10 December 1800

Pilsberry, Levi, 1771-1819

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Mentions visiting Varnum's home in Dracut, Massachusetts, but missing him since Varnum was in Congress at the time. Comments on the importance of education, both religious and civil. Discusses the growing strength of Republicanism, and asserts that the "success of the Christian Religion, depends much on the example and patronage of civil Rules." Inquires about the new city of Washington, D.C. Varnum was a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1795-1811.

GLC03845.04

1 December 1808

Dana, Samuel, 1767-1835

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Massachusetts Congressman Samuel Dana introduces William Whittemore to Varnum, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Informs Varnum that Whittemore will be travelling to Washington, D.C. in order to preserve the patent for "the exclusive use of his machines."

GLC03845.07

11 August 1814

Van Ness, John Peter, 1770-1846

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Written as Congressman, Van Ness informs Varnum of the vacancy of Secretary of the Senate because of the death of Mr. Otis. Recommends Major Thomas C. McKenney to the position. Van Ness is acquainted with McKenney's political and personal principles and believes them to be sound. "... I am but doing justice to him, as well as to myself, to recommend him to your warmest and most favorable consideration."

GLC03845.19

circa 1979

Muzorewa, Abel Tendekayi, 1925-?

Typed document signed

Title: The General State of the Church in Zimbabwe Rhodesia Today

Muzorewa's report cites instances of persecution and martyrdom as the Marxists began to impose their rule upon Zimbabwe-Rhodesia. Yet, in the midst of the persecution Muzorewa reports that many people are giving generously to their Church and many young people are committing their lives to Christian Ministry. He closes by expressing hope that the future of Zimbabwe will be one of democracy in which the Church is allowed to fully carry on its work. Muzorewa presented this report to Bishops Mathews, Dodge, Nichols and Hunt, as a private audience, in Washington, D.C. in June, 1979.

GLC05508.192.01

14 April 1940

Pittman, Portia Marshall Washington, 1883-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alice J. Cutright Kaine

Washington writes to Kaine, a friend of her father's, about the ceremony issuing a commemorative stamp of her father, Booker T. Washington. Discusses the family members in attendance, and mentions that she "received the first sheet of stamps from Post Master General [James A.] Farley." She reminisces about his famous Atlanta Exposition speech, and how his success was due to prayer. She laments: "My people are not as grateful as yours - and many are trying to profit from my father's fame for selfish motives. This has hurt Tuskegee Institute." Written on Music Studio, Tuskegee Institute…

GLC05508.255.01

21 July 1940

Pittman, Portia Marshall Washington, 1883-1978

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alice J. Cutright Kaine

Washington writes to Kaine to forward a first day issue stamp promised in an earlier letter (see GLC05508.255.01). Her brother, Booker T. Washington, Jr., has been in the hospital and is about to be released. He is still weak and jobless, however, and Washington comments, "the school's attitude has been most unfriendly to us all, since my father's death. It is truly a tragic situation for us all." Includes first day issue stamp and envelope cancelled at Tuskegee (see GLC05508.255.03).

GLC05508.255.02

7 April 1940

Pittman, Portia Marshall Washington, 1883-1978

Stamp

Title: [First day issue stamp of Booker T. Washington]

First day issue envelope with stamp from the "Famous Americans Series." Both stamp and envelope feature the printed likeness of Booker T. Washington. Envelope cancelled at Tuskegee on 7 April 1940. Sent to Alice J. Cutright Kaine from Portia Washington, 21 July 1940.

GLC05508.255.03

June 7, 1782

Marion, Francis, 1732-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Richardson

Letter written to Richardson at High Hills of Santee, South Carolina. Marion states he has heard that some troublesome people are plundering the inhabitants of the neighborhood and that they have no ammunition to fight back. He requests Richardson deliver to General Joseph Hill 12 pounds of gun powder and a proportionate amount of lead. He indicates that he is going to join General Nathanael Greene. Note on page 4 signed by Elliott Holladay certifies that on July 18, 1782, 12 pounds of gun powder and 26 1/2 pounds of lead were received from Richardson by order of Captain Joseph Hill. Marion…

GLC01450.009.01

13 December 1797

Winthrop, James, fl. 1797-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

re: thanks for copy of president's speech, troubles with France, popularity of war with Spain. {6}

GLC03845.01

05 April 1798

Winthrop, James, fl. 1797-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

re: thanks for copy of president's message, sending town resolution against war with France [resolutions not included]. {7}

GLC03845.02

24 May 1798

Winthrop, James, fl. 1797-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

re: problems in getting people to agree to resolution against the French, local politics. {12}

GLC03845.03

June 13, 1805

Avery, John, 1739-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

An official letter written in Boston from John Avery, the Secretary of State for Massachusetts. It informs Varnum of his election to Major General of the Third Division of the Militia of the Commonwealth by the two branches of the Legislature.

