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Mr. Sumner Welles' Historic Mission to Europe

Collateral to GLC01750.01 P.W. Townshend Somerville letter concerning Welles's mission.

GLC01750.02

to James William Paige

Discusses legislative action regarding the Bank of the United States, including introduction of the Massachusetts Resolutions before the Senate. Notes that the House majority remains small, and that Senate support should be stronger, but that John C...

GLC01946.17

Return of the Artillery Company of the State of New York commanded by Alexander Hamilton

Signed in text in the third person in the title ("Alexander Hamilton"). Lists numbers of men of various rank present in varying capacities.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.00468

to Henry Knox

Misses Henry, her husband. Gives details of her recent bout with smallpox, noting "I have more than two hundred of them- twenty in my face..." Notes that their daughter, Lucy, has one pox. Discusses the difficulty of hiring men and boys for...

GLC02437.00582

to Henry Knox

Notes that she is recovering from a four day illness. Describes her daily life in detail as requested by Henry. Rises at eight a.m., has breakfast for an hour, then reads, writes, or works until her "solitary dinner" at 2 p.m. Misses Henry...

GLC02437.00638

[Discharge of Francis Lovett with note by Shaw on verso]

Certifying Lovett's discharge from the "Company of Artillery Artificers."

GLC02437.00904

[Discharge of Michael Joiner with note by Shaw on verso]

Written at a Park of Artillery. Certifies the discharge of Michael Joiner from Artillery Artifice.

GLC02437.00905

Honble Brig Genl Henry Knox... his account of cash with [Charles] Knowles

Includes account information from March 1777-November 1778. Lists payments made and received, most via Samuel Shaw, who has extensively annotated the account. Includes amounts paid for recruiting, purchase of "the horse Paoli" for General Knox, and...

GLC02437.10477

Honble Brig. General Henry Knox- his account current, with Charles Knowles

Signed by Knowles as paymaster. Lists accounts between Knox and several companies. Knowles certifies that "General Knox has accounted with me for the sum expressed on the Credit side of this account..." Also contains an attached receipt created by...

GLC02437.10479

to Samuel H. Jones

Eliza writes the original letter to her brother, but it is returned to her from Gustave with corrections over each misspelled word and includes a list of Eliza's spellings versus the correct spellings. He also critiques her writing style and...

GLC02570.15

[Union Civil War battlefield map of the Battle of Peachtree Creek]

Untitled draft of "Battlefield Peach Tree Cr. Fought July 20 1864 Scale 4 in. pr. mi. from actual Survey by Topogs. of 1st Div 20 Corps," found in GLC02710.35. Notes houses, Howel's Mill and Collier's Mill, a burned bridge, roads, and waterways...

GLC02710.36

[Chancellorsville map showing Hooker, Jackson's attack, and site of the latter's death]

Shows Stonewall Jackson's route, his attack on the 11th Corps on 2 May 1863, and the "Place where Jackson was killed." Many annotations on reconnaissance, military activities, and places occupied by certain commanders, including Joseph Hooker. Shows...

GLC02710.37

Atlanta, and its rebel defences

Printed Civil War map from the Atlanta Campaign. Names major streets. The Fair Ground, Cemetery, the Locomotive House of the W & A Railroad, the Atlanta Steam Tannery, White Hall, and the headwaters of South River are indicated. The tracks for the...

GLC02710.38

to Mary Epperly

Writes that he has not heard from her since December 1864. Reports that the whole army is heading through North Carolina to Virginia. Notes Shaman's [General William T. Sherman] Army has destroyed all the railroads between Augusta, [Georgia] and...

GLC02715.119

to Nancy E. Jones

He will not pretend to be sick just to get a discharge like many others. He was discouraged after Stones River but is in good spirits again. The fort "is going to be the greatest in the United States when it is done."

GLC02739.040

[Terms for hiring slaves]

Lists the names and prices of enslaved people who have been lent out by John Winn, and to whom they have been lent. Terms specify the time payment is due, the return dates, provisions required to be given to the enslaved people, and forbidding their...

