25 July 1860 to 29 July 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: Journal entries

Journal entries taken from a book. The first leaf appears to be journal or diary entries from Blue Lick Springs. It contains information about the weather, news about various people, and illness. Second leaf dated April 30th (no year) contains a listing of clothes for Loula Gibson and Lucy [Humphreys]. A section dated January 4, 1863 contains a listing of beverages consumed, mostly port wine and brandy.

GLC04501.090

26 November 1860

Humphreys, D.C., fl. 1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph A. Humphreys

Writes that he will not be able to come home as soon as he expected to.

GLC04501.091

12 October 1856

Gibson, John McKinley, fl. 1860

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tobias Gibson

A letter written at school which discusses the strictness of his instructor, asks for an allowance, declares that he neither smokes nor swears, and asks his father for permission to talk to girls.

GLC04501.098

29 March circa 1840

Humphreys, Sarah, fl. 1830-1840

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph A. Humphreys

Writing to her son, she recounts the family's experiences in the city. Her daughters have attended so many parties they are running out of clothes. She wishes for a lock of her son's hair to make a bracelet. Writes that she has been to see "Daguerre's celebrated chemical pictures [Dioramas] from Paris, (oil paintings) in which, by modifying the light upon the picture, are exhibited two entirely distinct representations on the same canvas . . . ." She identifies the images as the Monastery of Mount Surrat in Catatonia, St. Eteinne's church at Paris, and the crumbling of mount Rouffiberg…

GLC04501.101

May 6, 1857

Manuscript document signed

Title: Extract of a dispatch from Mr. Crawford to Lord Clarendon

A manuscript extract from a May 6, 1857 dispatch from British consul at Havana, Joseph T. Crawford, to Lord Clarendon, giving names and tonnage of five American vessels sent to Havana, presumably for the slave trade. The ships are the schooner "Abbot Devereaux," brig "R.B. Lawton," schooner "J.H. Record," barque "Clara B. Williams" and barque "Minetonka." This is followed by a one paragraph update, written in the same hand as the extract, and signed "G.G.," noting the August 1, 1857 capture of the "Abbot Devereaux," with 266 slaves on board, by the HMS "Frazer" and the September 2, 1857…

GLC05832.01

12 October 1857

Davidson, Hunter, 1827-1913

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Lt. Davidson of the USS "Dale" reports on his official interview with Commodore Wise, commander of the H.M.S. "Vesuvius," regarding Wise's capture of the slaveship "Bremen" on October 10, 1857. Davidson interviewed Wise by order of the captain of the "Dale," William McBlair. Written on board the U.S.S. "Dale" off the West Coast of Africa. Davidson relays Wise's statement that he boarded the "Bremen" and told her captain that he knew she was a slaver flying an American flag without proper papers. The slaver's captain then threw the flag and papers overboard, stating that he would rather be…

GLC05832.02

October 19. 1857

Conover, Thomas A., 1794-1864

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to William McBlair

Directing McBlair to proceed to the Congo River area to suppress the illegal traffic in slaves and ordering him to cooperate with British naval forces already in the area. Sends "private instructions" (possibly related to GLC00722.04) on how to deal with foreign vessels. Tells McBlair "The slave trade appears to be centered chiefly at and near the mouth of the Congo River" and that he should patrol mostly around this area while searching for illegal slave trading ships. Written on board the U.S.S. "Cumberland" at St. Paul de Loando, now called Luanda, the capital of Angola. These orders…

GLC05832.03

13 November 1857

Burgess, George F., 1827-1860

Manuscript document

Title: [Statement regarding slave ship capture]

Clerical copy of a statement by British commander George F. Burgess recording the capture of the slave ship "Joseph H Record" by HMS "Antelope" on September 3, 1857. The vessel had "191 Slaves on board - and had a crew of Spaniards & Italians - or other foreigners - no papers or colours." The statement also excerpts the boarding book of the HMS "Hecate" regarding information received about the "Windward," a ship flying American colors, but with a Portugese crew. The original statement was written on board the HMS "Hecate" at Sharks Point, R. Congo. The schooner "Joseph H. Record" was…

