July 12, 1862

Polk, Leonidas, 1806-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Earl Van Dorn

Confederate General Polk writes to Confederate General Van Dorn to discuss Captain R.A. Stewart's record of service and recommend him for a promotion. Also discusses the request of some Louisiana parishes to raise artillery reinforcements for Stewart's regiment.

GLC01883

1864

Sears, Edward H., fl. 1861-1886

Autograph album

Title: [Libby prison autograph album with sketches of Union prisoners of war]

Signed by U. S. Navy Lieutenant Sears "with his mark". Hand drawn titlepage and watercolor drawings of Libby Prison and Castle Thunder. Also contains a sketch of a prisoner of war titled "Prison scene" with the quote, "Gentlemen, I wish to God I was exchanged." Signed by "F. Millward. del." Includes signatures of many Union officers confined as P.O.W.s at Castle Thunder and Libby Prison, Richmond. Among the autographs are those of Union generals Neal Dow, Eliakim Scammon and Henry Walton Wessells. Also signing are future brevet generals Robert S. Northcott, Stephen Moffitt, William G. Ely…

GLC01885

18 February 1862

Burnside, Ambrose Everett, 1824-1881

Document signed

Title: [Declaration to citizens of Roanoke Island to renew allegiance to Union]

Historically significant proclamation to the citizens of Roanoke Island, typifying the moderate approach to warfare of Ambrose Burnside, his patron George B. McClellan, and Northern Democrats. Promises not to "interfere with your laws constitutionally established, your institutions of any kind whatever, your property of any sort [i.e., slavery] …," if the citizens of this district returned their loyalties to the United States. Signed by Burnside as Brigadier General Commanding the Department of North Carolina and by Goldsborough as Flag Officer Commanding the North Atlantic Blockading…

GLC01886

December 7, 1863

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

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eli Long

Sherman writes to Colonel Long (later General) ordering him to mount his cavalry to raid and capture a Confederate train that passed into the mountains toward Georgia. Advises him to, "Take all the horses, mules and animals that you can from citizens and make all captives of prisoners and enemies property that you can." Instructs him to cause as much confusion and alarm as possible. States that he (Sherman) will hold a force at Telico Plains at Columbus until Long returns and will try to have supplies waiting. Encourages Long by saying, "You have already done good and hard service. Do this at…

GLC01887

November 15,1864-December 21, 1864

Harris, Rodney E., fl. 1862-1865

Map signed

Title: Maps Showing the Campaign of the 20th Corps from Atlanta to Savannah with the Dates

Disbound booklet of ten chronological watercolor maps documenting the towns and cities General William T. Sherman passed through on his march to the sea, from Atlanta to Savannah, Georgia. At the end is a large manuscript account of the march documenting cities they passed through and what they destroyed enroute, such as "passed through Social Circle and Rutledge. Burned R.R. buildings at both places...Laid siege to Savannah...Ft McAllister captured...captured Confed steamer 'Resolute'...Flag of Truce demanding surrender of Savannah...Savannah evacuated in the night." Harris served with…

GLC01888

February 11, 1865

Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hoffman

Scott writes to Hoffman expressing gratitude for Lincoln's approval of parole. Hoffman was Commissary General of Prisoners. Scott also thanks him and asks that a letter be forwarded to his nephew. The younger Scott came from Bellfield, VA.

GLC01889.02

February 13, 1865

Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hoffman

Scott writes to Hoffman requesting safe passage for Scott's nephew.

GLC01889.03

February 16, 1865

Scott, Winfield, 1786-1866

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hoffman

Scott writes to Hoffman thanking him for his help. Scott also remarks of Lincoln's help that "[n]othing could have been more delicate & kind."

GLC01889.04

December 10, 1777

Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Johnson

Henry, Governor of Virginia, encloses a piece of paper (not included) informing Johnson, Governor of Maryland, that the inhabitants residing near the Potomac River are in danger. Reports that several British warships are sailing upriver, and that he has ordered galleys to the meet the enemies' ships. Requests that Johnson send vessels to assist in defending the Potomac.

