10 September 1799

Stoddert, Benjamin, 1751-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Smith

Written as Sec. of Navy during the Quasi-War regarding the capture of American ships by the French and British.

GLC05989

18 May 1794

Irvine, William, 1741-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Captain Denny

Discusses military organizing for the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion. Expresses his desire for "a strong company of the militia from each of the three counties." Irvine was a Pennsylvania congressman and army officer who commanded troops to put down the Whiskey Rebellion.

GLC05991

15 April 1790

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Letter signed

Title: to Samuel Huntington

Jefferson, Secretary of State, transmits two copies (not included) of the first Patent Act of the United States to Huntington, Governor of Connecticut. The U.S. Constitution empowered the Federal Government to issue patents by providing, in article 1, section 8, that Congress shall have the power "to promote the progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries." The first act of Congress under that authority was passed April 10, 1790, giving complete power to grant patents to a…

GLC06036

27 August 1793

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Letter signed

Title: to merchants of Elizabeth Town, New Jersey

Written by Jefferson as Secretary of State. Assures merchants of Elizabeth Town, New Jersey that the government will do all it can to protect commerce on the high seas. Says "due attention will be paid to any injuries they may suffer on the high seas, or in foreign countries, contrary to the law of Nations, or to existing treaties." Claims the "just and friendly dispositions" of the belligerent powers in Europe will move them to take effective measures to stop abuses. Hopes merchants will send information to the government. Since there is no specific mercantile group that receives such…

GLC06037

circa 1800

Object

Title: [Slave shackles intended for a child]

Circa date previously estimated. Consists of two loops held together by a metal pin. Shackles were intended for a child.

GLC06151

12 June 1796

Whitney, Eli, 1765-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Timothy Pitkin

Whitney, noted for his invention of the cotton gin, informs Connecticut State Senator Pitkin that Whitney's business partner, Phineas Miller, will soon arrive in New Haven. Refers to an enclosed letter for [John?] Wordsworth (not included), requesting letters of introduction for Wordsworth's acquaintances in Europe. Requests that Pitkin bring Wordsworth's letters of introduction to New Haven.

GLC05973

1792-1808

Book

Title: Selected pamplets... Duane's collection [bound in one volume]

Bound collection of nine pamphlets 1792-1808 [William Duane, publisher.] 6 printed at Philadelphia, 3 at Washington First edition with this title page.

GLC05945

11 June 1781

Morris, Robert, 1734-1806

Letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Discusses the state of financial affairs and the need for a national bank to stop depreciation of the currency and reduced powers of the government. Writes that he "must apply or support to Gentlemen of your Character and Zeal for the service of their Country." He asks him to subscribe to the bank, and to encourage his friends and fellow citizens to do likewise. "We shall have to appeal to the interests of mankind...."

GLC05898

1 May 1789

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nathaniel Freeman

An amusing and friendly letter to his former Harvard classmate. Discusses their correspondence. Also discusses the visit to town of two young women (Miss Charlotte Geyer and Miss Breck) who Adams wishes to meet "under the shade of an amorous myrtle." Mentions a magazine and publishing by Geyer and other women. Also comments on his legal education and his study habits: "I have no reason to boast of my industry...mere professional books should claim but a small part of a student's application." Asks for a subscription to the Herald of Freedom.

GLC05902

1800

Cheetham, James, fl. 1800

Pamphlet

Title: A Dissertation concerning political equality, and the corporation of New York

Pencil inscription "S. H. [?] Parsons" on cover. Discusses New York City politics and the Declaration of Independence. Printed by D. Denison. First edition.

GLC05931

1798

Book

Title: A Selection of patriotic addresses, to the President of the United States

Title continued: "Together with the President's answers." Petitions from towns regarding the Quasi-war with France. Printed by John W. Folsom.

GLC05944

1792

Smith, William, 1797-1887

Pamphlet

Title: Eulogium on Benjamin Franklin, L.L.D.... by William Smith

Printed by Benjamin Franklin Bache. Eulogy on the death of Franklin. (Bound with: Selected pamplets, GLC 5945.)

GLC05945.04

1800

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Pamphlet

Title: Observations on certain documents contained in... no. V & VI ... [speculation]

Complete title: "Observations on certain documents contained in No. V & VI of 'The History of the United States for the year 1796 ,' in which the charge of speculation against Alexander Hamilton, late Secretary of the Treasury, is fully refuted..." William Duane, publisher. (Bound with: Selected pamplets, GLC 5945.)

