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to R. H. Maury

United States Navy Commodore Hitchcock recommends William Maury to superintend the deepening of the James River. The previous superintendent has passed away.

GLC04572.34

to R. H. Maury

Statement recommending William Maury to superintend the James River project. States that he has known Maury since 1837 and that Maury was noted in both Navies for his morality and professional intelligence. Robert F. Pinkney commanded the Confederate...

GLC04572.38

to William L. Maury

Congratulates Maury on his new venture. Answers questions regarding shipping and insurance and offers to be of assistance. Pegram was a former CSN commander.

GLC04572.42

to William Lewis Maury

Apologizes for his delay in writing. Promises to forward the $30 by Adams Express. Goldsborough was a U.S. Naval commander during the Civil War.

GLC04572.43

to William Lewis Maury

Murdaugh heard that Maury switched professions from farming to insurance. Comments that if Tilden is elected, "there will be more openings for us [former Confederates] than ever have been since the day of Appomattox." In order to write to Jeff Page...

GLC04572.44

to William Lewis Maury

On stationery of the New York Custom House. Writes on behalf of the Collector, appointing Maury "Storekeeper of Private Bonded Warehouses at a Compensation of $1460 per annum."

GLC04572.45

to David Dixon Porter

Marked "Copy" at the top. Has not yet made Mr. Maury's acquaintance but assumes he is "performing his duties satisfactorily."

GLC04572.47

to Almira Winchell

He is writing from his "little Log hut" and laments the death of General Edwin Sumner. He expects to attack Richmond and claims the army is not as demoralized as the people back home think.

GLC04706.01

to Almira Winchell

Written from the battlefield. Expects the Confederates to withdraw by the next night. Reports that Confederate prisoners are poorly clothed but "are as saucy as ever." Expresses patriotism and confidence in the Union cause and also"[G]reat...

GLC04706.02

to Almira Winchell

Battle of Gettysburg & his hopes to take Richmond before winter. "I suppose you heard about the Great Battle of Gettysburg it was an awful place I tell you, to See the men and horses falling all around but thank god I escaped unhurt through it all...

GLC04706.03

to Almira Winchell

Describes hard marching between Culpepper and Centreville, and crossing the old Bull Run Battlefield where the skeletons of those killed were visible. Writes, "[L]ast week we Crossed the old bull run battle Field and we could See lots of Skeletons...

GLC04706.04

to Almira Winchell

He has just returned from home and reports that 20 other men have gone home on furlough.

GLC04706.05

to Almira Winchell

Hopes the war will not last too long and reports the news of his comrades returning from furlough.

GLC04706.06

to Almira Winchell

Talks about some of the other people whom he is corresponding with. He jokes about the number of children they will have and a trip to the fortune teller. He wants to find out who started the rumors about him doing "Something else besides kissing...

GLC04706.07

to Almira Winchell

Irritated over rumors he married another woman. Discusses his opinion of Grant: "I guess the rebels wont have long to wait before they have U S Grant after them and as you Said I Hope that where ever he Strikes he will be victorious. I Saw General...

GLC04706.08

to: Almira Winchell

Written from camp "in front of" Richmond. Reports that the battery left Brandy Station on 4 May and has been fighting every day since then. Writes about the entrenchments around Petersburg: "Grant has drove them into their breast works around the...

GLC04706.09

to Almira Winchell

Written from camp "in front of" Richmond. Discusses the Battle of the Crater. Describes the attempt of the 9th Army Corps to mine under a rebel fort, blow it up and break the Confederate line at Petersburg. Donahue's battery offered supporting fire...

GLC04706.10

to Almira Winchell

Written from a fort near the Weldon Railroad. Says he is sorry to hear about the death of friends. Accompanied by an envelope printed with the insignia of the Fifth Corps.

GLC04706.11

to Almira Winchell

Written from three miles to the left of their previous position (possibly near the Weldon Railroad in Virginia). Writes of the captured rebel prisoners and four cannons. Expresses confidence in the success of the Union army but admits there are...

