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U. S. Grant and the colored people

Urging black voters to re-elect President Grant. Subtitled "His wise, just practical, and effective friendship thoroughly vindicated by incontestable facts in his record from 1862-1872." Addressed "To the Colored People of the United States."...

GLC08950

to unknown

Request for help in keeping the Abolitionist newspaper National Era in business. Competition has greatly reduced the papers circulation, and it is in danger of folding. Will not take charity or aid from Congress, so only greater circulation can...

GLC08956

to Aaron M. Powell

Discusses an abolitionist meeting he attended, where a memorial was drafted calling on President Lincoln to immediately abolish slavery. Now in New York, an "immense, dirty, bustling, turbulent city." Says of Theodore Tilton, one of his companions...

GLC08958

to Isaac Errett

Believes that continued war, and not the recent peace, is the best course of action in regard to the South. "I am more convinced every month, that no truce can be made with the spirit of rebellion, that to fight it to the death is the only way to...

GLC08959

to unknown

Discusses equality of treatment for blacks in the South. Pleased that black lawyers are now allowed to practice, and says it "implies a wonderful revolution in the public sentiment of the Southern States." However, worries because some teachers of...

GLC08992

Collection of 13 Civil War soldier letters [decimalized]

The collection consists of thirteen letters written by Levi W. Norton. Twelve of these letters are written to his wife, and one is addressed to his son, Fred. Norton was 41 years of age when he enlisted on 23 July 1861 at Staten Island, New York as...

GLC09006

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell near Mt. Hope. Has just commenced his work as chaplain for the 3rd Regt. Excelsior. A committee of two colored men from the nearby church asked him to preach at...

GLC09006.01

to Fred

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Caldwell. Writes that Fred's [his son] letters give him assurance that he has a "good and faithful boy at home to look after things" in his absence. Receiving letters about...

GLC09006.05

to wife

Writes from Camp Wool. Upset to see so many men sick; had 200 men down a few days ago. Since they have left for Washington, ten men have died. He gets some exercise everyday because he wants to keep well for his wife and children and return home...

GLC09006.08

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Realizes that life is short and flying by so he deeply regrets being separated from his wife. Writes that he feels disconnected from his wife because they have been...

GLC09006.09

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Writes from Camp Wool. Received food from his family, which pleased him greatly as it means that they are "as comfortable as when" he left. Discusses an unnamed woman who has passed away....

GLC09006.10

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Tells his wife that he will send his resignation request to the Colonel this week and hopes that it will be accepted in a week or two. Mrs. C has dyspepsia. Went to the Paymaster today but...

GLC09006.11

to wife

Envelope has free frank signature of Reuben Eaton Fenton. Visited the Washington Navy Yard yesterday evening with Dr. Sam. Entered through Latrobe Gate, which has a large eagle placed on top of the gateway. Comments that the yard contains other...

GLC09006.12

to wife

Meeting a man named Church at 9AM; Church promised to be his tour guide for the day. They went to the Smithsonian Museum. Saw so many things that it would be impossible to even attempt to describe them all. Saw the coat, pants, and gloves that...

GLC09006.13

Field Flowers

Poem of several stanzas written by Bell and his wife but signed only by John Bell. According to pencil note on page two, the first half of the poem is in the hand of Mrs. Bell and the second half in the hand of John Bell. Poem begins, "Flowers of...

GLC09009

Three letters to George Washington [Decimalized .01-.03]

Discussing the prized jackass "Royal Gift," given him by the King of Spain. All docketed by Washington.

GLC09025

to George A. Washington

To Maj. George A. Washington, newphew of GW, with the President's autograph endorsement on verso. "I have often regretted that I made application to the President to send Royal Gift to this Country as his adherence to his promise prevented his...

GLC09025.01

to George Washington

To President George Washington with his autograph endorsement on verso. "...Royal Gift has not ... entirely recovered from the effects of his journey to this country. He has been affected with a stiffness in his joints & a period of lameness ..."

GLC09025.02

to George Washington

To President George Washington with his autograph endorsement on verso. "...I am now sorry to add that his situation at present is not better & am apprehensive that it never will."

GLC09025.03

to Colonel Montgomery C. Meigs

Criticizes inefficient war effort, speculates on foreign intervention, forwards his plan to take New Orleans to end the war, and discusses a failed mission to enter the Mississippi. "The more I become acquainted with matters and things here, the...

