Collection Search

to Edward Bates

Request to Attorney General Edward Bates for him to have made and sent to him a pardon for Benjamin C. Robertson of Dickson County, Tennessee.

GLC00482

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Greene B. Horne].

GLC00484

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Joel Hughes].

GLC00485

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardons of John Register, William Ricks and William Horn].

GLC00486

[Orders for John Moore, Wagon Master of Pennsylvania

Signed as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Explains that the arrival of the French fleet has induced General George Washington and the Continental Congress to "call for a number of Teams and Horses." Seeks wagons and...

GLC00490

Men of the Keystone State, rally for its defence!

Recruitment broadside in Pennsylvania published during Lee's invasion of the North in 1863, seemingly before the Battle of Gettysburg. Created by Captain D.W. Donopley of Company L of the First Regiment of the Washington Guard under Colonel William...

GLC00492

to Gouverneur Morris

Discusses his non-involvement in foreign affairs. The death that called Washington to Mount Vernon was that of his nephew, George Augustus Washington, who died of tuberculosis.

GLC00494

to Stephen R. Bradley

John Quincy Adams explains his 1804 opposition to a bill supported by General Samuel Smith that would further protect U.S. sailors from British impressment. Refutes Smith's suggestion that Adams' position justifies British impressment. Argues that...

GLC00496.003

to William C. Bradley

Written as Secretary of State. The letter discusses not complying with a request and the Treaty of Ghent

GLC00496.004

to George Clinton

Written by Allen the Vermont adventurer and land speculator, who had lost his fortune by the time this letter was written. Allen was the brother to Ethan Allen. Written to Vice President Clinton at the Senate's request. Describes Vermont's role in...

GLC00496.005

[Deed of sale of land owned by Native American Scippeag to Elisha and John Bourne]

Serving as Royal Governor of the Colony of New Plymouth, Hinckley approves sale of Scippeag's land to the Bournes. Bassit, Marne, Timothy, and Oliver Conant sign as witnesses. Scippeag signs with his mark, an "X". The lower lefthand side of the...

GLC00469

to Frederick Douglass

Dated "Thursday." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (who had a home in Nahant) informed Sumner that false words about Douglass had been attributed to Sumner. Sumner clarifies that he stated that whatever Douglass may think of the "Presidential indignity"...

GLC00470.02

Crusade in Europe.

1304 of 1426 numbered copies. Signed on printed facsimile of D-Day message. Illustrated with photographs. Published by Doubleday & Company. Discusses World War II, including the prelude and aftermath.

GLC00471

Two items: Hamilton LS and John Hay DS (passport) [decimalized]

Written at the Treasury Department

GLC00473

[Contract with Robert P. Parrott to buy 16 rifle cannons for Georgia]

Unsigned copy, written on one side. Contract to buy cannons, guns, and ammunition from Colt, Dupont, Ames, etc. to prepare Georgia for war. Semmes acted as agent for Georgia in preparation for the Civil War. Docket in Semmes' hand. "... This...

GLC00474

Speeches, arguments, addresses and letters of Clement L. Vallandigham

First edition published by J. Walter & Company. Presentation copy inscribed by Vallandigham on a yellow free (nearly) endpaper to his friend, the actor Edward Forrest, in Dayton, Ohio on 12 January 1866. With photograph as frontis. Vallandigham of...

GLC00476.01

Collection record for compatibility [decimalized]

GLC00477

[Signature of Truman and his wife Bess]

Signatures and date are contained on a small card. A typed line underneath the signatures states "Harry S. Truman and Bess Truman."

GLC00477.02

[Cancelled check]

Check from Truman to F. L. Byam. Authorized by Truman as President of the County Court. Issued 23 April 1934, cancelled 11 May 1934. Written for the amount of 200 dollars. Contains a stamp indicating cancellation, and a produce exchange bank...

GLC00477.03

[Sepia cabinet portrait of William T. Sherman]

Contemporary portrait of Sherman, published in 1888. Seated, upper torso, arms folded. Dated "1889" and signed by Sherman in pencil on front with his inscription on verso to General Frederick Tracy Dent in Denver on 13 July 1889. Dent was Grant's...

GLC00478

Army regulations, adopted for the use of the Army of the Confederate States, in accordance with late acts of congress

Signed "Wm H C Whiting" on title page with note "Brig Genl C.S.A." Also a autograph note signed "Jas H Hill" by James Hill, Whiting's staff officer and Assistant Adjutant General. Published by West & Johnston. This book of regulations revised from...