GLC04706.12

to Almira Winchell

Written from Camp Battery B. Writes that the battery fired a 100 gun salute in celebration of [General William T] Sherman's capture of Savannah, Georgia. Thinks the winter campaigns are over. Describes how he and his friends spent Christmas.

GLC04706.13

to Almira Winchell

Written from Camp Battery B. Responds to a letter from Almira. Writes that he is sorry that there are no single men left home to attend the dances.

GLC04706.14

to Almira Winchell

Written from Camp Battery B. Cautions her not to be to optimistic about General Ulysses S. Grant taking Richmond, Virginia. Notes that he is glad to hear a friend has been captured: "I would rather have him a prisoner than a Deserter."

GLC04706.15

to Almira Winchell

Addresses Almira as his cousin. Writes about a friend who is being discharged. Accompanied by an envelope printed with the insignia of the Fifth Corps. Written at Warren, possibly Warren County, Virginia.

GLC04706.17

to Almira Winchell

The regiment has moved across the Potomac to Fort Lyon. Gives news of the death of a friend. Accompanied by an envelope printed with the insignia of the Fifth Corps.

GLC04706.18

to Almira Winchell

In regard to Almira's admonishment to leave whiskey alone, writes, "I never liked it any way."

GLC04706.19

to Almira Winchell

Writes from Harris Hospital. Expects to be home in two weeks. He went to see the "old dutch woman that tells fortunes and well never mind."

GLC04706.20

to Almira Winchell

Writes from a hospital. Describes his leg amputation six months ago, which still gives him trouble.

GLC04706.21

to Almira Winchell

Writes while on his way home via ambulance. Relates that he is still having problems with his leg. Thinks that he should not have left Nashville but the Confederates were too close to the city and could be seen from the hospital. Is sorry to hear...

GLC04706.22

to Almira Winchell

Relates that his leg is infected and he needs another operation. Writes about Sherman's capture of Savannah, Georgia, with "150 pieces of artillery, 130 locomotives, and lots of other stuff."

GLC04706.23

to Almira Winchell

Writes from the General Hospital. Expects to come home on furlough next month. Does not know what he will do for a living once the war is over.

GLC04706.24

to Almira Winchell

Writes to "Mrs. Thankful" Winchell. Written from [Clouds Mill]. Notes that he spends most of his time picking huckleberries. Asks whether Thomas Donahue has returned home yet.

GLC04706.25

"When This Cruel War is Over."

Advertisement /song sheet with small hand-colored picture of Union soldiers in the countryside entitled "Reconnoitering Party after the battle of Gettysburg."

GLC04706.26

to unknown [incomplete]

His regiment is guarding a bridge between New Haven, Kentucky and Boston, Kentucky. Guerrillas (led by John H. Morgan) cut the telegraph lines in Boston and then stayed over night in the house of a noted secessionist. Also mentions Confederate raids...

GLC05241.01

to Mary Magie

Headquarters 78th Regt., Illinois Volunteers. Describes Morgan's raids at Springfield and New Haven, Kentucky, 30 December 1862. Magie, dressed as a southerner, undertook a dangerous mission to rescue the officers' horses. Union troops managed to...

GLC05241.02

to Mary Magie

Headquarters 78th Regt. Ill. Vol. Misdated 1862, discusses Morgan's raid at New Haven, see GLC05241.02. Recounts more of his adventures as a spy dressed in rebel uniform. Mentions his capture of a Confederate named Floyd Price. Asks for a copy of the...

GLC05241.03

to Mary Magie

Writes from Headquarters of the 78th Regt, Illinois Volunteers. Notes that he has not received a letter from her in two weeks. Informs her about friends who were killed or wounded in recent fighting. Yesterday, January 7th, was his 37th birthday and...

GLC05241.04

to Mary Magie

He is in Louisville on regimental business. He received a letter which indicated that Eddie, their son, was gravely ill. He wants to know what was wrong with him. Another son, Charles has begun to swear. Magie advises Mary to tell Charles that if...

GLC05241.05

to Mary Magie

Writes from Headquarters of the 78th Regiment, Illinois Volunteers. He asks her to write at least once a week. They have received marching orders, but heavy rains made the river rise and they may not be able to move. He spent last night playing a...

