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to Sarah W. Nichols
5 June 1836
Hale, Aurelia, 1798-?
Aurelia is having trouble with her "domestic affairs," including two slaves running away. She also speaks about her husband's business and their brother James.
GLC08934.046
28 August 1836
This letter inquires after Sarah's health and monetary situation, including her marriage and the state of the inheritance her siblings received after their mother's death. This was written by someone named Mary, but it is not clear whether it is...
GLC08934.047
January 25,1837
This is apparently the first time Aurelia has written to Sarah in about eighteen months, though she thinks her husband has written more recently. She reports that she and her husband lost two more babies: John Joseph and Aurelia Ada, and that he was...
GLC08934.048
to unknown
January 30, 1837
Hale, Joseph, fl. 1837
He speaks extensively about his business and finances, including the support he has provided to his family, possibly in preparation for his death, because he describes himself as quite ill. He also asks the recipient to pass his good wishes onto...
GLC08934.049
to Mr. Walters and Mr. Souder to Joseph Hale
1837
This folio includes two letters. The first is addressed to Mr. Walters and Mr. Sounder from Joseph Hale and focuses on his health, which has been poor for years due to a cough that is especially bad in the winter. He seems sure that he will die soon...
GLC08934.050
to James W. Hale
29 September 1855
Avery, S.R., fl. 1855
This letter informs James W. Hale of the death of the author's father. It briefly describes the funeral and the circumstances of his death, which apparently occurred because of excessive water in his chest. The letter also asks James to tell "Daniel...
GLC08934.051
to James L. Belden to John Joseph Wright
1815-1860
This folio contains two letters, neither of which are dated. Both appear to have been written for the purpose of expressing appreciation for friendship and saying goodbye, and may have been written near the end of Joseph Hale's life in or around 1837...
GLC08934.052
to Wendell P. Garrison
4 January 1868
Higginson, Thomas W., 1823-1911
Writes to Garrison, the son of William Lloyd Garrison, about the "Slave Songs" Garrison sent him: "I certainly ought to have acknowledged the receipt of the Slave Songs...I think that you and your wife (who was the pioneer) have great reason to be...
GLC08937
[Illinois Poll Book for electors the election of 1840]
November 1840
Partially printed precinct poll book for presidential electors in New Lessington, Illinois. Abraham Lincoln was listed among those running to be an elector (he lost). The names of registered voters are written (in the same hand) down the left side...
GLC08938
[Slavery laws of the Indiana Territory]
17 September 1807
Harrison, William Henry, 1773-1841
Approved by Harrison and also signed by Jesse B. Thomas as Speaker of the House and B. Chambers as President of the Council (this is a copy). Title continues: "Laws of the Indiana Territory Comprising those Acts formerly in force and as Revised...
GLC08939
22 May 1885
Purvis, Robert, 1810-1898
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...
GLC08943
[Two letters by Harrison Stearns, a former slave, to the wife of his former master] [Decimalized .01-.02]
1867-1868
GLC08945
to Mary Jane Ferris Stearns
16 November 1867
Stearns, Harrison, fl. 1868
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...
GLC08945.01
January 14, 1868
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...
GLC08945.02
[Resignation as the Director and President of the Freedom Manufacturing Company]
1893
Douglass, Frederick, 1818-1895
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
[Engraving of Frederick Douglass]
1877-1900
Robin, Augustus, fl. 1860
Accompanied an unrelated autograph note signed by Douglass (see GLC08948.01). Robin was an artist and engraver who worked in New York.
GLC08948.02
Autographs for freedom
1853
Griffiths, Julia, fl. 1895
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...
GLC08949
[Report on the status of U. S. colored troops in the Department of the Cumberland]
10 October 1864
Mussey, Reuben D., 1833-1892
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...
GLC08951
to Calvin Colton
2 September 1843
Clay, Henry, 1777-1852
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...
GLC08952
Two orders by George McClellan during the Mexican War [Decimalized .01-.02]
1846-1847
McClellan, George Brinton, 1826-1885
GLC08953
Order No 12
26 September 1846
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...
GLC08953.01
Orders no 25
4 May 1847
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...
GLC08953.02
General orders - No. 281.
8 September 1847
Scott, H.L. (Henry Lee), 1814-1886
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...
GLC08954
[Petition of a free black to become a slave of a master of her choice]
May 1863
Calvin, Agnes, fl. 1863
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...
GLC08955
Memorial of the Pennsylvania State Equal Rights' League, to the Legislature of Pennsylvania
January 20, 1865
Pennsylvania State Equal Rights' League
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...
GLC08957
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