GLC00480

[Appointment of James Waugh]

Appoints James Waugh Lieutenant of a Company of foot in the first Battalion of Associates in the County of Cumberland, Pennsylvania. Note on left margin reads, "Exchanged 1 Septr: 1776. T.M." T.M. are the initials of Timothy Matlack, the clerk to...

GLC00481

The Platforms.

Prints the statements of the Republican and Democratic presidential campaign platforms. Under the headings Baltimore [Republican] and Chicago [Democrat], compares the two platforms in the election between Abraham Lincoln-Andrew Johnson and George B...

GLC00483

[Penn, et al. v. Calvert, et al.]

An interrogatory with eleven questions for a case before the Court of Chancery of Great Britain involving a dispute between the Penn family and the proprietors of Maryland about the border. Although unsigned, this document perhaps was prepared by...

GLC00487

[Estimate of the profits of the office of the Commissary General of Forage]

Pettit, acting as Assistant Quarter Master General, responds to the request of Colonel Clement Biddle, former Commissioner General of Forage, for the profits of his office since 2 March 1778, when General Nathanael Greene became Quarter Master...

GLC00488

to Joseph Clay

Business letter that mentions procuring rice, the loss of a crop from "pink root," a lawsuit, and getting some Tenerife wine. This is an uncommon autograph.

GLC00489

Grand banner of the radical democracy, for 1864.

1864 presidential election print for General John C. Frémont and General John Cochrane as third party candidates. Frémont was nominated by the radical Republicans. Bust portraits of both candidate circled by wreaths. Background adorned with...

GLC00491

Confederate war etchings [Decimalized .01-.29]

This portfolio is a reprint of the original 1863 publication. The twenty-nine etchings by Volck were originally published under the name "V. Blada." Made during the Civil War, the etchings show sympathy for the Confederate cause, and distaste for...

GLC00493

to Jefferson Davis

Writing to the Confederate President, Confederate Secretary of War Benjamin notes that there is much molasses available in Louisiana and suggests that molasses would be welcomed by the troops to improve their deficient coffee.

GLC00495

[Collection of Americana from Revolution & Civil War] Decimalized

[decimalized]

GLC00496

to Benjamin Rush

The letter discusses depression, Iroquois warrior, and death.

GLC00496.001

to James Ronaldson

Character of General Jackson.

GLC00496.002

To Secretary of the Navy William Jones; Report of the Officers of the U.S. Frigate Constitution

Addressed to Secretary of the Navy William Jones. Written on board the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides) in Boston Harbor. Evaluates the qualities and misgivings of the ship's officers and civilian crew during the War of 1812.

GLC00496.006

to William Jones

Written on board the homeward bound USS Constitution to Secretary of the Navy Jones regarding damages incurred during battle with the HMS Java as well as Bainbridge's own injuries. It was after this battle that the Constitution got the name "Old...

GLC00496.007

to Amos Binny

Discusses the questionable abilities of Joshua Humphreys, designer of the frigates Constitution and United States, and the shortcomings of these ships. It was on the USS Constitution that Bainbridge defeated the HMS Java and returned victorious to...

GLC00496.008

Extracts from Commodore William Bainbridge's Journal

Transcribed journal entry written aboard the USS Constitution (later transcribed, not in Bainbridge's hand) recounting the ship's battle with HMS Java off the coast of Brazil. The account is recorded as the fighting occurs. Includes a casualty and...

GLC00496.009

to Mrs. Hunt

Regarding the health of Hunt's family: her dying sister, her brother, Sam who has been recovering from an operation, and Ida.

GLC00496.010

to John H. Houston

The letter discusses his reasons for not marrying and political plans. Also mentions his not running for governor. John H. Houston was Sam Houston's cousin.

GLC00453

[Presidential pardon of John Brown, Michael Whelan, and Benjamin Gilbert, convicted in the District of Columbia in 1865 of assault and battery].

Pardoned by Andrew Johnson after serving 5 months of their 1 year sentences because of their good conduct and on the recommendation of the judge who tried them. Countersigned by Secretary of State William H. Seward.

GLC00455

to Ralph Cooper Hutchinson

Writes about returning Hutchinson's biography of General Grant. Mentions that he can no longer make the Army-Navy game because his schedule is too busy. Congratulates Hutchinson, who was president of Lafayette College, on his team's victory...

GLC00456.02

[Appointment of Cephas Brainerd, interim arbitrator (c/s Seward)]

Partly printed document, countersigned by William H. Seward, appointing Cephas Brainerd interim arbiter for the Treaty with Britain suppressing the slave trade. Docketed. With white paper seal. Watermark: Wilcox|Philadelphia.