GLC03434.54

to Elizabeth Smith

The regiment is once again on picket duty. He discusses losses to the regiment and the Battle of Gettysburg, "but I hope that we shall never get into another fight like that at Gettysburg Pa for it was awful beyond Discription I cannot discribe it...

GLC04189.52

to Mary Kelly

The regiment received marching orders. He believes they are going to Winchester. The weather is still cold.

GLC04197.21

to Mary Kelly

He has not received any mail from home in a long time. The weather is still cold. He requests postage stamps and reports that they will go to Martinsburg by rail.

GLC04197.23

to Sarah

She has joined her husband at the hospital. He was wounded in the lower abdomen. The wound appears fatal and he seems resigned to die. She hopes to move him to a better hospital. She comments on her fate and "right hard trouble every spring."...

GLC04197.25

[By Command of Brig. General N. P. Banks]

Signed by R. Morris Copeland. "Special Order No. 3" granting James R. Kelly a sixty-day leave of absence for "wounds received at the Battle of Winchester."

GLC04197.26

to unknown

She describes the immense suffering in the hospital and the fact that nearly all amputees have died. She dislikes Miss Dix's nurses, and of the Quaker ladies, Mary has nothing but admiration.

GLC04197.27

to James Kelly

He is on leave and visited Kelley's house. He encourages his friend to keep his spirits up and to follow the surgeon's instructions.

GLC04197.28

to Sallie, Mother and Sisy

Mr. Kelly's condition has somewhat improved. He ate some fried oysters and oyster soup. She mentions wounded arriving from Pittsburgh Landing [Shiloh].

GLC04197.29

to Mother and Sisy

She sends gifts to her mother and her daughter. Her husband appears stronger but does not eat much and complains of pain in his left leg. The pain is much worse at night and he must take morphine. She suggests they hire someone to do the plowing....

GLC04197.30

to Louise Walbridge

"Gen'l Hunter issued an order yesterday which says that all able bodied Negroes between the ages of eighteen and fifty one, not regularly employed in the Quartermaster and Commissary Departments, or as Officer's servants, shall be drafted, and...

GLC04663.15

Letter from Gerrit Smith on temperance. To the thoughful and candid of the County of Madison.

Discusses a local election, which was won by the Anti-dramshop ticket. Still feels despondent, writing: "Nothing, however, at the present time, stands so much in the way of the success of the cause of temperance as the fear cherished by tens of...

GLC04717.60

to Mary Magie

He wants to loan out $50 with interest. Mentions a battle at Franklin [4-5 March 1863] including the fact that their general was arrested afterward for a blunder.

GLC05241.18

to Owen Horsfall [incomplete]

Writes to his son about a blizzard "4º below zero, wind blowing from N.E. at the rate of 60 miles an hour, and sand and snow cutting the skin off one's face in going against it." Comments on the brilliant northern lights. Plans to mush with Jim...

GLC05245.04

to Owen Horsfall

Writes to his son stating that many men lost their lives from starvation or exposure as they were stuck with their dogteams on the trail to Teller, Alaska. He was talking to a friend, who told him that last summer at the local saloon and gambling...

GLC05245.05

to Owen Horsfall

He thanks Owen for the "nicest and newsiest letter" yet. He will send money to Owen for a vacation and to Aunt Annie for his parents' headstones. He advises Owen that diet is the key to perfect health. He wants the whole family to visit next...

GLC05245.20

to William S. Holabird

Relates that he is going to Colebrook, Connecticut. Mentions unspecified business pertaining to court.

GLC05636.30

to William S. Holabird

Possibly created by Samuel Church (signed as "S. Church"). Writes "I feel a great interest in the professional success of a brother who has ever been peculiarly dear to me... his present location is in more respects than one ill suited to his...

GLC05636.32

The confederate states. [Vol. 6, no. 24 (December 20, 1862)]

Editorials on the need for foreign intervention in the war, potential blockades, and the removal of Butler. Green and white rose-shaped floral pattern.

GLC06208.12

to: sister Carrie.

Describes possible plans to travel to Fort Riley or perhaps somewhere further west to build a fortune, and a hope that she not become alarmed if his communications are not often.

