March 4, 1910

Wright, Wilbur, 1867-1912

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hart O. Berg

Wright comments that he hopes to be in New York before Mr. Peartree leaves. Discusses aircraft engines and mentions the new German motors that give five horsepower more than the French. Asks if he has received a statement of account that was supposed to have been sent. Letter written on printed stationery of the Wright Brothers, with several penciled notes by recipient or a secretary.

GLC01536

November 16, 1910

Wright, Wilbur, 1867-1912

Typed letter signed

Title: to Hart O. Berg

Gives a detailed account of the 1910 International Air Meet. States that the Americans did much better than the French. Comments on a few men whose planes broke down and states, "Why does not the French government forbid monoplanes?-They have killed ten times more men than double propellers have." Describes many of the flight events including information about the pilots, the wind, speeds, and breakdowns. Goes on to discuss the profits of the American Wright Company for the year. Talks again about monoplanes and their problems. Compares the Wright planes' flight records with European planes.…

GLC01537

June 2, 1785

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Jay

Marked "Duplicate" by Adams, and possibly used for en-cyphering because of the marks and lines above letters, words and sentences. Describes in great detail Adams's reception by King George III as America's first ambassador to Great Britain. He quotes his speech to the king, and the king's response. He also describes an awkward moment when the king tactlessly remarked "There is an opinion, among some People, that you are not the most attracted of all your Countrymen, to the manners of France." Adams writes "I was a little embarassed, but determined not to deny the Truth on one hand, nor leave…

GLC01538

December 2, 1794

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Sylvanus Bourne

Letter written as United States consul to the Hague, to the American Vice Consul in Amsterdam. Adams quotes portions of the treaty and asks that the extract not be published. Also mentions news of the Jay Treaty, which was just signed. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC01539

August 4, 1812

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Joy

Discusses some political pamphlets that dealt with the 1807 British naval attack by the ship Leopold against the Chesapeake, an American ship, and its consequences for the War of 1812. Adams was then the United States Ambassador to Russia. Joy, who lived in London, was an advocate for the Americans during the War of 1812.

GLC01540

January 25, 1765

Winthrop, John, 1714-1779

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Belcher

Winthrop congratulates Judge Belcher on recovering "from a dangerous illness." He notes having read that many French Acadians have been removed from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the West Indies, and observes that because of their religion, they "could hardly ever have been good Subjects to a Protestant government." Indicates that the Sugar Act and the Currency Act, referred to as "The late Acts of Trade," are widely discussed and cause much uneasiness among merchants and judges alike. He notes the death of Edward Wigglesworth, the first Hollis professor of Divinity at Harvard College. Discusses…

GLC01541.01

February 13, 1745

Pepperrell, William, 1696-1759

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jacob Wendell

Pepperrell writes to Colonel Wendell first of his poor health, then discusses his hopes that the siege of Louisbourg will end by the spring.

GLC01541.02

May 30, 1689

Blackwell, John, fl. 1689

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Penn

Captain Blackwell, the Deputy Governor, writes regarding the disbursement of his promised salary of 200 pounds per year. He has drawn a bill upon him for 100 pounds, and hopes Penn will honor it. With red classical seal of Blackwell intact on address panel.

GLC01541.03

1769/09/30

Butler, Richard, 1743-1791

Document signed

Title: [Certificate of account]

A certificate affirming that a document is a "True Copy" of an account made two years earlier by a man named John Mitchell. The certificate was signed at Fort Pitt, a key cite during the French and Indian War. Countersigned by William Christie.

GLC01541.05

July 8, 1780

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Titus Homer

Encloses a certificate from the Board of War (not included), needed to settle his pay. Arnold informs Homer that he will accept the command of West Point. Although Homer was a friend of Arnold, he probably was unaware of his treasonous plans. Possibly a retained draft, with several deletions in the text by Arnold.

GLC01542

June 5, 1866

Bryant, William Cullen, 1794-1878

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Thomas Fields

Bryant writes to Fields, editor of the Atlantic Monthly. Transmits a poem, "The Death of Slavery" (GLC01543.02). Remarks that the poem was "meditated a year since but written out within the last few days. I had a good deal of trouble with some of the stanzas, or you would have had it earlier. You will publish it if at all, when you please." Relates that his wife is ill. In a postscript, notes, "What shall I call the poem. 'The Death of Slavery,' does not please me much but I can think of nothing else." Accompanied by three collateral prints of Bryant (two depicting an elder Bryant in profile…

GLC01543.01

circa 1866

Bryant, William Cullen, 1794-1878

Autograph manuscript

Title: The death of slavery

Bryant's poem, transmitted to the editor of Atlantic Monthly with a letter written 5 June 1866 (GLC 1543.01).

GLC01543.02

July 25, 1807

Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Rhea

Burr states that he is writing reluctantly to ask his attention to a matter concerning the plans for defense at his treason trial. States that George Morgan and his sons John and Thomas of Princeton, New Jersey have sworn before the grand jury about conversations that did not take place. Discusses plans to discredit their character and mentions three men in Princeton who might be willing to do this; Daniel Agnew, John Hamilton, and William Hight. Implores Rhea to procure men of a higher character to testify on the bad credit of the Morgan's. Conveys that if Rhea is reluctant to do this, he…

GLC01544

January 3, 1867

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to E. L. Plumb

Examines the situation in Mexico, but feels it is a conflict that should be avoided. Fears a "distinct Indian War" that will consume a large amount of American military resources, and does not want to also be fighting in Mexico. Feels people should "organize a State of Republican Govt." as their primary focus.