GLC05945.08

1797

Book

Title: Acts passed at the first session of the fifth Congress of the United States

Bound together with "Acts passed at the Second Session of the Fifth Congress..." and "Acts passed at the third session of the fifth Congress." Printed by William Ross.

GLC05950

1796-1797

Book

Title: Journal of the Senate of the United States... first session

First session of Fourth Congress. Bound together with "Journal of the Senate of the United States... second session..." Printed by John Fenno. First edition.

GLC05951

8 June 1799

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Remsen

Discusses the tobacco market and the high quality of tobacco grown at his estate. Reports that they should take advantage of the price of 11 cents per pound since it is so much lower than the Richmond price. States that he has sold his tobacco before and was assured by almost everyone that it was very high quality. Explains his marks on the tobacco; TI is his crop, while the tobacco marked TMR is his son-in-law's, Thomas Mann Randolph. Indicates that their properties join each other and therefore the tobacco is of the same quality. An additional stamp of PF stands for Poplar Forest,…

GLC05958

21 July 1799

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Jonathan Trumbull re: unwillingness to accept a 3d term, political attacks

Explaining unwillingness to accept a third term, describing political attacks, etc.: "Let that party [the Democrats] set up a broomstick, and call it a true son of Liberty, a Democrat, or give it any other epithet that will suit their purpose, and it will command their votes in toto!* [Washington's footnote, written at bottom of page: * As an analysis of this position, look to the pending Election of Governor in Pennsylvania.] Will not the Federalists meet, or rather defend their cause on the opposite ground? Surely they must, or they will discover a want of Policy, indicative of weakness…

GLC05787

1790

Pennsylvania, Senate

Book

Title: A Journal of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Printed by Zachariah Poulson. Stab-stitched and untrimmed, as issued.

GLC05777

14 November 1791

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Constable

Assures Constable that the whole interest on the stock of his business associates in Antwerp (then part of the Netherlands) has been paid. He notes that the transactions were carried out in such a way that violated the laws of both countries. He states he assisted because of "certain political considerations. . .with a wish to accommodate you determined me to pass over the obstacle . . ." but also insists that the gentlemen "transact their business with more accuracy in the future." Addressed to Constable in New York.

GLC05804

1796

Foster, Theodore, 1752-1828

Pamphlet

Title: Minutes of the proceedings of the third convention of delegates from the abolition societies established in different parts of the United States, assembled at Philadelphia...

(title continues)... on the first day of January, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-six, and continued, by adjournments, until the seventh day of the same month, inclusive. Printed by Zachariah Poulson, Jr. Cites the names of delegates from the abolitionist societies of Providence, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Wilmington, Maryland, and Virginia. Theodore Foster is listed as president of the convention, and Thomas Pim Cope as secretary. Some pages are separated from binding.

GLC05833

1790

Prison reform

Pamphlet

Title: Extracts and Remarks on the subject of punishment and reformation of criminals

Printed by Zachariah Poulson. Published by order of the Philadelphia Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons.

GLC05883

1795

Wythe, George, 1726-1806

Book

Title: Decisions of cases in Virginia by the High Court of Chancery, with remarks upon decrees by the Court of Appeals, reversing some of those decisions.

Wythe's name is handwritten on title page as Chancellor of Virginia. Signed on inner front cover by James M. Whittle. Signed on title page by James Henry, 1795 (possibly the Virginia delegate to Continental Congress in 1780). Includes a multitude of cases. One page 132, contains a case alleging that the British government has not recompensated Virginia residents adequately, after stealing enslaved people. Richmond: printed by Thomas Nicolson

GLC05884

21 June 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not responding sooner to his recent letters. Comments on a variety of issues regarding the Waldo patent lands, including whether to bring the matter before the General Court and how to handle the petitioning residents of the territory. Refers to "Cousin Isaac," likely Isaac Winslow, Sr. Sends his compliments to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04252

22 July 1789

Heth, William, fl. 1750

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for help placing his brother, John Heth, in a government military position. Describes his gallant service during the war and the many generals he worked with and aided.

GLC02437.04300

28 July 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter to the President from his "worthy friend and Nephew Majr. [likely Nathaniel] Fosdick," which asks for an appointment in Marblehead for Fosdick. Knows Fosdick to be an "honest worthy fellow." Sends his regards to Knox's wife and family.

GLC02437.04308