GLC07164.61

46 treaties between the United States and various Indian Nations

A collection of forty-six printed treaties between the United States and various Indian Nations, signed in type by the following presidents: Franklin Pierce (1), Andrew Jackson (15), Abraham Lincoln (6), Martin Van Buren (4), James K. Polk (3)...

GLC08055

to Henry Knox

Responds to a letter from Secretary of War Knox relating to the security of the Old Northwest. Comments on a speech by Lord Dorchester [Sir Guy Carleton], the commander in chief in British North America, and states his belief that the British intend...

GLC08076

To: Joseph Blunt.

Criticizing Jackson administration and spoils system, including mention of Peggy Eaton affair: They have no "character to lose."

GLC08081

to Richard Cutts

Urges the Massachusetts congressman to visit Washington, D.C., discusses foreign policy and affairs regarding Britain and France. The War of 1812 began the following year.

GLC05348

to Oliver Pollock

States that upon receiving Pollock's previous letter, he was engaged in a business meeting with the director of the Potomac Company at Shenandoah Falls, Virginia. Declines Pollock's request for recommendation to Esteban Rodriguez Miro y Sabater, the...

GLC05454

to William Creighton, Jr.

Provides a copy of a statement "which took place in the Senate," discussing allegations of a deal between John Quincy Adams and Henry Clay to win Adams the presidency in 1824, in which an investigation into the matter was refused. Asks that it be...

GLC05462

to George Washington

Lafayette reports on his activities and strategy fighting Cornwallis in Virginia. Notes that he has avoided general actions and adds laconically that "His Lordship [Cornwallis] seems to have given up the Conquest of Virginia." Explains that the...

GLC05467

[Petition to New York Governor William H. Seward signed by 58 chieftains of the Seneca Tribe]

Requests that the $500 annuity paid by the state, be paid only to the trusted chiefs listed. The annuity had been misused by chiefs favorable to the Ogden Land Company, and the money embezzled by the man to whom it had been paid. Endorsed by...

GLC05487

[Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of eight men].

Conditional pardon for John P. Muncie, Lewis Spencer, John M. Hibbard, William Griffin, William W. Workman, Henry Holzhauser, Samuel Walters, Eugene Slinker, John Frazier and James M. Norris.

GLC05489

Annual message of the President [incomplete]

Gideon Welles's copy of proof sheets of Lincoln's message to Congress, lacking the final page and accompanied by the Government Printing Office pamphlet printing of the message (see GLC05505.02). WIth correction in pencil on page one. Tied at top...

GLC05505.01

[Certifying "true copy" a Thomas Jefferson letter to John Walker]

Marshall's endorsement certifies this "true copy from the original shown me by Mr. Walker which I believe to be in the hand writing of Mr. Jefferson." James Madison also certified the letter, but his certification is written in Marshall's hand. The...

GLC05506

to James Brooks

Adams comments upon his "essay" in defense of British actions in China during the Opium War. He maintains that he confined himself "to the question of right from wrong between the parties, as it stood upon the ransom of Canton." He bases his...

GLC05508.001

to Edwin M. Stanton

A two-page petition regarding churches in Port Royal, S.C., occupies recto and verso of first leaf. Lincoln's note appears on verso of second leaf. Lincoln writes about the danger of conflict among different religious denominations in their ministry...

GLC05508.008

Authority to affix the seal to letter to Pope Pius IX [credence for Rufus King]

Rufus King's credence as ambassador to the Holy See.

GLC05526

to Benjamin Lincoln

Reports to Continental General Lincoln about receiving a letter from George Washington concerning his (untrue) opinion that British Commander William Howe had gone to South Carolina, and adds his own hopes that New York will soon be in American...

GLC05564

to Charles Everett

Announces the arrival of the Treaty of Ghent in Washington, D.C., which ended the War of 1812, and favorably assesses it as "perfectly honorable to the UStates." Also comments that the Battle of New Orleans "gives its men a splendour which will...

GLC05568

to Henry Laurens re: skirmish with Cornwallis and parole of Burgoyne

Large skirmish with Cornwallis, question of parole for Burgoyne & Burgoyne's new opinion that Britain cannot win and should grant America its independence, and self-criticism for problems taking supplies from inhabitants: "I confess, I have felt...