GLC00457

Pardon of Solomon Smith, convicted of larceny.

Convicted of larceny along with his wife; sentenced to 2 years imprisonment. Pardoned due to his innocence. (c/s William H. Seward)

GLC00459

Emancipation Proclamation General Orders No.1

Fifth printing of the Emancipation Proclamation, first Army printing. General Orders No. 1. Disbound.

GLC00460

to Robert Morris

William Hooper laments the failure of North Carolina to re-elect his associate Joseph Hewes to the Continental Congress. Discusses and rejects the charges of profiteering leveled against Hewes (and others) while he was a member of the Secret...

GLC00462

to James Campbell

Asks Campbell for his opinion on the appointment of James Burnside as head of a committee. Encloses some sort of criticism of the appointment (not present) and states that he has replied to it but considers the approach unjust. Addressed to Campbell...

GLC00467.02

to George Dodge

Orders Colonel Dodge, Chief Quartermaster at Bermuda Hundred, to send all available boats that could carry troops to Washington, D.C. Written from Butler's Headquarters of the Army of the James in pencil, docketed in ink.

GLC00468.02

General Orders no. 41

Signed by Captain and Assistant Quartermaster. Concerns compliance with General Orders no. 41, a transportation provision for a man on sick leave from Washington, D.C. to New York City.

GLC00468.04

Message of the Governor of Virginia, and accompanying documents

Statement from Virginia Governor John Letcher regarding slavery. With original pink wrappers as issued. With stamp of Lehigh University Library 2 May 1893.

GLC00449

[Investigation and dismissal of the complaint of Nathaniel Weare against William Towle for the robbery of wheat]

In his role as a Justice of the Peace of New Hampshire, Barlett signed the document six times. Also signed by Deputy Sheriff of the county of Rockingham Solomon Wheeler and Justice of the Peace John Dudley. Bartlett was a signer of the Declaration...

GLC00450

Letters related to the 19 April 1861 Baltimore Riot [Decimalized .01-.08]

GLC00451

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Thomas, Baltimore city solicitor, relates events that took place during the April 19, 1861 Baltimore Riot to Maryland Governor Hicks. States that General Charles Calvert Egerton falsely informed a mob that Hicks had issued orders that Union troops...

GLC00451.01

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Mercer, Governor Hick's aid-de-camp during the April 19, 1861 Baltimore Riot, states that during the riot Hicks refused to interfere with the passage of Northern troops through the city despite the urging of his political colleagues. Written at the...

GLC00451.02

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Co-signed by Grayson Eichelberger, Ulysses Hobbs, and William Maulsby, soldiers present for the April 19, 1861 Baltimore Riot. Shriver et al. claim that General Bradley Tyler Johnson, with Baltimore Marshal of Police George Proctor Kane and others...

GLC00451.03

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Mercer, Maryland Governor Hicks' aid-de-camp during the April 19, 1861 Baltimore Riot, transmits a statement (not included) describing events of the Riot. Claims that he heard Hicks order General Charles Calvert Egerton to drive back the mob of...

GLC00451.04

[Statement from an unknown witness regarding the 19 April 1861 Baltimore Riot]

Attests that police Marshal George Proctor Kane ordered men to protect the Union troops passing through the city. Claims that in the confusion, Union soldiers fired indiscriminately into the mob, which included Mayor George W. Brown. Recalls...

GLC00451.05

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Based on the request of Maryland Governor Hicks, Colonel John G. Johannes recalls events of the Baltimore Riot. States that 19 April 19, 1861, after spotting a signal light from the Armory of the Maryland Guard, he consulted his Commander, who had...

GLC00451.06

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

Also signed by Jesse K. Hines, William T. Smyth, S. [R.?] Spencer, and Edward Wilkins. A committee transmits an inscribed silver pitcher, waiter, and goblets to Thomas Holliday Hicks at the end of his term as Maryland Governor. According to the...

GLC00451.07

to Thomas Holliday Hicks

He takes it for granted that the new state constitution will be ratified and a new governor will be elected, but doubts that the new governor will be as good as Hicks was. In Annapolis last winter he spoke with Judge Bowie of Montgomery County, one...

GLC00451.08

[Draft of Sumner's article on "Domestic Relations" with regard to the Confederate states]

Sumner, a United States Senator and abolitionist, opens his lengthy article by stating "At this moment, our Domestic Relations all hinge upon one question; what shall be done with the rebel States?" Discusses abolition and human nature, quoting...