GLC05832.04

December 1839

Gerry, James T., 1797-1854

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ann T. Gerry

Desires to be a captain, and believes he may soon attain the role, though the Commodore, whom he dislikes, is making matters difficult for him. Describes Havana, Key West and the local flora, discusses slave traders and their evil ways. Believes he already does much of the work of a captain, and believes he should be promoted to the roll soon, though the Commodore may prevent this. Written on board the U.S.S. "Warren."

GLC09099.05

29 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry who was an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy and appears to be in New York. Mentions a band that came from Frederick, Maryland to play on Thanksgiving. Says that their father went to Baltimore on Friday morning to see their cousin William. They are going to look at a farm owned by a Mr. Keg. Questions the purchase and wonders if William can run it properly. Also mentions other investment possibilities. Last 2 pages updates him on friends and neighbors, especially on weddings that have taken place. Says there is little news to pass on, but mentions she did…

GLC03523.21.04

December 21, 1837

Sheperd, A. J., fl. 1837

Autograph document signed

Title: [Reciept for boarding a slave in jail]

A receipt to John Winn for payment of charges from the boarding of an enslaved person in jail for twenty one days. The enslaved person belonged to the estate of Thomas Winn.

GLC03434.30.01

21 November 1860

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. References receiving Henry's letter the day before. Says he is in negotiations with John Janney(?) to purchase his farm "as you were so anxious I should buy land." Claims "The affairs in the South look very threatening - But when action comes they will find more difficulties in the way than they expect." Thinks they will reconsider and not break from the Union. Is worried he has too many temptations to spend his money where he is and will not send it home. Letter is fragile and has a partial tear along a fold.

GLC03523.21.02

27 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry who was an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy and is stationed in Brooklyn, New York aboard the USS "Vandalia." References receiving Henry's letter. Says he ought to get any books that he wants as "time spent in reading good works is well employed." Says the more she looks at his photograph, the more she realizes it is such a good likeness. Mentions sights to see in New York, including Trinity Church, the Cooper Insititute in the Astor Library, and "Mr. Aspinwall's picture of the Immaculate Conception." Says Dr. McGary came by to say goodbye. McGary is…

GLC03523.21.03

28 November 1860

McSherry, Richard M., 1792-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Richard to his son Henry as an assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. References receiving his letter. Gives him investment advice. Tells him Tom is getting married tomorrow, Anna is writing him again, and that Dr. McGary will stop and call on him before going to Europe. Reports that two hogs were killed, giving them 659 pounds of meat. Says he has not settled on a contract to buy John Janney's(?) farm and will not "unless the southern difficulty is settled."

GLC03523.21.05

30 November 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to his brother Henry in the U.S. Navy. Letter is extremely faded in most sections and is hard to read. References receiving a letter from him. Says she cannot write a book, but has thought of writing children's stories. Wishes he was home and says his life must be hard without "intellectual and sympathetic association." Seems to be giving him an update on events in the neighborhood, but it is hard to read. Several tears in the letter.

GLC03523.21.06

December 1860

McSherry, Anna, 1833-?

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry F. McSherry

Written by Anna to her brother Henry who was in the U.S. Navy. Says the family was wondering what he was doing at the breakfast table this morning. Wants to know if he wants the "Intelligencer" or the "Mirror," or some other newspaper. Says she will still send the "Republican." Says Bishop McGill will be in Harper's Ferry next Sunday. Reports that their father made an offer on the Patterson land of John Janney(?) and says "he asks Pa 32. it is 1.50 more in the acre than he gave but Pa said Mr Janney would have $100 interest to pay. he said there were 129 acres. Pa said he would write to…

GLC03523.21.07

1850

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

Pamphlet

Title: Speech of the Hon. Daniel Webster, in the Senate of the United States, on the subject of slavery.

