Meet the 2024 History Teachers of the Year!
November 28, 1861
Pearce, Selina, fl. 1861-1869
to Brother
Selina writes to her brother, likely Eben, regarding Thanksgiving. Includes a poem about having a "soldier brother." Possibly written from Marietta, Ohio.
GLC00066.008
September 27, 1861
Pearce, Thirza, fl. 1861-1869
to Papa
Writes about her visits with her nieces and nephews (her father's grandchildren), and provides humorous anecdotes about her nephew Wallie, "the most mischievous grandson you've got."
GLC00066.147
January 5, 1869
to Henry Pearce
Discusses teaching.
GLC00066.151
29 November 1859
Brown, John, 1800-1859
to Mary Stearns
Written three days before his execution. He asks to be "spared from having any mock; or hypocritical prayers made over me, when I am publicly murdered: & that my only religious attendants be poor little, dirty, ragged, bare headed, & barefooted...
GLC05925.01
1932/07/17
Roosevelt, Eleanor, 1884-1962
to Anne Hinkley
Typed on stationery of the Executive Mansion, Albany, to Hinkley, the leader of a "wet" organization. "I have never joined the Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform, because as you know I am a dry." Roosevelt notes that the...
GLC06002
1911
Rumshisky, Joseph, 1881-1956
"Mamenu" or The Triangle Victims (in Yiddish).
Song lamenting the deaths caused in the Triangle Shirtwaist Company Factory fire in 1911. Sung by H.J. Ginsburg
GLC06225
May 1777
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
to Henry Knox
Writes a very detailed letter to her husband in Morristown, New Jersey during the American Revolution. Discusses the arrival in Boston of General Charles Tronson du Coudray, a French military engineer "who stiles himself Commander in Chief of the...
GLC05895
1892
Kurz & Allison
The Fort Pillow Massacre.
Depicts the April 1864 battle at Fort Pillow, Tennessee, in which witnesses reported that Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest violated the conduct of war by killing unarmed and surrendered soldiers. Underneath the print, text indicates that...
GLC07727
circa 1882
["Any holder but a Slave holder" potholder]
Based on the accompanying letter (GLC 7731.01), created by Miss Lena, who gave the potholder to Frederick Douglass as a gift after reading his narrative. Depicts two African Americans (one male and one female) holding hands and dancing against a...
GLC07731.02
3 March 1895
Wallace, Lewis, 1827-1905
to A. E. Allen
Apologizes for the delay of the photograph. States that assassination trial was "perfect in every respect." Provides the name of the officers that tried the Lincoln conspirators. The list of names accompanies a photograph that has been pasted on a...
GLC07740.01
1814/11/12
Morris, Phebe, fl. 1814
to Anthony Morris re: War of 1812
Terms offered by nation Britain have "contributed more than any circumstance whatever to unite all parties in the resolution of repelling unitedly, the enemy;" burning of the White House: "It would have shocked you my dear papa to have heard how many...
GLC07721
1821/03/02-1821/03/04
Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836
to Martha Bradstreet re: current legal situation of Bradstreet
Opinions on war in Europe against Naples and Spain told via allegory of turkeys and ducks.
GLC07712
1835/02/06
Travis, William B., fl. 1835
to David G. Burnet re: politics in Texas
"Austin has been admitted to Bail. Letters from him & Almonte say he will leave Mexico, intirely liberated, in a short time. The new election for governor, Lt. governor, and members of Congress, will take place here next Monday." Also mentions...
GLC07639
1757/11/15
Washington, George, 1732-1799
to [Sally Fairfax] re: requesting herbal remedies and recipes
GLC07663
31 August 1787
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
to Catharine Littlefield Greene
Discusses Mrs. Greene's financial situation and her children. Mentions the quality of the schools in France as being one of the best, where "the system is admirably adapted to impress the best habits - both of body and mind - Dancing fencing... "...
GLC02437.03649
8 November 1788
to Catharine Littlefield Greene and Euphemia Morris Ogden
Two parts. First for Catharine Greene. Apologizes that something may prevent him from seeing her. Hopes she will "accept [his] sincere wishes for your happiness, and the happiness of your dear little family." Tells her that if she ever needs...
GLC02437.10215
11 February 1787
to John Hancock
Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Hancock's child. Explains that only those parents who have suffered that loss can understand how it feels. Expounds upon his understanding of God, death and the afterlife, the human role in the...