GLC09034

to John A. Lynch

Denies he ordered the burning of Columbia, South Carolina. "The only interest I have in the burning of Columbia is in its true history... the firing was not done by the Authority of the US. The fire once begun the prevailing wind accounts...

GLC09035

Extract of a letter from Pennyslvania received by the pacquet, that came last from thence

Gives a report on the situation in America. Mentions Quakers and people who "also seem to think their ale is at stake." States that "Col. Washington is gone to New York..." possibly involved in the attack at Fort DuQuesne. Gilt edges. Watermarked...

GLC09054.15

[Later copy of a letter August 24, 1782 letter to Lord Stirling]

"My Lord: I thank you for naming a gentleman for the officer of Commissary of Prisoners...I thank you, also for the loan of the History of Jno. Sobeiski...If your Lordship is done with the map of Staten Island, I should be glad to have it returned as...

GLC09069

to Samuel Medary

Writes about the Fugitive Slave Act: "...the law of 1850...is the most unwarrantable violation of the rights and sovereignty of the states we have ever witnessed. The South, in my opinion, are committing a fatal error in urging and insisting on this...

GLC09070

Lincoln Said Women Should Vote

Washington woman suffrage poster, featuring Abraham Lincoln's quote, "I go for all sharing the priviledges of government who assist in bearing its burdens, by no means excluding women."

GLC09103

to Benjamin Rush

Lengthy discussion of virtue and politics, reflecting on "slander" from his opponents. Tacitus' adage: "Posterity gives to every man his true honor," " has some Truth in it... but it is by no means an universal Aphorism; nor do I believe it to be...

GLC09107

[Collection of engravings] [word processed inventory available] [Decimalized .01- .55]

Collection consists of original and reproduced engravings of some Civil War generals, Abraham Lincoln's funeral procession, various buildings, images of New York and Washington, D.C., and some battle scenes.

GLC09118

Washington Market 1859

GLC09118.34

The Seventh Regiment, N.G.S.N.Y., Leaving New York, April 19th, 1861, For the Defense of Washington

From Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

GLC09118.50

Map of Georgetown and the City of Washington

GLC09118.53

to Sidney Diamond

Letter written from the publicity director of the Congress of Industrial Organizations in response to a letter that Diamond had written on July 2. The letter answers some of Diamond's questions pertaining to membership of CIO unions, postwar plans...

GLC09120.458

[Carte de viste of John Brown taken by James M. Holmes]

GLC09190.10

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Half length bust portrait. Wearing a black dress.

GLC09192.01

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Full length bust portrait. Wearing a dark pattern dress.

GLC09192.02

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Full length bust portrait. Wearing a white pattern dress. Same image as GLC09192.04.

GLC09192.03

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Full length bust portrait. Wearing a white pattern dress. Same image as GLC09192.03.

GLC09192.04

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Full length bust portrait. Wearing a white pattern dress.

GLC09192.05

Carte-de-visite of Mary Todd Lincoln

Brady imprint on verso. Full length bust portrait. Wearing a white pattern dress.

GLC09192.06

Instructions for visiting the hospital

Headquarters, Valley Forge. "The Commander in Chief being informed that many disorders and irregularities have taken place at the Hospitals and in some the sick are not tended with due care thinks it necessary that each Hospital should be visited by...

GLC09246

to Eleanor Hammond

All is well, hoping this letter finds her in the same condition. Sailed out of Washington to go to City Point, where he is writing from now. Sailed down the Potomac River and out into the Chesapeake Bay, arrived at a Union fort at midnight. Stayed...

GLC09273.03

to Eleanor Hammond

All are "kicking about." Has not had much to do. Joseph has gone with some men along the railroad to guard some men, but he will be back tonight. Is in the tent with Guernsey. The rest of the companies in the regiment are back in Washington, but they...

GLC09273.05

to Eleanor Hammond

Glad to hear she is well; he is also well. Leg has improved so much that he can "[wear] my boot some and run some on it." The rest of his company arrived today to pitch tents for the winter. Sent ten dollars from Washington and twenty by express from...