GLC05572

to Richard Rush

Adams in retirement to Rush as Attorney General. Written from "Montezillo," a playful reference to Adams' own home in Quincy, Massachusetts. References Rush's letter of 29 September 1816. In that letter Rush related a story about a horseback...

GLC05573

to Anthony Wayne re: Burgoyne's captured troops, troop movements

Washington orders Wayne to detach troops from his command to prevent Convention troops from passing to New York City, and asks him to keep his troops from harming property of inhabitants ("burning Fences and from committing any kind of waste upon the...

GLC05577

Report no. 326

Lincoln reports his recommendation to the House that Brimfield, Illinois Postmaster H. M. Barney be released from paying specie funds lost in a disastrous fire. Barney's store, along with all the papers of the post office, was destroyed by fire on...

GLC05584

to Andrew Johnson

Letter draft written in prison by the former commander the CSS "Alabama" to the President defending himself against all charges. Discusses the surrender agreement at Greensboro, the definition of treason, the United States Constitution, and his...

GLC05590

Resolution in Congress 27th Dec. 1776 investing Genl Washington with certain powers [fragment]

Final page of document conferring extraordinary power on Washington. For six months he is granted the power "to fill up all Vacancies in every other Department in the American Armies; to take wherever he may be, whatever he may want for the Use of...

GLC05611

to William A. Newell

Discusses New Jersey Governor Newell's advocacy of Colonel James T. Hatfield, who was being considered for appointment to brigadier general. Comments that Newell's support for Hatfield is unquestioned, remarking that Newell would only support the...

GLC05616

[Printed draft call for troops from New York]

Calling for 1767 troops to fulfill the first part of the draft quota for the 29th District of New York. Partially printed document filled-out by Lincoln. Signed seven days before the New York draft riots. With dough seal.

GLC05617

to John P. Usher

Discussing the Battle of Fort Pillow, Tennessee, President Lincoln informs Usher, Secretary of the Interior, "it is now quite certain that a large number of our colored soldiers, with their white officers, were, by the rebel force, massacred after...

GLC05620

to Richard H. Lee

Warning Lee that he is being accused of aiding Tory schemes to "discard" Washington. Knows these accusations are false since Lee would never "attempt any thing not evidently calculated to serve the cause of Whiggism." Also expresses disgust at the...

GLC05626

[Report to President John F. Kennedy regarding civil rights]

A signed carbon copy. Robert Kennedy, Attorney General, describes 1962 as "a year of great progress in civil rights, in large measure because of the responsibility and respect for law displayed by the great majority of the citizens of the South."...

GLC05630

Transmittal of a proposed amendment to protect slavery (c/s Seward)

Sending a proposed amendment to Governor to John Downey of California. "I transmit an authenticated copy of a Joint Resolution to amend the Constitution of the United States, adopted by Congress and approved on the 2d of March, 1861, by James...

GLC05631

to Henry Knox re: congratulations on acceptance of Constitution by Massachusetts

Severely faded on p. 1 right margin (from water damage). Also, opposition in remaining states and predicting revolution in France. Accompanied by provenance note of John F. Smith. This document had been removed from Gen. Knox's papers by his...

GLC05638

to unknown

Written by former president Monroe to an unknown recipient. Says the Secretary of the Colonization Society in Washington has informed him of the intent of the recipient of this letter to go to England to solicit funds. The Secretary asked Monroe to...

GLC05664

to Wilson Lumpkin

Responds to a part of a speech given by Lumpkin, a Georgia congressman, dealing with Indian tribes east of the Mississippi. Contends that Indians "can only be perpetuated as tribes, or nations, by concentrating them west of the Mississippi upon...

GLC05695

to Galusha A. Grow

Requests that the House of Representatives postpone adjournment at least one day. Although it is not mentioned in the letter, the extension was needed to complete the Confiscation Act, which was passed July 17, 1862. The body of the letter is in the...