GLC02437.03449
18 April 1787
to Marie-Thérèse de Grégoire
Thanks Madame de Grégoire for her letter and wishes he could be in Boston to help her. States that he is unable to assist her at this time because a new Massachusetts legislature is about to be elected and he cannot yet be sure who to contact for her...
GLC02437.03527
29 November 1794
to Alexander Hamilton
Writes, "Among other reasons for wishing your return is Mrs. Hamiltons earnest desire. It seems that she has had, or has been in danger of a miscarriage, which has much alarmed her. But Doctor Khan by whom she is attended with Doctor [Heplious]...
GLC02437.06261
7 June 1782
Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804
Written by Hamilton after he left the Army to Major General Knox. Letter details Hamilton's opinions against retaliation for the execution of American Captain Joshua Huddy at the hand of New York Loyalists (this is reference to the well-known Huddy...
GLC02437.01442
21 April 1785
Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818
Gibbs transmits a newspaper to Knox in New York. Discusses "the turbulent news of the day," referring to Bostonians' recent decision not to buy goods from resident British "factors," or agents (newspaper not included). Notes that Knox's wife, Lucy...
GLC02437.03130
13 December 1786
Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796
Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from...
GLC02437.03377
circa 1861-1865
Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
Sketch of Jefferson Davis and wife excanging clothes.
Drawing shows a woman handing Jefferson Davis her dress. She is wearing just her slip and corsette. His pants are on the ground next to his knife. A Confederate flag flies in front of a palm tree over a sign that reads: "H'd. Q'ts" and another...
GLC05111.02.1373
1865
Ulke, Henry, fl. 1864-1865
Carte de visite of Grant's head superimposed on woman's body
Grant's beard has been colored blue. Ink inscription on recto "Genl. Grant. Taken in Washington." Graphite inscription on verso "**Book." Photographers imprint on verso: "Henry Ulke, 278 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 1865."
GLC05111.02.1377
Goldsborough, Louis Malesherbes, 1805-1877
As Navy Captain, seated 3/4 length portrait
Graphite inscription on verso "Comm. L. Goldsborough From Mrs. G." Photographers imprint on verso: "Photographed by Black, 113 Washington Street, Boston."
GLC05111.02.1399
1861-1865 ca.
Tent Life of the 31st Pennsylvania Regiment
E. & H. T. Anthony & Co., publisher. Negative by Brady & Co., Washington. Famous photograph of a woman holding a basket, her soldier husband and three children posed in front of tent. Cooking utensils, stool and other amenities are visible.
GLC05137.220
1863/07/09
Semmes, Paul Jones, 1815-1863
to Emily J. Semmes re: deathbed description of Gettysburg, Wheatfield
Also discusses severe injuries that he incurred (written one day prior to his death).
GLC06823
1862-1865 ca.
To the women of New England [circular letter]
Circular letter written to Chairman of the Selectmen of Eaton Grant, Mass. U.S. Sanitary Commission, explaining purpose and seeking national support.
GLC06866
1864/09/23
Walker, Mary, fl. 1864
to Col. James Hardie
Seeking Presidential confirmation of Walker's rank as Major. "I told the President of the risks I encountered in being taken prisoner on purpose and preventing their attacking our army which we were hardly able to act."
GLC06882
1863/01/13
Butler, Benjamin F. (Benjamin Franklin), 1818-1893
Confederate Congress Resolution no. 24, endorsing orders for Butler's hanging
Confederate resolution endorsing President Jefferson Davis's orders for the hanging of Benjamin Franklin "Beast" Butler (for his women around town order)
GLC07008.01
1876/10/16
Stephens, Fannie J., 1854-1920
to Alexander Stephens
"I much rather be at home waiting on your company than be here at this hateful school." Written by Fannie, an ex-slave of Stevens while attending the Normal School at Atlanta University, in Georgia.
GLC07019
1880/05/10
Bissell, George E., fl. 1875-1895
to Benson J. Lossing re: monument for Custer and Little Big Horn
Mentions showing Genl. Custer's widow "a sketch I have just made for a monument for Gen. Custer and his men, killed at Little Big Horn".
GLC07025.01
30 December 1865
Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870
to Mary F. Jarvis
Lee, then president of Washington College, responds to an enquiry about whether or not a young man of Pennsylvania would be welcomed at the Virginia school. Although it was less than a year from the end of the Civil War and tensions were still...
GLC07005
1890 ca.
Smith and Buck
[Cabinet card of Mrs. Harriet Chapman]
Shows Mrs. Chapman, daughter of Lincoln's cousin Dennis Hanks, at about age 72. Provenance notes in pencil on back.