Accompanied GLC00267.376. Pages 13-32. Removed from previous binding. Discusses slavery in relation to states' entry into the Union.

GLC00267.376.01

24 December 1859

Allen, Joseph H., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Mary Mayberry

Allen was a sailor on the USS "Congress." Says he has sent several letters home, but wanted to write specifically to her because he does not want to her think he has forgotten her. Sends many individual greetings to friends and family. Reports that "I am truging along the same a[s,] ever plenty to eat and nothing to do but read and sleep[;] you know I always liked to sleep after eating a hearty dinner." Says Captain Hoffman came on board to see him and was sorry he had nothing to send by him. References several other naval vessels. Sends regards to his father, who he hopes is still working…

GLC02829.01

24 August 1860

Allen, Joseph H., fl. 1859-1865

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Bill and Mary Mayberry

Contains 2 letters, signed twice. Page 1 and half of page 2 is to his brother-in-law Bill and half of page 2 and page 3 is to his sister (he signed the letter on page 4). Allen is aboard the USS "Congress." Is glad to hear Bill is well and has plenty of work. Says he is healthy and has gained 20 pounds. Says he is about 60 miles down river (probably the Rio de la Plata) from Buenos Aires and that his captain came down to drill the crew. Says it is a fine place and that they go over to the "Island" every day to exercise. Says they are eating well and that every man has gained 20-30 pounds.…

GLC02829.02

6 November 1851

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his sister Sarah Gibson

Randall worries over their father's "daily sacrifices" since their mother's death (see GLC04501.100) and expresses concern for his well being. He has been elected to deliver an oration on behalf of the Southern Literary Society at an event in which two Northern Societies will also speak. He also discusses a possible trip south. Randall writes from Yale University, from which he would graduate in 1853.

GLC04501.001

16 September 1858

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his father Tobias Gibson

Discussing the impact of the weather on crops at Live Oaks and Greenwood plantations, an order for "gas fixtures," and the incidence of fever in the vicinities. Tobias Gibson's family owned three plantations in Louisiana. In part: "The health of the neighborhood is not at all good - the type of Fever, however, is mild & yields readily to treatment. Nearly everybody has been sick...The sooner you come the better - but you will observe that the Yellow Fever only assumes a more malignant type & may yet spread. It was after this that it was fatal in Thibodeaux."

GLC04501.003

1844

Garrison, William Lloyd, 1805-1879

Printed letter

Title: Letter from the American Anti-Slavery Society

A letter issued by various members of the American Anti-Slavery Society asking for financial support from the "anti-slavery public."

GLC06143.01

22 April 1844

Buffum, James N., 1807-1887

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David P. Harmon

Letter asking Harmon to attend the upcoming American Anti-slavery Society convention in Lynn, Massachusetts.

GLC06143.02

February 21, 1849

Buffum, James N., 1807-1887

Autograph letter signed

Title: [to David P. Harmon]

Informs Harmon that Mr. and Mrs. Craft (escaped slaves William and Ellen Craft) will be attending his meeting in Haverhill, and sends him "a part of a bill which discribes these two interesting Slaves" (not included here). Mentions that he tried to get H. C. Wright and Lucy Stone to attend the meeting but was unable to secure their attendance. Assures Harmon that there will be a good turn out of people from other towns. Writes that he is encouraged by the growing indignation at the "insolence of slave power."

GLC06143.04

11 November 1855

Harmon, David P., 1800-1869

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his wife

Harmon writes that he will take longer than expected to return home, as his goal for which he left home has not been accomplished. Expects to travel up the River du Loup thirty to forty miles and into the woods. He expresses his concern for matters at home and gives lengthy instructions for his sons to take care of the farm. Advises his wife to take care of her health and get along with "the boys."

GLC06143.05