GLC05699

to Lieutenant of Berkeley Co. re: plans to avenge murders of settlers by Indians

Signed as governor. Planning to retaliate with militia for the murder of frontier settlers by British-backed Indians. "We have been too long diverted by humanity from enforcing good behavior by severe chastisement. Savages are to be curbed by fear...

GLC05710

to N. C. Corbin

Douglass, serving as a United States Marshal, replies to a letter from Colonel Corbin sent 12 November 1880. Corbin invited Douglass to serve on Inaugural Ceremony committees (for the inauguration of President James Garfield, to be held 4 March 1881...

GLC05717

to Benjamin F. Butler

Arranging for a courier to deliver a sealed letter to "a Commissioned Confederate officer," who will pass it on to Jefferson Davis. The sealed letter requested a meeting with Davis to negotiate peace, and is possibly related to the Hampton Roads...

GLC05456

Settling dispute between two settlers in his Texas colony, acknowledges Mexico

Signed as judge of the colony. Document in English, binding John P. Coles, William Pettus, James F. Tong, George Teel and Samuel M. Williams to the orphan children of the late William Whitesides for the sum or $2,000 (Mexican). The document also...

GLC05478

Certificate no. 256 of admission to enter Austin's colony (in Spanish)

Certificate permitting the bearer to enter Austin's colony. Partly printed document in Spanish, signed "Estevan F. Austin."

GLC05479

to John Eaton

Lincoln instructs Eaton, Colonel of the 63rd U.S. Colored Infantry to "continue your supervision of Freedmen over the same territory & on the same principles as in the past ... " Signed and dated by Lincoln; the remaining text is in Eaton's hand...

GLC05484

to Abraham Lincoln

True copy of a letter from General Grant to President Lincoln, written one week after the surrender of Vicksburg, Mississippi to Grant. Grant encloses a report (not included) created by General John Eaton discussing African Americans within his...

GLC05485.03

[Legal document signed by Daniel Boone]

Signed by Boone as commander of the Femme Osage District in St. Charles County, Missouri. Contains a list of expenses related to a legal case. Joseph Haines signs, stating that he received money from District Constable William Hayes. Timothy Kibby...

GLC05486

Important Intelligence! [announcing the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown]

"A gentleman who arrived this morning, from Providence, has favoured us with the following Importance Intelligence! [....] This Moment an Express arrived... announcing the glorious Intelligence of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis, and his Army..."...

GLC05504

to Horace Greeley

Claims that the newspaper clamor over the terms of Confederate surrender, including slavery, would not have arisen had Lincoln not been assassinated. Fragment of a letter.

GLC05507

to Joseph Lord

Cotton writes from Charleston, South Carolina, where he had been called in 1698, to Joseph Lord, a minister at Dorchester, South Carolina. Lord had sailed to South Carolina with Cotton in November 1698. Speaks of mutual acquaintances in Charleston...

GLC05508.002

to Jane Mecom

Written to his sister concerning various matters, including stories of the threatened loss of his position as colonial postmaster, the difficulties he faces for expressing his political opinions, and sending some books Jane had asked for. Franklin...

GLC05508.003

to his uncle

A heartfelt letter noting the spiritual guidance that Jackson's uncle gave to Jackson's now deceased wife, Ellie. Jackson expresses thanks for his uncle's condolence after her passing. He discusses his sadness and changed outlook on life. Jackson...

GLC05508.006

to Neal

Frances Cleveland offers her nephew condolence on the loss of his child. She urges him to trust in God's plan. She empathizes with his loss by mentioning her thoughts about the age her deceased daughter Ruth would be.

GLC05508.070

to Leonard V. Fulton

Written to a father who inquires about what to say to his son when he asks about peace and war. Cardinal Cushing offers a lengthy commentary, discussing the failure of many "Christians" to grasp the true meaning of charity and a refusal to live up to...

GLC05508.080

to Archbishop Purcell

Responding that he cannot adopt the Archbishop's suggestions. Although he believes Christianity is the greatest moral and social boon to man, he can neither avow nor disavow Catholicism before he has sincere and complete faith.

GLC05508.100

to J. Bok

Howard received the Beecher Memorial and read many of the contributions. He accepted the book as thanks for his contribution. He believes Mrs. Holloway's article best captured Beecher in concise and comprehensive terms. He also refuses to write an...