GLC01890

1780/07/24

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Document signed

Title: to Lieutenant of Berkeley Co. re: call for drafting state militia, pay

Partly printed circular letter signed as Governor of Virginia. Refers to an act to prevent desertion, to draft more state militia and to use tobacco loan certificates for pay. Ink and paper losses at center. Lined on verso.

GLC01891

December 22, 1843

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Francis Hamtramck Claiborne

Advises that he had communicated Claiborne's wishes to A. V. Breur of the House of Representatives and believes he will give the matter proper attention. Comments on the Whig dominance in the state of Tennessee, "...Tennessee cannot long continue to occupy her present false and unnatural political position." Expresses his hopes for the 1844 presidential election, "The Democracy of the state were never more confident of success, and are preparing for the great contest of 1844."

GLC01892

February 14, 1848

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mr. Capen

Tyler responding to Capen's request for additional statistics concerning Texas, for a publishing venture. Tyler directs him to published information. Also, discusses statistics of Texas at the time of annexation.

GLC01893

1780

Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792

Book

Title: A State of the Expedition from Canada, as laid before the House of Commons....

First edition printed by John Almon, with 1 folding engraved map and 6 plans printed by William Faden. 4t0: A-M4, N2, O-S4 *S4 T-SC4 ($2 signed - C2, N2, 2C2; D2 misprinted "D3").

GLC01894

1832/12/10

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Broadside

Title: Proclamation, by Andrew Jackson, President of the United States.

Attacks South Carolina's plans of nullification, warns that "disunion by armed force is treason," and threatens harsh punishment. In 1832, South Carolina claimed that it had the right as a state to nullify federal law, in particular the federal tariff acts of 1828 and 1832. They also claimed the right to secede if the government tried to enforce the acts. This led to the Nullification Crisis. Jackson favored states rights, but not to this degree, and took a firm stand against the right to nullification and secession. In March 1833 a compromise tariff bill ended South Carolina's…

GLC01895

1856-1900

Archer, Edward R., fl. 1830-1917

Header Record

Title: Archive of Confederate naval operations: Va. volunteer navy, Tredegar Iron Works [decimalized .001-.206]

Overall dates 1817-1907 but bulk is 1856-1900. Includes Archer and Jeffery Family papers (100 and 57 items, respectively). The prime parts of this archive concern the service in the U.S. Navy before the Civil War, and the Volunteer Virginia [Confederate] Navy and Tredegar Iron Works [Richmond] during and after the Civil War [Archer was Assistant Supervisor of Tredegar. Archer sought to implement the Volunteer Navy from London (some of his correspondence and his diary are in London). This wide-ranging archive includes materials on the Archer and Jeffreys families (with photographs, letters…

GLC01896

1811/02/10

Woodlief, Peter, fl. 1810-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Hannah Woodlief

Informs Hannah of his return along with her sister to Petersburg in the middle of March. Goes on to plan a convenient time for her to come with her aunt and cousins to stay with him there during "the autumnal months."

GLC01896.001

1812/04/05

Jeffery, Richard, fl. 1748-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne Woodlief

Arrived in Norfolk after an uncomfortable, dull and lonely trip from Petersburg, meeting "Capt Con" and his family [all in good health] to deliver a letter to "Miss Harriet", planned meeting with Anne's father in Petersburg, happiness and anticipation of seeing Anne again.

GLC01896.002

1812/09/08

Jeffery, Richard, fl. 1748-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nancy Jeffery

Writing his wife about her inability to send letters, enclosing articles she asked for and knitting needles, good health of all friends and relations, arrival of militia and their poor health, capture of British frigate "Guerriere" by the USS "Constitution," travel to Carolina. This was the first significant victory of the War of 1812.