GLC07088.02
10 March 1862
Cameron, Simon, 1799-1889
to Edwin M. Stanton
Discussing Mary Todd Lincoln's influence in military matters. Says that others have "asserted that Mrs Lincoln was one of the parties whose influence had operated on me." Also praises some of Stanton's early changes in dispositions of troops. Marked...
GLC07091
1880 ca.
Hastings, fl. 1880
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Heavily vignetted profile portrait of Stowe as an older woman. Signed on mount.
GLC07093
24 November 1861
to Mathilda M. Rhett
Thanks her for her letter and updates her on current events of the Civil War. "Much is to be done & yet our invaders have everything their own way. It will not be so always & our turn will come some day. They have complete control of the waters...
GLC07157
1862/06/10
to G. C. Gardner re: defense of his "woman order"
"The women more bitter in their secession than the men, were everywhere insulting my soldiers...tending to provoke retort recrimination and return of insult, which would have ended in disgraceful and murderous riot... how do you 'regard and treat' a...
GLC07053
1861/08/23
Grant, H. R., fl. 1861
to J. T. Van Diver re: the ladies of Richmond; on Confederate Flag stationery
GLC07063.01
1925 ca.
Bates, Katharine Lee, 1859-1929
America the Beautiful [printed text, signed, with accompanying text]
Printed text of the four stanza poem, signed at the end on the bottom of page 1, with an additional text on accompanying pages explaining the circumstances of her originally writing it, when inspired by vistas at Pike's Peak. Bates also details the...
GLC07123
30 December 1820
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
to unknown
Thanks Jones for a copy of Pamyra Johnson's Poetic tale of Rosalie. Explains his enjoyment of the poem as a seventy seven year old reader and his appreciation for Johnson's dedication of the poem to him.
GLC07149
27 September 1823
to Palmira Johnson
Sends a lock of hair (not included) and a "likeness of the head also from which it is shorn as taken by [Gilbert] Stewart." Written in the third person.
GLC07150
1893
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
The wilderness hunter; an account of the big game of the United States and its chase with horse, hound, and rifle
Inscription to Miss Margaret on front endpaper dated 13 December 1893 discusses Roosevelt's love of hunting and the wilderness. Note inscribed inside cover by Bill dated 14 December 1893 Bookplate of Alastair Penrose Gordon-Cumming affxed to inside...
GLC07151
14 December 1872
Chase, Thomas N., fl. 1872
to Charles Sumner with Sumner's autograph endorsement signed
Chase, a professor at Atlanta University, updates Sumner on the condition of African Americans in Georgia. States that "[t]he opposition to the elevation of the colored people is becoming more & more intense. 'I don't want a nigger to know more than...
GLC07202.02
circa 1866
K.L.K., fl. 1866
to Charles Sumner
A vitriolic death threat signed with initials: "Your infamous equal rights bill if passed will secure your death inside of 8 months. The spirit of 76 is not dead yet & the Land which my & our forefathers fought for shall never be compelled to submit...
GLC07202.03
1805/03/12
to Ann Welsh re: denying pension to widow of Revolutionary War officer
"Having fallen during the war, no right of half pay could arise in their case . . . A legislature must follow general rules, and never do for one person what they would not do for every other under the same circumstances . . . [commutation] has never...
GLC07172
26 January 1929
Earhart, Amelia, 1897-1937
to Neta Snook Southern
Typed on "Hearst's International" letterhead. Writing as aviation editor of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Earhart reminisces the days when she flew with Snook Southern.
GLC07243.001
circa 1863
Women's National Loyal League
[Men and Women's Emancipation petitions]
Blank, unsigned petitions for the emancipation of slavery. Folded document. First page is titled "Women's Emancipation Petition," second page is titled "Men's Emancipation Petition." Calls on the U.S. House and Senate to abolish slavery throughout...
GLC07202.05
1861/11/10
McLaws, Lafayette, 1821-1897
to his fiance re: love letter
"Your very charming letter was received about two years since-it seems that long since I heard from you."
GLC07214
1863/07/10
Oden, Mary, fl. 1863
to Emily J. Semmes re: death of Gen. Paul Semmes (to his widow)
Written from his deathbed nurse, on the day he died with postscript: "A few moments before the General died, he asked for his sword, laying it across his arm, he asked again for his testament." Page 5 is a smaller, additional sheet.
GLC07225
Showing results 101 - 150