GLC05241.06

to Mary Magie

The regiment has moved to Louisville. He and a few other officers have taken possession of a building to use as their quarters. The contraband cook is practicing his spelling. He received a letter detailing Eddy's illness. He wants his son...

GLC05241.07

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer J. H. Groesbeck. Between fourteen and eighteen steamboats are loaded with troops and ready to move out, but no one is sure where they are going. He has been paid and will send the money home by express. He gives her...

GLC05241.08

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer J. H. Groesbeck. Notes the regiment is bound for Fort Donelson. Says he has comfortable quarters in a cabin with some other officers but the enlisted men are very crowded. Mentions that his colonel is under arrest for...

GLC05241.09

to Mary Magie

Written on board the steamer John H. Groesbeck, anchored near Dover, Kentucky. Discusses the attack by Confederate Generals Forrest and Wheeler on Fort Donelson. Describes the Confederate dead and wounded soldiers and sends home a lock of Colonel...

GLC05241.10

to Mary Magie

Written three miles from Nashville on the Franklin Pike. Writes that the regiment is on its way to Franklin. Describes the vast destruction of local property: "There are the ruins of several magnificent places between here and Nashville. The...

GLC05241.11

to Mary Magie

Reports that he was appointed Brigade Postmaster. His new position will allow him to make $30 to $50 a month by selling writing paper, envelopes and newspapers. The colonel is still under arrest. A strange order requires the regiment to get up at...

GLC05241.12

to Mary Magie

Written from camp near Franklin. Date inferred from content. Labeled "No 1." Writes that he travels to Nashville every other day to retrieve the mail. He buys newspapers for 5 cents each and sells them for 10 cents.

GLC05241.13

to Mary Magie

"No. 2." He has been promoted to Division Postmaster. Recounts three incidents which occurred while traveling between Nashville and Franklin. First, he tells of finding a group of men in Butternut whom he thought to be Confederates. He thought...

GLC05241.14

to Mary Magie

"No. 3." Writes of the basic itinerary he follows on his trips Nashville. Besides picking up the mail, he buys newspapers and for a fee runs errands for other soldiers. Laments the destruction of fences and houses for firewood.

GLC05241.15

to Mary Magie

"No 4." He makes a great deal of money by selling newspapers and running errands, and if he can hold his position he hopes to send his wife $1,000 by the end of the war. Asks that she not tell anyone how much he sends her because the soldiers do not...

GLC05241.16

to Mary Magie

Sends his wife $10 and asks her to allow the bearer of the letter, Mr. Freeman, to stay at the house for one night. Notes that he believes there will be a battle soon but does not expect to be involved. A pencil sketch of a grave marker and verse...

GLC05241.17

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

Speeches of Gerrits Smith. In Congress, 1853-'4.

Published by Buell and Blanchard. Includes speeches by Smith on war, the homestead bill, the Nebraska bill, the Pacific Railroad, the postal system, the reciprocity treaty, and the sale of intoxicating drinks in Washington, D.C., among other topics...

GLC04717.02

Speech of Gerrit Smith in the Kansas meeting, at the capitol in Albany, March 13th 1856.

At the Capitol in Albany. Criticizes Missouri aid societies that offer large bounties to proslavery inhabitants of Kansas. Deplores the allowance of slavery in Missouri, referring to the Missouri Compromise as liberty bargaining with slavery. Also...

GLC04717.25

Letter of Gerrit Smith to S.P. Chase, on the unconstitutionality of every part of American slavery

Published by S. W. Green, Patriot Office. Letter was written at Peterboro, New York 1 November 1847. Chase recently disagreed with Smith's resolution at the National Convention of the Liberty party that slavery is unconstitutional. Argues that the...

GLC04717.01

The true office of civil government. A speech in the city of Troy.

Printed by S. W. Benedict. Smith declares, "The legitimate action of Civil Government is very simple. Its legitimate range is very narrow. Government owes nothing to its subjects but protection... from crimes... committed against their persons and...