GLC00454

Collection of two items related to Dwight D. Eisenhower [Decimalized .01-.02]

GLC00456

Grant of Appomattox, a study of the man, by William E. Brooks

Inscribed by Brooks to Ralph Hutchinson, 12 October 1942. Signed by Dwight D. Eisenhower as "presented to me," and dated 21 November 1946. Published by the Bobbs-Merrill Company. First edition.

GLC00456.01

to Emily J. Semmes

Describes how he was severely wounded in Gettysburg: "Wounded severely. Main danger over. Remain at home. Will write." Semmes signed this note one day before dying of a gunshot wound to the leg received at Gettysburg.

GLC00458

Testimony rearding an altercation between John Winchester, Jr., Thomas Trowbridge and the Royal Governor of Massachusetts Joseph Dudley. [decimalized .01 -.03]

Two documents concerning an altercation between two carters John Winchester, Jr. and Thomas Trowbridge and the Royal Governor of Massachusetts Joseph Dudley.

GLC00461

to Reverend and Dear Sir

Includes his testimony to the Superior Court of an altercation he has had with two carters, John Winchester, Jr. and Thomas Trowbridge. He claims they attacked him when he ordered them to make way for his carriage and he wishes to press charges...

GLC00461.01

I Thomas Trowbridg of Newtown being upon the seventh day of December 1705 upon the road leading to Boston.

Also signed by John Winchester, Jr. Trowbridge and Winchester had been accused by Royal Governor of Massachusetts Joseph Dudley of attacking him, and he had pressed charges. The two carters deny the charges and say that Dudley was the aggressor. The...

GLC00461.02

to Lady Belper of Derby, England

Edward Everett thanks her for "sending me your likeness" and remembers a visit from twenty years ago fondly. Discusses his son, who went abroad for four years, and his happiness that he has returned. Closes his letter with a long comment on the Civil...

GLC00463

[Document appointing justices of the peace for slave trials in Augusta County, Virginia]

Partially printed document signed by Henry as Governor of Virginia. Appoints fourteen men as justice of the peace in Augusta County, Virginia. They are given the duty of "Oyer and Terminer for the trial of Slaves in the said County ... for the...

GLC00464

Address of the President of the United States, delivered at a joint session of the two houses of Congress April 2, 1917

Signed by Wilson on front endpaper. Asks Congress to declare war against Germany. Marks the beginning of the American involvement in World War I. With original blue dust-jacket.

GLC00466

Collection of two items related to James Buchanan [Decimalized]

GLC00467

to William L. Herst

Comments on the appointment of James Burnside to chairman of the Central Committee of the state that Herst made. Indicates that he would like to support him. Written from his estate, Wheatland, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

GLC00467.01

to Thomas Dawes Eliot

Reverend Furness, a prominent abolitionist and Unitarian clergyman, thanks Congressman Eliot for a speech he gave. Writes about a fugitive slave (possibly Anthony Burns, who was arrested on May 24, 1854 in Boston): "That Slave must not be sent back...

GLC00468.01

[Confirmation of transportation]

McKim, a Captain Assistant Quartermaster, informs the United States Paymaster General's Office that he authorized the transportation of Corporal B. F. [Cheat?] from Boston to Baltimore. Partially printed.

GLC00468.03

to Mrs. John D. Townsend

Febiger, who served as major and paymaster in the United States Army during the Civil War, informs Mrs. Townsend: "I regret exceedingly that it will not be in my power to accept your kind invitation for the evening of the 22d instant. With my best...

GLC00468.05

to E.M. Tunstill

Reports the latest war occurrences. Writes that "Lee got whipped" and "Sherman had whipped Johns[t]on." With green stamp on front.

GLC00468.06

to Captain Flagg

William Clemens was a wounded soldier looking to draw his pay while in the hospital. With note from Captain Flagg on back, dated August 30. Written from USA General Hospital in New York.

GLC00468.07

Report of commissioned officers

Signed by the surgeon in charge of the 2nd Division hospital.

GLC00468.08

[Calling card signed by Schurz]

GLC00468.09

to John Dickinson, et al.

Memorial regarding Jay's Treaty. Answers Dickinson's current inquiry regarding a memorial with an enclosure previously sent to the Selectmen of Boston (not included).

GLC00496.100

[Official discharge of Leonard Chapin Matross from the 2nd New York Artillery Regiment].

Countersigned by Washington's military secretary, Jonathan Trumbull, and Adjutant James Bradford. Matross' discharge came shortly after the end of the American Revolution. His service began 10 March 1781. With a nineteenth century note on the loan...