GLC05508.135

[I propose that God should be openly and audibly invoked at the United Nations...]

Lodge writes: "I propose that God should be openly and audibly invoked at the United Nations in accordance with any one of the religious faiths which are represented here. I do so in the conviction that we cannot make the United Nations into a...

GLC05508.170

to Hamilton Holt

Markham, a poet, writes to Holt, the editor of "The Independent," to submit a poem for publication. He remarks that "time is running close," apparently because the poem is for Thanksgiving. The poem, "Give Thanks, O Heart!" is included with the...

GLC05508.176

Americanism in Religion

Roosevelt inscribed this printed edition of his "Open Letter" sent to newspapers to Edward E. Swadener. Roosevelt argues that religious belief should not be a litmus test for candidates, claiming that political history shows people of certain faiths...

GLC05508.220

to Augusta Chapin

Stanton writes to the Reverend Chapin, a collaborator on the project, to discuss some of the logistics concerning publishing the "Women's Bible," including how to print and release it, getting critiques of each persons contribution, deciding what is...

GLC05508.233

to George Vaughan

Tibbett writes that he cannot comment on the world's spiritual condition because his experience is confined to the U.S.. He believes there is a spiritual regeneration underway in the U.S. He cannot say whether there is more godliness in our lives...

GLC05508.244

[General order regarding the presence of non-soldier African Americans in military camp]

Written from Fort Donelson, Tennessee. General Grant states that "orders ... prohibit negroes from coming into camp. When they are brought in by an officer or soldier they must be turned out ... owners are not to be permitted to search the camp on...

GLC05529

[Reconstruction era freedmen labor contract]

Spells out terms of work by former plantation slaves, including rules, regulations, wages, and punishments. Signed by ten freed slaves and by J.W. Eggleston as Justice of the Peace. Dated between 26 December 1866 and 28 February 1867.

GLC05531

to Joseph Chew

Reports that Benedict Arnold, "the Rebel General," is to take command in Connecticut and that he is expected to leave from West Point to go to New Haven daily. Asks Chew to send spies to watch his travels. On verso is a note dated 19 June by Chew...

GLC05533.01

to the Committee of Correspondence of Wellfleet, Massachusetts

Writing on behalf of Boston's Committee of Correspondence, Cooper gives comments on the opinion of Bostonians regarding tea sold without tax.

GLC05537

to John Berry

Winthrop, the royal governor of Connecticut, responds to a letter from Captain John Berry, the royal governor of New Jersey, to correct "misinformations." Denies that he has encouraged emigration from Connecticut to New Jersey and reiterates his...

GLC05550

To the Editors of the National Intelligencer

Defends himself against General James Winchester's attack on his character and conduct in the command of the North Western Army in the War of 1812 Ohio campaign. Concerns who was to blame for sending out a detachment of the army beyond the reach of...

GLC05565

"Commencement" address to Congress

Commencement Message of President Monroe to both houses of Congress. Begins with positive assessment of America's situation and a discussion of a trade agreement with Great Britain. Then gets into relations with Spain, the real thrust of the speech...

GLC05569

to John Dickinson re: announcing treaty and calling for ratification

Signed as President of Congress. Docketed on free frank.

GLC05578

to William Whipple

Bartlett, a former Continental Congressman, writes to Whipple, a member of Congress. Mentions John Langdon, a Continental Congressman who, in 1776, became a naval agent for Continental prizes. Refers to the disastrous Penobscot Expedition (in the...

GLC05579

to Charles Frost

Writing to Major Charles Frost in Kittery, Maine, at the beginning of King William's War (1689-1697), Provincial Governor of Massachusetts Thomas Danforth orders him to go to Boston and gather troops: "You shall in all places and by all ways & means...

GLC05580

[Report of a meeting to elect envoys from the Colony of Rhode Island to King Charles II].

Also signed by William Brenton, William Raulston, Benedict Arnold, and John Froster. William Dyer and John Green were asked to serve as envoys "in the name & behalfe of the whole Colony."

GLC05582