The Gettysburg College–Gilder Lehrman MA in American History: Apply now and join us for Fall 2024 courses
18 July 1862
Trobriand, Régis de, 1816-1897
to Edwin D. Morgan
Commending Captain George G. Williams for his service, especially his bravery at Malvern Hill. Mounted on paper 29.5 x 20 cm.
GLC03477.01
7 October 1864
Herron, Francis J., 1837-1902
[Endorsement requesting parole for a friend]
Requesting parole for a sick and imprisoned friend. Reads "One of the parties under arrest...is a friend of mine...I do not think there is anything against him. He is quite sick. Please parole him." Docket signed by Christian Thomson Christensen...
GLC03477.02
24 October 1881
Schurz, Carl, 1829-1906
to J. W. Smith
States that he has complied with Smith's request, possibly for an autograph.
GLC03477.04
30 July 1869
Weber, Max, 1824-1901
to unknown
Stating that his "commission as Brigadier General is dated: 13 April 18." Written on stationery of the Custom House, New York.
GLC03477.06
6 June 1780
De Kalb, Johann, 1721-1780
to George Washington
Written by General De Kalb, known as Baron De Kalb, as second in command of the Carolina campaign. Written to General Washington. Encloses a copy of a letter he sent to the Board of War so Washington would know his route of march (that letter is not...
GLC03758
23 May 1794
Williams, William, 1731-1811
to Benjamin Trumbull
Opposes the repeal of a statute which allocates proceeds from Connecticut's land sales in the Western Reserve for the support of religious ministers. Williams was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. At the time of this letter he was County...
GLC03733
1794
Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794
Regulations for the order and discipline of the troops of the United States... [Incomplete]
Boston edition. Title continues, " ... to which are added the United States Militia Act passed in Congress, May 1792, and the Militia Act of Massachusetts, passed June 22, 1793." Steuben's name is spelled Stuben. Printed for David and John West...
GLC03760.02
16 January 1799
Stewart, John, 1759-1823
Va. Resolutions recommending amendment to bar aliens from Congress
Also asking that aliens be barred from the Judiciary and Executive departments.
GLC03765
25 October 1866
Benjamin, Judah Philip, 1811-1884
to James M. Mason re: Jefferson Davis' imprisonment, his law career in England
Cross-written on p. 1. Benjamin mentions that Pres. Johnson is intimidated by the Radical Republicans from releasing Davis. He mentions his legal career in England and says he saw Slidell in Paris.
GLC03787
27 April 1839
Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850
to William Davenport
Discusses the second Seminole War in Florida and Georgia. Focuses on the corrupting influence large public expenditures to sustain the war are having on the Americans inhabiting the region. Fears greed will cause the conflict to be elongated and...
GLC03668
6 September 1796
Jay, John, 1745-1829
to Thomas Mifflin
Discusses the issue of Connecticut claimants to the Western Reserve lands taking refuge from Pennsylvania authorities by entering New York State. Expresses his opinion that the states have relations between them far more intimate than those between...
GLC03710
22 July 1777
Washington, George, 1732-1799
to Stephen Moylan
Written by General Washington to Colonel Moylan as commander of the First Pennsylvania dragoons. References Moylan's letter of 21 July 1777. Encloses a letter he asks Moylan to forward to General David Forman (known by the nickname of " Black David"...
GLC03353
circa 1872
Greeley, Horace, 1811-1872
The British counter claims
This editorial examines American responsibility to compensate for destroyed British property during the Civil War. British citizen George Adlain had considered staying in America but his property on Missionary Ridge had suffered damage during the...
GLC03409
25 January 1838
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845
Encloses a letter (not included) from "an old woman, who with the rest of his negroes, was liberated by Mr. Alexander Donelson." Notes that the entire family, with the exception of the woman and her husband, left for Liberia. Her son and daughter...
GLC03317
March 18, 1673
Charles II, King of England, 1630-1685
[Royal order to expedite the outfitting of the Castle Finship, which is to accompany the Dyamond to New York].
Countersigned by Secretary of the Admiralty Board Samuel Pepys.
GLC03306
19 October 1868
Johnson, Andrew, 1808-1875
Affix seal to ratification of Treaty with China.