GLC09273.08

to Eleanor Hammond

Most everyone is healthy. Leg is feeling fine, but an ulcer sore has developed on it above the ankle in addition to the sores that were already there below the knee. Received three letters, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh she has sent, from her this...

GLC09273.19

to Eleanor Hammond

Health is "first rate," and leg is well. Weather is nice right now, and hopes this letter finds her well. Sent her two letters, each with $20 in them. Will send some more money by express soon. Does not need more than $5, and if he does, he will ask...

GLC09273.30

to Eleanor Hammond

"My health is good," and Joseph and Fayette are both healthy too. Guernsey went to the hospital and got his discharge. He should be home soon if he does not get too sick to travel. Johnston has surrendered, and the war is now definitely over. "Most...

GLC09273.43

to Eleanor Hammond

All are healthy. Arrived after a long march at Manchester, which is across the river from Richmond. Will then march to Washington, which should take about eight or ten days. Hopefully will get home by the middle of June. Will write upon arrival in...

GLC09273.44

to Eleanor Hammond

Printed on stationery from the U.S. Christian Commission. All are healthy. Met up with the regiment at a camp five or so miles outside of Washington. They have been here for 4 or 5 days. Got 3 letters from her last night and 2 more today. Got $5 in...

GLC09273.45

to Eleanor Hammond

He and Fayette are healthy, but Joseph is "grunting some." Hopes this letter will find her and Oscar in good health. Very rainy at camp; it has rained for three days straight. Waiting to take part in the review that will take place on the 23rd and...

GLC09273.46

to Eleanor Hammond

All are healthy; hopes she is too. The review is over, and "we expect to start for Elmira in a short time." The march might start on the 27th. The officers of the regiment are moving as fast as they can to discharge them. Charles [Jencks] was here to...

GLC09273.47

to Eleanor Hammond

The whole company is in good health, and he hopes that this letter will find her and Oscar in a similar state. "We want to start" for home "today, but I think we will start in 3 or 4 days." The discharge papers are ready to go and have been signed...

GLC09273.48

[official discharge form for Private Horace J. Hammond]

It was issued on May 30, 1865 and signed by Captain William Washburn, leader of Company G of the 189th New York Infantry. The form gives additional information about Private Hammond. He was 5' 7", with "dark complexion," blue eyes, and dark hair. He...

GLC09273.49

50th Annual Report of the American Colonization Society

Fillmore's copy of the 50th Annual Report of the American Colonization Society, Washington. The Society supported returning former slaves to the newly established colony of Monrovia in Liberia.

GLC09287

[Prisoner of war autograph book]

Prisoner of war autograph book of Capt. George Washington Gordon of the 48th Tennessee Regt. of Volunteers, from Union prison at Johnson's Island, in Sandusky Bay, Lake Erie. Over 650 autographs of Confederate soldiers and sailors, most listing their...

GLC09309

to wife

writes that that he is hoping to hear from her soon. tell mother and father "I will be home in a few weeks iif the lord spares my life."

GLC09315.49

to wife

left Washington D.C last Saturday and are now heading toward Cinncinatti. writes they would have been home by now if not for the regimental commander.

GLC09315.50

to wife

will be heading to Louisville, KY. notes they are getting closer all the time and she should look for him within the month.

GLC09315.51

[commission of McSherry as Assistant Surgeon in the U.S. Navy]

GLC09324.15

to Gideon Welles

Telegram as commander of the South-Atlantic Squadron, to Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles, providing the first news from Sherman's army that the march to the sea had been successful: "I have just received a communication from Gen. Sherman's Army...

GLC09330

to Joseph Vose

Hospital surgeon to Vose, requesting an orderly to attend to some wounded men from his regiment. On the verso of the Eustis letter is glued an invitation from General Washington, dated Aug. 12, to bring six officers of his regiment to dinner.

GLC09338.06

[Invitation from General Washington to Colonel Vose]

An invitation from General George Washington to Colonel vose to bring six officers of his regiment to dine on the next day. Trumbull served as Washington's secretary from 1781 through 1783.

GLC09338.12

to Annie

writing from the hospital. describes the battle of Bull Run. ends up getting wounded in the arm.

GLC09354.11

to Annie

has the use of three fingers in his right hand. heard that her father and brother have enlisted. recovering.