GLC04717.03

Controversy between New-York Tribune and Gerrit Smith.

Printed by John A. Gray. Correspondence covers the Tribune's report that Smith was absent from the House of Representatives on the evening of the passage of the Nebraska Bill. The Tribune recently acknowledged Smith was present, and voted against...

GLC04717.04

Three discourses on the religion of reason.

Covers, among other topics, the reflection of God in man and man's role and responsibility concerning religion.

GLC04717.05

Gerrit Smith and the vigilant association of the City of New York.

Published by John A. Gray, printer. Includes correspondence related to a law suit in which Gerrit Smith accuses several individuals of libel. In a manifesto, members of the Vigilant Association linked Smith's name with the Central Association, a...

GLC04717.06

Religion of reason, no. 4. The one test of character. A discourse by Gerrit Smith, in Peterboro, July twenty-second, 1860.

Published in New York City by Ross & Tousey. In closing, Smith writes, "The morals and manners of a church should be such, as to realize our highest conceptions of human dignity... Church of Peterboro! Be true to your own God at the approaching...

GLC04717.07

Gerrit Smith on religion.

Published by Sinclair Tousey. Includes a letter to Dr. G. B. Cheever (possibly George Barrell Cheever), "Discourse in Peterboro... The Good See: The Bad are Blind," a letter to Henry Ward Beecher on Stonewall Jackson, and a "Funeral Discourse in...

GLC04717.08

Speeches and letters of Gerrit Smith (from January, 1863, to January, 1864) on the rebellion.

Published by John A. Gray & Green, printers. Includes various letters and speeches by Smith.

GLC04717.09

Speeches and letters of Gerrit Smith (from January, 1864, to January, 1865), on the rebellion. Volume II.

Published by the American News Company. Contains Smith's opinion on the Constitution of the United States in relation to the Civil War, the Democratic Party, and other topics.

GLC04717.10

Report From the County of Madison.

Smith inspires Madison County abolitionists following a recent election: "We have 'kept' the whole antislavery 'faith.' We have stood up for all its righteous and glorious principles; and have stood by each other. We have pursued slavery, hotly and...

GLC04717.11

to William H. Seward

Informs Seward why he did not support Henry Clay, the Whig Candidate, in the Presidential election of 1844. Presents an argument as to why the Liberty Party did not support Clay: "Mr. Clay would not have been defeated, had he done his duty. If he...

GLC04717.12

To the Editors of the Emancipator, Boston

Discusses an extract of a letter he wrote in 1843 printed in a recent issue of the Emancipator. Pertains to Smith's views of the Liberty Party.

GLC04717.13

To J. K. Ingalls, editor of the Landmark, New-York

Smith writes, "I hardly need say, that I am deeply interested in the present movement against the extension of slavery; and that I infinitely prefer the election of the candidates, who are identified with it, to the election of the Whig and...

GLC04717.14

to Chancellor Walworth

Smith responds to a paper Walworth signed as chairman of an unspecified committee. Attacks Walworth's claim "that democracy and slavery may be in full fellowship with each other." Reuben Hyde Walworth served as Chancellor of the State of New York...

GLC04717.15

Anti-Fugitive Slave Law Meeting. At a large meeting of persons from various parts of the State of New York, held in the City of Syracuse...

(title continues)... January 9th 1851, and of which Frederick Douglass was President, the following resolutions and address were unanimously adopted. The address is the same, and, with an inconsiderable exception, the Resolutions are the same, as...

GLC04717.16

Gerrit Smith's reply to the colored citizens of Albany.

Smith writes: "Would, gentlemen, that the following mottos, which antislavery Conventions, in different parts of the State, are cordially adopting, were engraven on every heart: 'No slaveholder for civil office; and no person, who thinks a...

GLC04717.17

to Frederick Douglass

Smith offers his opinions on Lajos Kossuth, the Hungarian revolutionary hero. Writes, "I have not seen Kossuth:- but I have read his Speeches. The impression they have made upon me is, that he is not only transcendently eloquent- especially when...

