5 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes that furloughs have begun and three men will be allowed to go from each company. His brigade will be kept in Gallatan for the time being, as Gallatan is a very important position to keep. Writes that there will soon be a fight at Murfreesboro and is confident that Confederate General Braxton Bragg's army is equal to and possibly stronger than Confederate General Joseph Wheeler's. Describes an incident in which an escorted mail delivery was attacked by rebels, but the escorts managed to drive the rebels back. Describes seeing an Indiana soldier being carried to his grave, followed…

GLC07460.027

8 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Martha [Spohn]

Thanks his sister for sending him a letter and food with a fellow soldier. Playfully writes to his sister that as he is writing he is being distracted by a chunk of maple sugar sent to him by his aunt. He writes that while on picket he has found the perfect place to eat his pie and wishes that his family were there to join him as long as they brought their own food. Discusses the furlough of Charles Siedel, a fellow soldier and friend from home. His furlough was granted on the grounds that his wife was very ill and it was necessary for him to return home. Requests that his sister send…

GLC07460.028

20 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Thanks his family for the cakes they sent him with Bob Thomas. Writes that they are refixing the camp, rearranging tents and building fireplaces for company cooking. Complains of the amount of flies increasing as the weather gets warmer. Reports that nearly fifty thousand men (about 25,000 from each side) were "used up" in the last battle of the Rappahannock. Writes that soldiers unfit for active service will be put in companies for garrison duty. Discharged officers will also be enlisted on certain conditions. In a second letter labeled " 2nd edition", Wheeler writes about stealing…

GLC07460.029

22 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Tells his family not to worry if they don't hear from him soon, as he is preparing to march and will not be able to write for a while. Reports that the rebs have moved but it is not exactly known where to. He comments on the poor quality of farming in the town, stating that "the farmers feared to put in their crops thinking the Yanks would be along." A review has been ordered by General Sherman. He writes that Lieut. Col. Valette was stunned by a blow from a piece of shell. Wheeler writes of Resaca, [GA] as a well fortified place where "dead rebs lay scattered all through the woods..."

GLC07460.030

25 May 1863

Wheeler, Lysander, 1837-1917

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his parents, [brother-in-law], and sister

Writes about Capt. Fields' visit to Sycamore, where Wheeler's family lives. He complains about Fields' multiple absences without leave and feels that the lieutenants are working against him. Asks that his family not tell anyone about Fields' predicament. He also mentions a convention of copperheads in Indianapolis in which some soldiers were wounded. He hopes that the draft goes on in the North and is anxious to fight copperheads. Writes that he believes copperheads in southern Illinois and Indiana will resist the draft. In a note dated May 27th, Wheeler writes about grading the banks…

GLC07460.031

30 September 1831

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Sightseeing in Italy while on shore leave. Tells his family about his time spent in Florence, Pisa, Rome and other cities, and the famous sights he has seen. Details the great artwork he has admired, and briefly mentions politics and governance in Italy. Written on board the U.S.S. "Concord" at Port Mahon. Written to his family, addressed to his mother.

GLC09099.01

12 March 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Writing to his mother, discusses time spent with relatives and plans to sail soon. Describes his time with his cousins, and reports they are doing well. Gives news about his ship and his upcoming orders. Written on board the U.S.S. "Warren."

GLC09099.02

30 May 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Witnessing battle during a Mexican rebellion, low opinion of the Mexican army. From his ship Gerry has been watching the battle between the Mexican Government under Santa Anna and revolutionary forces led by Jose de Urrea, a former ally of Santa Anna's. General Urrea is defending the city of Tampico against the Mexican forces under General Arista. Arista has been bombarding the city from the water, and Gerry has been observing the action, and communicating with both commanding officers. He is also under orders to protect the well-being of all Americans in the vicinity. Arista would…

GLC09099.03

20 March 1850

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Instructions on how to act properly as a young man. Advises his nephew to study, especially history, act with respect and be the protector of his family. Also gives advice on how to act towards girls and reports news of other family members. Written on board the U.S.S. "Franklin" at Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC09099.06

20 June 1851

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann Gerry

Friend badly burned when his office building catches fire. Writes to his sister, saying that his friend Gerry was badly injured in the fire, but hopes to continue his law practice. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at Pensacola, Florida.

GLC09099.07

February 22, 1853

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Gives advice to his young nephew and relates stories from his travels at sea. Encourages Elbridge to read and learn in coming years to "lay a foundation which will influence all your future prospects." Describes the city of Pensacola, which he is not fond of, and its weather. Mentions his encounters with yellow fever, and inquires how the holidays went in New York.