GLC09354.12

[Collection of George C. Clapp] [word processed inventory available] [Decimalized .001- .124]

This collection is a series of letters and other items from Private George C. Clapp. Private Clapp was born in Northampton, Massachusetts. He was mustered into G Company of the 37th Massachusetts Infantry on July 15, 1862 when he was a 23-year-old...

GLC09355

to parents

Received their letter last night. "It is hot enough to roast a nigger alive out here." Everyone has sat down under a row of pine or cedar trees for shade or has created improvised shade with tree branches. It looks "like the town hall when they have...

GLC09355.003

to parents

Has received two letters from them since he last wrote. Has not had time to write because "we have been on a continued move." Has been here for three days, but "expect to move every moment." It is impossible to know where they are going. Is now "a...

GLC09355.007

to parents

Received a letter from home on Saturday. Is frustrated that he has not received what he wanted, but blames it on his experience in the army where he has been trained to obey every order without question or delay. "This kind of life makes a great...

GLC09355.017

to parents

Received a letter from them last night. Generally, when they mail a letter on a Monday, it arrives on a Thursday. Is happy to read their letters no matter how long they are. Is no longer working for the General Court Martial. The division...

GLC09355.041

to Parents

Will be home 17 months from tomorrow. "God grant that the cloud which now hangs over our nation" will be gone by then. The war is God's punishment. "There was never a more corrupt and sinful government than ours has been" for the past 20 years...

GLC09355.058

to Parents

Received a letter and a package containing tobacco, paper, and envelopes. Was almost out of envelopes, but had enough paper "to last me a month." Hopes he will be able to write a lot during the summer. Now has enough paper to write for the next two...

GLC09355.061

to brothers

"Everyone is waiting expecting to have orders to move almost every day now." Rations have come from Washington "in abundance" to prepare for the march. Anything that cannot be carried has been sent away to Washington. Had gotten word that a dozen or...

GLC09355.062

to Parents

Has not received a letter from them in two weeks. Marched up to Washington. Then went through much of Virginia Maryland over the past two weeks. Now is back only 6 miles from Washington D.C. "The whole trip has not amounted to anything" besides...

GLC09355.080

to Parents

Left Hyattsville the day after he wrote that last letter. Marched to the Monocacy River, then crossed and proceeded 3 miles to their current location. Used a pontoon bridge to cross the Potomac River and go through Harpers Ferry to Bolivar Heights...

GLC09355.083

[Diary of Thomas Dunn]

Diary of a soldier in the 25th Ohio Regiment, with wonderful content on the campaigns and battles of the eastern theater, such as Second Bull Run (1862): "August the 31st. the roads was just lined with ambulances and coaches from Washington city they...

GLC09356

to Cousin

As Commanding General of the Army, after his return to Army Headquarters in Washington DC from a western trip, re the Great Chicago Fire: "…I was traveling from St. Louis to Louisville Ohio during the terrific fire, which has swept away nearly all of...

GLC09369

to George Thatcher

To George Thatcher, Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress, re news from House of Representatives in Boston, titles being discussed for George Washington: "Brother Davis … followed my advice in appearing very modest the first session...

GLC09374

New England Chronicle: or the Essex Gazette

New England Chronicle: or the Essex Gazette, with the news: "Cambridge, July 6. Last Sabbath came to Town from Philadelphia, his Excellency George Washington, Esq; appointed, by the Continental Congress, General and Commander in Chief of the American...

GLC09377

to John Hazelwood

As commander-in-chief, sending confidential orders to Commodore John Hazelwood, introducing Captain Samuel Treat, who is delivering "a message of so interesting and important a nature, that I thought it unadviseable to commit it to writing.…" Per...

GLC09378

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Letter to Senator Bruce in regards to trying make an appointment with the senator concerning school issues. The name is unclear but it looks like W.J.S. Jackson

GLC09400.002

A Policy for the Blacks. Letter to a Colored Mississippian

This broadside is titled "A Policy for the Blacks. Letter to a Colored Mississippian" and is summarized at the top in a paragraph "The President's Policy Discussed by a Radical Republican - Duty Of The Colored People - No Further Allegiance due to...

GLC09400.007

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from J. E. Ousley is concerning a debt that he owes to Senator Bruce. There are also mentions of a sheriff election between two men R. M. Wilson and W. R. Campbell. The docket is written over the text in red pen.