GLC04717.18

to Greene C. Bronson

Retaliates against Bronson, former chief justice of the Supreme Court, who depicted Smith as an example of misconduct in a letter to Mr. Delevan. Discusses the political opinions of Myron Holley Clark, a candidate for Governor (Clark was Governor of...

GLC04717.19

to William Goodell

Expresses his opinion that the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 will benefit the Whig party.

GLC04717.20

to William Henry Seward

Smith writes to Seward, a United States Senator from New York. Praises Seward's intellectualism and philanthropic spirit. Notes that Seward's recent speech on the Fugitive Slave Act "does not, in all respects, come up to my expectation of what...

GLC04717.21

Abolition documents. Number one. Principles and measures.

Created at the convention from 26-28 June in Syracuse. The abolitionists declare, "We...maintain that there can be no legitimate civil government, rightfully claiming support and allegiance as such, that is not authorized, nay, that is not morally...

GLC04717.22

To the New York Tribune

Smith discusses the Tribune's former claim that he was absent from the House of Representatives on the night of the Kansas-Nebraska Act's passage in 1854. Thanks the Tribune for finally admitting he was present in the House, and voted against the...

GLC04717.23

to Governor Chase, Ohio

Smith writes to Salmon Portland Chase, Governor of Ohio, also an abolitionist. Expresses his disappointment in Chase's Inaugural Address: "The habit of the whole country is to justify the pretensions of slavery, and, therefore, to adopt the...

GLC04717.24

Address reported by Gerrit Smith to the Jerry Rescue Convention, held in Syracuse October 1, 1857.

Regarding William "Jerry" Henry, who had been arrested under the Fugitive Slave Law in Syracuse in 1851, and rescued by local citizens. Smith commends the rescue, claiming no Christian can disapprove of the rescue. Discusses his disappointment in...

GLC04717.26

Personal Liberty Bill

Begins with a list of the foremost duties of the New York Legislature: to close the dramshops, to prevent withholding suffrage from Black men, and to protect the "weary and heart-broken fugitive slaves" within State limits. Includes an excerpt of a...

GLC04717.27

Compensated emancipation: a speech by Gerrit Smith, in the National Compensation Convention, held in Cleveland, Ohio, August 25, 26 and 27, 1857.

Smith declares, "We are here for the purpose of making a public and formal, and, as we hope, an impressive confession, that the North ought to share with the South in the temporary losses that will result from the abolition of Slavery. Indeed, such...

GLC04717.28

to John Thomas, Esq.

Smith declines Thomas's invitation to preside at the anniversary of the Rescue of Jerry, who had been arrested in Syracuse under the Fugitive Slave Law and freed by local citizens in 1851. Informs Thomas, Chairman of Jerry Rescue Committee: "The...

GLC04717.29

To the Liberty Party

Discusses the Liberty Party's objectives, including the foremost goal of overthrowing slavery. Analyzes modification and expansion of party objectives, regarding issues such as banks, tariffs, and association with slaveholders.

GLC04717.30

To the Liberty Party of the County of Madison

Offers encouraging words to the Liberty Party following the recent Canastota Convention: "The New-York State Liberty Car is again upon the track."

GLC04717.31

Letter of Gerrit Smith, to the Liberty Party of New-Hampshire

Criticizes the Liberty Party of New Hampshire for voting for slaveholders. Encourages the state to reconstruct a "true" liberty party, "a Party, which will sooner perish than vote for a proslavery man- and a Party, too, which will practically...

GLC04717.32

Speech of Gerrit Smith, made in the National Liberty Party Convention at Buffalo, September 17th, 1851, when the following Resolutions were under discussion...

(title continues)... 1. Resolved, That righteous civil government is an indispensable agency for blessing and saving the world; and that every political party which does not identify itself, openly and heartily, with such government, is unworthy of...

GLC04717.33

To the Liberty Party of the County of Madison

Smith addresses the Pittsburgh Convention of the Liberty Party. Urges the Convention to organize a permanent party, and to "declare slavery to be utterly incapable of legalization."

GLC04717.34

National Liberty Party: at the National Liberty Party Convention, held in Syracuse September 30th, 1852, the following resolutions reported by Gerrit Smith, as chairman of the Business Committee, were unanimously adopted...