GLC09099.08

January 28, 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Tells his nephew about his various ports of call in Latin America. Says he went on official business in Caracas, gave his advice to the men working on the Panama railroad, and visited St. Thomas. Briefly describes some of his ports of call. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at Greytown, Nicaragua, also known as San Juan del Norte.

GLC09099.09

February 24, 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann Gerry

Superior officer's jealousy, recent ports of call, and status of his officers. Believes his Commodore is jealous of him, and has therefore selected him for the most difficult missions possible. Many of his officers are sick. Of his voyage to Jamaica says "Jamaica is a wreck of what it formally was." Says the plantations are no longer functioning, which he blames on the emancipation of the slaves. "How any man in his right mind can advocate such a system of things perplexes me, and then to witness the general amalgamation of classes is too revolting to think of." Written on board the U.S…

GLC09099.10

29 April 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Says he has been on important missions recently, including a trip to observe construction of the Panama railroad. Advises his nephew to study hard in college, build towards his future, and warns of what befalls those who do not apply themselves. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" off Pensacola.

GLC09099.11

12 May 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Advises Elbridge to study hard while at college and says this is the best way to assure a bright future. Says he has not been receiving his newspapers, and is having trouble finding good carpenters to repair boats. Written on board the U.S.S. "Albany" at the Navy Yards in Warrington, Florida

GLC09099.12

28 May 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Very pleased with praise he has received from the government for his recent actions as a Navy captain. The Navy Department has "sent me a highly complimentary letter approving most fully my official acts during my last cruise, many of which were exceedingly important, involving great responsibility, and requiring prompt decision, and firmness in execution." Says he is having trouble getting his ship fixed, but will sail again as soon as it is ready. Advises his nephew on how best to preserve his health as a young man.

GLC09099.13

20 June 1854

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Changing times have led to changes in American ways of life and religion. Marvels at the advances of the era, and how much life is changing and advancing. Worries that the "Romanists," meaning Catholics, are trying to take over the country, though he believes they will fail. His own Episcopal parish is building a new church. Hopes he will soon be able to return to sea.

GLC09099.14

1 March 1844

Sinclair, William, fl. 1844

Document signed

Title: [Check made out to James T. Gerry]

Check made out to James T. Gerry for one hundred and thirty seven dollars and eighty eight cents. Check was attached with a nail to a later note, explaining that the check was a Naval pay receipt.

GLC09099.15.01

12 September 1891

Bannerman, Francis, 1851-1918

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Elbridge T. Gerry

Attaching a check from Gerry's uncle. States that the check attached to the letter by a nail is a pay receipt from James T. Gerry.

GLC09099.15.02

1861-1865

Buttre, John Chester, 1821-1893

Engraving

Title: [Engraving of James T. Gerry]

Engraving of United States Navy commander James T. Gerry.

GLC09099.16

circa 26 August 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: [Proclamation regarding a violation of the Hopewell Treaty]

Later copy. A note written at the top states, "Recd- from Lt. Henry Knox Thatcher Aug. 9 1855, by mail." Requires all citizens and inhabitants of the United States to "govern themselves according to the treaties."

GLC02437.09435

27 September 1861

Henry, Josiah E., 1840-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Henry

Henry writes to his cousin William from Merriden Hill, three miles outside Washington, D.C. Continues letter from Virginia on 28 September 1861. Mentions heavy rain and marching through knee-deep mud. Discusses marches and the men's health. Written on patriotic stationery.

GLC03523.07.01

25 October 1782

Seward, Thomas, 1740-1800

Manuscript document signed

Title: A report of Captain Thomas Sewards Company 3rd regiment of artillery return'd from the Northern Department

Contains a chart of personnel from the 3rd Regiment of Artillery, broken down by position, such as bombardiers, gunmen, and drum & fifes.

GLC02437.01680

25 October 1782

Gibbs, Samuel, fl. 1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lewis Nicola

Written from Fish Kill Landing, present-day Fishkill, New York. Writes, "I saw a Gentleman from Hartford yesterday who gave me a letter for Sergt Gerolds; and at the same time inform'd me that the Srgt's wife died, verry sudden in a fit, six or seven days since and left four little children one at the breast. the Serg. Comes with my leave to Obtain leave of the Colonel to visit the Orfins if he should judge proper." See GLC02437.01679 for a related document.

GLC02437.01682

29 October 1782

Miller, Joseph, 1751-1814

Autograph document signed

Title: Report of the state of amunition in the 6th Mass. regt. commanded by Lieut. Col. Commandant Calvin Smith agreeable to the Gel. Orders of the 30th Inst. Oct. 1782

Lists supply loss ("casualties") and cartridges in possession of; and "set for action" by, the regiment. Countersigned by Calvin Smith.

GLC02437.01686