this I shall speak [in] a night." Marked Senate Chamber. Addressed to [T.] P. Chandler. Circa date inferred from content.

GLC02095.03

22 February 1857

Sumner, Charles, 1811-1874

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Azariah Smith

Thanks him for his letter. Plans to leave for Washington, D.C., "simply to vote" presumably in Senate. After Washington, Sumner plans to travel to Europe "in search of that complete restoration which I have not yet found at home."

GLC02095.05