The Convention, held in Syracuse 30 September and 1 October 1852, chose to nominate William Goodell as President and S. M. Bell as Vice President. Includes Gerrit Smith's address to the Party. Lists officers nominated to lead the New York State...

GLC04717.35

To the voters of the Counties of Oswego and Madison

Complains that he was nominated for a Congressional seat, a position he did not seek. Assures he will not resign, but will perform his duty, pursuing abolition from his position. Includes his political creed, asserting that slavery is not in the...

GLC04717.36

Second Letter of Gerrit Smith to the New-York Tribune

Addresses grievances he holds against the Tribune: "The 'error', 'weaknesses', 'eccentricities', 'excessive passion' or 'monomania', which you attribute to me, have, doubtless, had not a little to do in encouraging you to select me as the person, on...

GLC04717.37

to Edward Cornelius Delavan, Esquire

Smith writes to Delavan, a temperance leader. Discusses his views on the government's power to educate the people in relation to slavery and alcohol. Expresses his opinion that the government should regulate alcohol consumption.

GLC04717.38

Gerrit Smith's acceptance

Includes a State Mass Convention's nomination of Smith as a candidate for Governor of New York. Contains Smith's reply, which begins: "My years have been spent in seclusion. My habits are all formed to private life. It is emphatically true that...

GLC04717.39

To the men who put me in nomination!

Discusses meetings he held across the state during his campaign for the position of Governor of New York. Hopes the good accomplished by the meetings is not estimated by the low number of votes he received. Encourages temperance and abolition....

GLC04717.40

Letter from Gerrit Smith to Rev. Dr. John Marsh; Letter from Gerrit Smith to Joshua R. Giddings.

Smith responds to an editorial published by Marsh, editor of Journal and Prohibitionist, New York. Marsh accused Smith of being "unsound on Temperance." Also replies to a published letter from Giddings, in which Giddings sought to defend the...

GLC04717.41

An appeal for the Sabbath.

Smith declares, "the spirit of the age and the tide of our prosperity threaten to wrest from us this most precious institution of the Creator of the world." Includes a printed patterned border.

GLC04717.42

An address, reported by Gerrit Smith to the 'Christian Union Convention' held in Syracuse, August 21st, 1838.

Smith begins, "No person, acquainted with the words and the heart of Jesus Christ, believes, that it is His choice to have His disciples separated from each other by party lines- wearing the badges, and contending with each other about the...

GLC04717.43

Union of Christians: at a large meeting, held in Peterboro', January 29th, 1841, to promote the union of Christians, the following resolutions were passed...

Focuses on the formation of a common Church.

GLC04717.44

to Mary Magie

He sent his wife $50 and suggests that she loan it out with interest. He discusses the battle of Franklin and his profits. He wishes Charles Horton would leave Terre Haute and live with Mary at Macomb, or come to Nashville.

GLC05241.19

to Sister Mary

Describes a journey from Macomb to Terre Haute. Horton bought a house and lot near their father's garden. Also requests a verse of "I Want to Be a Soldier" for their girls.

GLC05241.20

to Mary Magie

Sickness has forced him to give up a portion of his business. Expects a big battle. Includes a list of questions asked by Mary, and James' response to the questions. Some questions posed by Mary are: why did Mr. Freeman come home, can they get a...

GLC05241.21

to Mary Magie

Sent her another $50 to lend out with interest. A government mail carrier has replaced him. The regiment will send home their winter gear soon. He hopes to send her money for her personal use. He speculates about paying off the "Randolph claim"...

GLC05241.22

to Mary Magie

He hopes to make enough money in the army to pay off his debt with Randolph. Most people think the war will be over before the end of the summer. He urges Charley to return to the army before he gets in trouble. His newspaper business has been...

GLC05241.23

to Mary Magie

Explains to Mary why her letter will not be forwarded from Philadelphia. Says that he lost track of his numbering and will restart with #1. Mentions that his position as postmaster means that he has no obligations in the Army. He does not have to...

GLC05241.24