GLC00496.101

to George Clinton

Reporting the battle of Stony Point and the situation on the Hudson River. With brief postscript by Washington. Docketed on page 2.

GLC00496.102

to James McHenry

George Washington forwards Anthony MacHarg's letter of application for cavalry instructor to Secretary of War McHenry. Washington expresses interest in MacHarg's experience but requires further testimonial to professional ability and personal...

GLC00496.103

[Land Lease for James Welch]

Washington's copy with annotations throughout. Includes detailed boundary and rent information.

GLC00496.104

to John Davidson

Regarding an address from the Yankee Club of Stewartstown, County Tyrone, Ireland. Recipient inferred from docket.

GLC00496.105

[Land Grant for George Washington]

Signed by George Washington, George Dulany, and Elizabeth Dulany. Countersigned by David Steward, William Payne, Charles Lee, and Lund Washington with their respective seals. Restores Washington's inherited land grant dating from 1674.

GLC00496.106

to unknown

Fragment from a longer letter with only the signature and postscript remaining. Postscript discusses surgeons in Philadelphia recommended by delegates of the Continental Congress. "Mr. Palmer" is visible on verso.

GLC00496.107

to Frances Washington

Announces the death of Mrs. Lear, a family friend. Frances Washington, George Washington's niece, and Dandridge were cousins.

GLC00496.116

to James Carlisle

Discusses current legal cases. Badger was a superior court judge, secretary of the Navy, and a U.S. senator. James Mandeville Carlisle was a Washington, D.C., lawyer with whom he formed a law partnership in the mid-1850s.

GLC00496.125

to unknown

Reports the visit of Bosch Spencer.

GLC00496.129

[Endorsement securing midshipman's commission]

In response to J.B. Blake's third party request for a naval position. Forwarded to Secretary of the Navy John Young Mason.

GLC00496.130

to Joseph Gales and William Winston Seaton

Letter to the editors of the Intelligencer in Washington, D.C. Informs them that the "wine gallon" has been omitted from federal law. Noticed this when he was compiling "The Revised Statutes of the State of New York." Calls their attention to two...

GLC00496.136.01

General orders after action at Battle of Stony Point

This document is written in the third person and is signed in text. A hastily written draft conveying General Anthony Wayne's general orders lauding his troops directly after the Battle of Stony Point. Cites Colonel [Christian] Febiger as the field...

GLC00496.108

to General Kimberly

Introduces John J. Audubon. Infers Audubon's dependence on the success of the quarto "Synopsis of the birds of North America," published 1839. Hand delivered by Audubon.

GLC00496.109

to William Eden

Recipient inferred from seller's note at top of page 1. Thanks recipient for support regarding business concerns. Applauds progress of commerce treaty with France. Wedgwood was Queen's Potter and a Royal Society Fellow. William Eden, Baron Auckland...

GLC00496.110

to Miss Avison

John Wesley encourages her in her faith and gives her practical advice on how to increase it. With a side note: "Do not measure the length of your letter by that of mine, I have a thousand avocations."

GLC00496.111

to John Rutherford

Discusses legal matters regarding power of attorney. Introduces an unnamed messenger, a Dartmouth educated Native American.

GLC00496.112

to David Strother

Details the life of John Brown. Describes his interactions with Brown as a business partner, their conversations about slavery, and actions of Brown's that he did not witness but only read about. Says Brown discussed his plan for Harper's Ferry with...

GLC00496.113

[Autograph of January for Mrs. Allen]

Complete quotation reads, "Laura Bridgman Providence autograph for Mrs. Allen." Bridgman was a deaf, mute, and blind girl, educated by Samuel Howe at the Boston Institution for the Blind, Watertown, Massachusetts, beginning in 1837. Collateral are...

GLC00496.114.01

[Deposition of Jonathan Thring that John Forsham has used a meadow which does not belong to him]

Includes the abbreviation "Coun." after his name, possibly a contraction for Councilor. He will be one of the original Councilors for the Royal Province of New Hampshire, when the province is formed in 1680. Written and signed by Dalton as Town...

GLC00496.115

[Land patent for Thomas Gregg]

Includes detailed boundary and rent information. Fairfax was Lord Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia.

GLC00496.117.01

[Land patent for Jacob Holtzclaw]

Signed on verso on 7 August 1758 by Jacob "Spilmon" and Johann [illegible], with a note about later ownership of the land. Fairfax was Lord Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia and the only resident Lord Proprietor in America.

GLC00496.117.02