GLC09400.011

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Mrs. Tilly covers a few topics. The major topic is her asking the Senator for support in being re-appointed to her job, at a higher salary on the 1st of July. She asks the Senator to remember her, and put in a good word in for her...

GLC09400.012

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

James Taggart wrote to Senator Bruce in thanks for helping him get a job in the treasury. Also mentions that he used Bruce's name during the examination.

GLC09400.014

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter of thanks to Senator Bruce for an appointment in Washington D.C.

GLC09400.024

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter has a few points at first Temple is asking for a job in the postal service as a train agent. Then he asks after a number of people in Washington DC. Specifically he mentions Professor Minon. He also mentions some redistricting that took...

GLC09400.027

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter to Senator Bruce asking about Thompson's confirmation. Thompson got a letter from another Senator saying that he had been confirmed for a position, but upon asking a clerk in charge of the paperwork was told this was false. Thompson wanted...

GLC09400.035

to L.Q.G. Lamar

A letter from Thompson about his confirmation, he is writing to ask if Lamar knows anything about it. This letter is contained with another letter to Senator Blanche Kelso Bruce which is about the same topic, #GLC09400.035

GLC09400.036

To Blanche Kelso Bruce

Hall is requesting Senator Bruce's help in attaining a position in Washington D.C. He said that he is trusting Senator Bruce to help him secure a position that is good for him and his family. Hall also mentions other Senators, particularly Francis M...

GLC09400.037

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Two letters between Senator Bruce, and Pease, related to Pease leaving Washington.

GLC09400.039

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A note to Senator Bruce to meet with Pease in the Marble room. Related to GLC09400.039.2 A longer letter between the two men.

GLC09400.039.01

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

This letter from Pease is asking for a favor from Senator Bruce. Pease is leaving Washington D.C. and is asking Bruce for help in paying his remaining debts. This letter isrelated to GLC09400.039.1 a note asking Bruce to meet in the Marble Room.

GLC09400.039.02

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A request to Senator Bruce from Hugh Stewart on behalf of the Soldiers Sons and Citizens Republican Club. It is a request for the senator to speak on a topic of his choice to the members. It also asks what the charge would be for a speech since the...

GLC09400.046

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

The docket notes that this is a personal letter. Parker seems to be either apologizing or accepting an apology from Senator Bruce for an unknown event. There is a small tear in the lower edge of the paper.

GLC09400.054

An Act H.R. 4318 4th Congress 3rd Session.

This act established the Mississippi River Improvement Commission. Which is for the correction, permanent location, and deepening of the channel and the improvement of navigation of the Mississippi River and the protection of its alluvial lands.

GLC09400.060

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A short note from Pease about some papers he wants to show Senator Bruce. Pease tells him he will be in at 9 o'clock in the morning. This page was ripped in half on the lower portion of the page. There are no other pieces present.

GLC09400.072

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

The Chaplin of the U.S. Navy writes Senator Bruce to say he will be in Washington in August, and hopes to see him then. Kane also asks Senator Bruce to send him a copy of a bill introduced by Senator Hamlin that is relative to Naval Chaplin's. Kane...

GLC09400.075.01

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Stant was writing Senator Bruce for help in appointing Merriam Howards daughter to a position so that he can move to Vicksburg.

GLC09400.078

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

A letter from Pease saying that he would be in Washington D.C. soon and that he had personal business to discus with the Senator.

GLC09400.082

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Kennon is asking Senator Bruce to talk to the Secretary of the Interior to inquire when the position as Receiver for Jackson Mississippi is to be created as he would like the appointment, and would like to come to Washington a few weeks before.

GLC09400.084

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Tarbell is writing Senator Bruce on behalf of a Miss Wright who he has taken an interest in helping. Miss Wright works for Mr Cormick and has been promised an appointment in the treasury department. Cormick however has only put her on the temporary...

GLC09400.085

to Blanche Kelso Bruce

Tarbell is asking for Senator Bruce's presence for a meeting over the fate of Miss Wright with Mr. Mahon 1st Auditor. Mahon has taken an interest in Miss Wright and Tarbell believes that Senator Bruce's opinion will help close the case for her. This...

GLC09400.086