GLC01545.01

3 April 1865

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

Manuscript document

Title: [Telegram to Julia Dent Grant]

Telegram in clerical hand to his wife Julia Grant regarding military matters. Expects to be in Richmond next week and says Sheridan has "picked up 1200 more prisoners today." Sent by Grant from Southerland Station, Virginia, and written on "United States Military Telegraph" stationary, at "Head Quarters."

GLC01545.02

October 15, 1864

Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891

Letter signed

Title: to J.H. Spotts

Letter written in clerical hand, but signed by Rear Admiral Porter as commander of the North Atlantic Blockade Squadron to Commander Spotts as commander of the USS "Pawtuxet." Says a steamship belonging to the navy left Point Lookout for Hampton Roads on October 8, 1864 in the midst of a gale from the northwest. It is assumed she was driven ashore on the Eastern shore of the Chesapeake or has foundered. Orders Spotts to search for her and to make inquiries with other vessels along the way. Wants to see him before he starts the mission. Commissioned in February 1864 as USS Malvern, she was…

GLC01545.03

April 21, 1865

Park, William E., fl. 1855-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Mr. Newton

Writes to his cousin about the Union soldiers' reaction to the assassination of Lincoln. States that "the boys are in for exterminating the Rebels altogether." He also writes that there are many men who would re-enlist now that would not have done so a week ago. Expresses his hope that President Andrew Johnson is capable of conducting public affairs and doesn't show any mercy to the traitors. Also appends a short note to his cousin Mollie stating that since the death of Lincoln, he feels like re-enlisting and "help exterminate those accursed Rebels".

GLC01545.05

September 17, 1864

Drayton, Percival, 1812-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J. C. Palmer

Drayton served as captain of Admiral David Farragut's flagship, the sloop of war "Hartford," and also as fleet captain of the West Gulf Blockade Squadron. Tells Palmer, the fleet surgeon on board the "Pensacola," that he sent a box and small package by the "Sebago" for Confederate Admiral Franklin Buchanan. Wants Palmer to ask Buchanan when the 15 inch shot that almost penetrated the port side of the CSS "Tennessee" during the Battle of Mobile Bay in August 1864 was delivered. Both Buchanan and the "Tennessee" were captured during the battle -- Buchanan was wounded. Wants to know if anything…

GLC01545.07

4 July 1865

Geary, John White, 1819-1873

Document signed

Title: Order of the procession at the ceremonies of laying the corner stone of the monument in the Soldiers' National Cemetery, July 4, 1865.

Possibly the program of an 1865 celebration in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Ceremonies include speeches by President Andrew Johnson and Andrew Greg Curtin, Governor of Pennsylvania. Docketed by Major General Geary.

GLC01545.08

6 November 1863

Yeatman, James E., 1818-1901

Broadside

Title: [Appeal from the Western Sanitary Commission to President Abraham Lincoln regarding the condition of freedpeople]

The Western Sanitary Commission informs President Lincoln that many freed enslaved people in the Mississippi Valley have no provisions, clothing, or bedding, and little cooking supplies or knowledge as to using such. States that "To meet the present emergency and to prevent or lessen the sufferings of the coming winter and spring, we offer our humble but active services, asking no reward of any kind, but the opportunity and encouragement to work." Reports that the Commission's efforts would be a work of philanthropy and patriotism, "for it would remove an increasing reproach against the…

GLC01545.11

circa 1865

Pamphlet

Title: [List of forces and commanders involved in operations against Mobile, Alabama]

Full title is "Operations against Mobile, Ala.: Organization of the Union Forces (Commanded by Major-General Edward R. S. Canby) March-April, 1865." Contains a list of Union major generals, brigadier generals, colonels, captains, and other leaders who participated in the March-April 1865 Mobile Campaign under the command of Major General Canby. Lists all units, including the 96th and 97th United States Colored Troops. Includes a 5 cent Internal Revenue Certificate stamp, which was cancelled in 1866, on the last page.

GLC01545.12

23 September 1861

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Queen Victoria

Presenting James M. Mason as the "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary" from the Confederate States of America to Great Britain. Mason and John Slidell were captured by Union ships during their voyage to Europe, beginning the Trent Affair.

GLC01546

1 March 1862

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Proclamation of martial law in Richmond]

"I Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America do proclaim that martial law is hereby extended over the City of Richmond and the adjoining and surrounding country to the distance of ten miles." The word "Seal" with a circle around it is written on the second page, in place of an official seal. Signed as President of the Confederate States, written in the hand of Judah P. Benjamin, as Secretary of War.

GLC01547

August 20, 1861

Emerson, Ralph Waldo, 1803-1882

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Laighton

Regrets that he is unable to attend a meeting held at Allston Hall the following Friday, in remembrance of Theodore Parker. Emerson claims, "I do not know that I could add any facts of interest to the recollections of the occasion. Yet Theodore Parkers mind was so lavishly given to the public welfare, that I can easily see how all the new startling events in our politics may associate themselves with his memory. In dark days & amidst sinking men we miss his strength the more, and yet we cannot doubt his relief & joy in the present pronounced state of the Republic, over the so-called '…

GLC01549

April 1862

Farragut, David Glasgow, 1801-1870

Autograph manuscript

Title: [Battle plan and ship register for assault on New Orleans]

Document created during the battle for Forts Jackson and St. Philip, which took place 16-23 April 1862. One side has a list of ships involved in the attack -- the first and second divisions of ships and their captains as well as the first and second divisions of gunboats and their captains. Verso has a hand drawn map of the battle plan to attack Forts Jackson and St. Philip along the Mississippi River. Note below the map says most of the squadron is anchored on the left bank of the river and gives plan of attack after barricades in the river are breached. Farragut noted the breaching of the…

GLC01550