GLC01896.003

1813/07/27

Woodlief, Peter, fl. 1810-1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Dr. Richard Jeffery

Requesting Jeffery and Hannah to come up and visit him as soon as conveniently possible. Discusses the logistics of the trip including places to stay along the way and people willing to provide transportation.

GLC01896.004

15 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Letter signed

Title: to Samuel Hodgdon

Written by Secretary of War Henry Knox to Deputy in Charge of Quartermaster Accounts in Philadelphia Samuel Hodgdon (1792-1794). Knox tells him he will arrange appropriations with Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton.

GLC01897

1861-1862

Mortimer, Caleb C.E., 1835-1862

Header Record

Title: Collection of Caleb C.E. Mortimer, 3rd regiment, Massachusetts, artillery [Decimalized .01-.23]

Mortimer was Lieutenant in the 3rd Massachusetts Artillery, covering action in the Peninsula campaign, skirmishing, casualties, picket duty at Yorktown, Hanover and New Bridge. One letter from 1861 describes capture of the "Steam gun." Most letters have been written to his wife. Includes 22 war-date union soldier letters, 9 envelopes, 1 receipt and 1 envelope that used to contain a photograph.

GLC01898

7 November 1863

Long, Eli, 1837-1903

Autograph letter signed

Title: [Statement of the military service of Colonel Long]

Written when Long commanded the 2nd brigade, 2nd division of Cavalry, Army of the Cumberland. Documents Long's service, beginning with his graduation from the Kentucky Military Institute in 1855. Notes his pre-war service, and a post at Fort Riley, Kansas. Remarks, "In my service in the west I think I can safely say that I did as hard duty and as much of it as any Officer of my Regiment." Went to Kentucky for service in February 1862. Mentions Generals Buell, Rosecrans, Stanley, and Crook, among others. Cites the battles of Corinth, Perryville, Chaplin Hill, and Murfreesboro. Writes, "…

GLC01901

29 June 1865

Long, Eli, 1837-1903

Manuscript document signed

Title: to Eugene B. Beaumont

Copy of part of the report on Battle of Selma given to private Henry Prince. A secretary's copy of the official Battle Report from the Battle of Selma, 2 April 1865, signed by Long. Prince is praised for distinguished service, exhibiting "coolness and bravery while in discharge of...duties." Because of this praise the secretary made a personal copy of the report for Prince to keep for himself. On the final page Prince writes an autograph letter signed to his wife "Lizzie" explaining the report and asking her to keep it for him. The copy contains only part of Long's battle report, mostly…

GLC01902

5 July 1863

Kelley, Benjamin Franklin, 1807-1891

Manuscript telegram

Title: to Eliakim P. Scammon

States that Union General Henry W. Halleck reported that the captured dispatches between Confederate President Jefferson Davis and General Robert E. Lee shows that there is no rebel force left between Lee's Army and Richmond, Virginia. Orders that Scammon "...at once organize a force and send it to cut the Virginia and Tennesse Rail Road." Advises to use his judgment as to the best point to do this and to send a reliable officer to command. U.S. Military Telegraph marked "Cifer," [Cypher] on front. Recipient's copy. Docketed by Scammon. Kelley signs as Brigadier General. Written the day…

GLC01903

20 October 1863

Fullerton, J. Quincy, fl. 1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Eliakim P. Scammon

Spy report regarding reconnaissance against Confederate forces led by Confederate General Alfred Eugene Jackson (1807-1889), whom he refers to as "Mudwall." Describes his journey with 30 men of the 2nd Virginia Cavalry Volunteers across Virginia and West Virginia. Reports a skirmish with the enemy which interrupted their much needed rest and states, "...seeing our efforts to drive the enemy with our revolvers were useless we continued on towards the railroad." They continued on into Tennessee, along Iron Mountain, and into North Carolina where "Here we were most welcome...citizens came…

GLC01904