GLC03845.05

3 March 1806

Tuttle, John L., fl. 1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Bradley Varnum

Informs Massachusetts Representative Varnum of Charles Hammond's invention of a quadrant used frequently and successfully by Hammond's military company. States that upon the advice of General Henry Knox and others, Hammond applied for a patent. Reports that "Hammond's quadrant imbraces such a combination of mathematical principles, so applyed to practical use, as to merit the attention and patronage of Government." Requests that Varnum examine Hammond's design, and instructs Varnum to inform Secretary of State James Madison that Hammond will promptly send a complete model.

GLC03845.06

January 29, 1810

White, William, fl. 1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

White offers his services to the government "at a time of increasing outrages on its honour." He relies on his old acquaintanceship with Varnum to request a "friendly and influential aid" in finding him government employment. White highlights his steadfast political principles and "greater veneration and respect for the late and present administration of our Federal government."

GLC03845.08

9 February 1810

Campbell, George W., 1769-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum [incomplete]

The letter is missing its opening section. All that remains are the closing paragraphs, Campbell's signature, and a postscript announcing his good health. Campbell conveys his opinions regarding politics, public sentiment at home, and concerns of a schism within Congress: "I have observed with much regret, extracts of letters from members of Congress, announcing a schism in the Cabinet ..."

GLC03845.09

13 August 1811

Warland, William, fl. 1811

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Inquires "what kinds of coins are a legal tender" for paying a debt to a neighbor, "an old tory," who refuses payment in Spanish dollars. At the time of this letter, Varnum was a United States Senator from Massachusetts.

GLC03845.10

12 March 1812

Hill, A.A., fl. 1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Informs Varnum that he will make a deposit (of an undisclosed amount) on his behalf to the State Bank regarding a business transaction. Responds to query regarding the outcome of General Austin: "...all officers return their commands in the Corps to which they originally belonged until they resign or are promoted ..." Date taken from docket.

GLC03845.11

29 December 1813

Dalton, Tristram, 1738-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Informs Varnum of Mr. Swett's rejection of the position in the Office of Deputy Collector in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Sevett "thought it incompatible with his present office to undertake the business." Dalton expresses regret for not being able "to have met your wishes, and to have rendered Mr. Sevett any service." Date of letter reads "29th Decem 1813" however, docket date reads Dec. 29, 1814.

GLC03845.12

6 January 1814

Fowler, Samuel, 1747-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Asks Varnum to name him to a collectorship of the neighboring counties while reminding him how he had been displaced from another position. Illegible words inhibit proper interpretation of letter.

GLC03845.13

6 January 1814

Shepherd, Thomas, fl. 1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Shepherd, appointed by the President of the U.S., previously held the position of Collector of the Revenue for the 17th District of the counties of Hampshire, Hampton, and Franklin. He had retired from the position with the hope of having it assigned to Major John Taylor. Since the Senate recently rejected Taylor, Shepherd requests that he be reinstated to the collectorship "...if it is the pleasure of the President & Senate to reinstate me." Shepherd comments that he did not solicit the position, but rather was appointed by the President without his knowledge of having been chosen as…

GLC03845.14

3 March 1814

Hall, Farnham, fl. 1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Announces the sudden death of the Honorable Silas Lee, Esq. and "[B]y this event the office of district attorney has become vacant. The eyes of the President will therefore be turned towards some suitable person to fill that vacancy ..." Advises the position be filled by someone "who can discharge the duties of that office, with fidelity, & give the greatest satisfaction to the public."

GLC03845.15

7 March 1814

Keyes, John, fl. 1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Keyes acknowledges that a change in the Concord Post Office will soon take place. Requests that he be considered for Postmaster General and that he would oblige if appointed.

GLC03845.16

8 March 1814

Smith, J.H., fl. 1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Informs of the election of William Low as officer for state security in the town of Amherst. His election removed a British federalist who represented the town the previous year. Feels that Governor William Plumer will be elected Governor instead of Governor John T. Gilman. Adds a private note requesting Varnum not change the current Port Master, Aaron Whitney because Whitney plans to resign and will recommend Smith to the position. He seeks Varnum's support because "The Members of Congress from this State are my political opponents, which is the cause of my troubling you on the subject."

GLC03845.17

2 April 1814

Kettle, John, fl. 1814

Letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Written as town clerk of Boston regarding appointments, public works, and the court of sessions.

GLC03845.18

7 December 1820

Swett, D., fl. 1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph B. Varnum

Writes of the well being of his children. The remaining paragraphs include a copy of a letter from James (last name unknown) received on the 27th. It discusses how James is working vigilantly among the Republicans. James speaks of Swett's appointment to collectorship and how they must wait on the "Power of Recommendations" or the "Power & influence of the recommendations." James speaks of other members in the Senate who would be comfortable with Swett's appointment. Swett requests that Varnum replies with comments regarding James' letter.

GLC03845.20