This treaty, the Burlingham Treaty of 1868, amended the Reed Treaty of 1858 by allowing free immigration. That flow of people allowed the rapid expansion of western railroads through cheap labor. (Eventually, it also provoked a racial backlash on...
GLC03578
16 July 1963
Kennedy, John Fitzgerald, 1917-1963
Pardon of Otelia Pendergast re: convicted of violation of section 265
GLC03590
18 June 1778
Pulaski, Casimir, 1747-1779
to Colonel Hoppé
Written by Brigadier General Pulaski, a Polish count, as commander of his independent cavalry brigade to a Colonel Hoppé as Quartermaster General in Easton, Pennsylvania. Pulaski was soliciting help for the creation of what would become the "Pulaski...
GLC03568
20 May 1870
Porter, David Dixon, 1813-1891
to Ambrose Thompson
Admiral Porter sends Thompson some letters (introductions) and indicates he will send fifty more the next day. Written on Navy Department stationery. Thompson, a wealthy shipping magnate, was noted for his Civil War backing of a plan to colonize...
GLC03619.02.15
9 July 1782
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
to Samuel Osgood
Writes to Osgood, then a member of the Continental Congress and the treasury board, to request that Congress pay Baron von Steuben. States that "it has been owing to [von Steuben] that a substantial discipline has been established in the American...
GLC03646
1814/09/21
Foster, Ephraim H., 1794-1854
to William Graham
Foster writes to a childhood friend. Tells Graham of recently becoming a lawyer, his drive to succeed, and his plans to live in Nashville in order to "avoid a life of disagreeable solitude, in an insignificant country village." Dramatically reacts...
GLC02803
6 December 1859
Johnson, Cave, 1793-1866
to P. G. Washington
Discusses the ownership of an unspecified paper, mentioning several persons associated with the paper's publication. Recommended Washington's brother to one of the paper's editors. Comments that he is no longer engaged in politics, and is...
GLC02823
1840/08/14
Ross, John, 1790-1866
to President Martin Van Buren.
Ross had helped lead the Eastern Cherokee Indians west of the Mississippi in the forced removal. Co-signed by W. Shorey Coodey, John Loony (with an "X"), Archibald Campbell (with an "X") and Elijiah Hicks.
GLC02856
10 October 1821
Monroe, James, 1758-1831
to John C. Calhoun
Written by President Monroe to Calhoun as Secretary of War. Declares that the measures Calhoun have taken in regard to the Seminole Indians have been proper. Says that "Unprincipled settlers" should be driven away, and that "It was correct also to...
GLC02859
1862/11/09-1865/07
Alden, William H., 1844-?
[Collection of William H. Alden, F company, 6th regiment, Iowa, cavalry] [Decimalized .01- .53]
Forty eight long letters written while on the Sully Expedition to put down the Sioux uprising, under the orders of Abraham Lincoln. Private Alden, a seventeen year old Iowan, wrote this first-hand account mostly to his family. He discusses hand to...
GLC02831
1770/01/25
Livingston, Philip, 1686-1749
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: decision to move to Dutchess County
Robert, Jr.'s nephew Philip J. Livingston writes that he will be moving to Dutchess County from New York City, and explains "My Reasons for this proposed change of settlement arise from the great Decline of Business in our Profession in the City...
GLC03107.03229
1773/04/03
Coklen, Nathan, fl. 1773
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: notice of plans to move
Coklen states that he plans to move to New Winsor, and asks if he can wait to pay Robert, Jr. until he harvests his crops. Docketed on address leaf.
GLC03107.03270
1773/05/29
Duane, James, fl. 1763-1785
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: dissatisfaction with politics
James Duane describes how he is overwhelmed with his business at the moment, and airs some frustrations regarding New York's political situation:"Timidity has induced the Colony to make a most unreasonable sacrifice to the Massachusett's bay. I fear...
GLC03107.03278
1773/08/21
Cuyler, Abraham C., fl. 1773
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: conveyance of John Myer
Abraham Cuyler states that the bearer of the letter, John Myer, was brought before him as a wandering vagrant who claimed that he used to live on Livingston Manor. Cuyler therefore explains that he has sent Myer back to live on the Manor, and asks...
GLC03107.03286
1773/09/22
Elliott, James, fl. 1744-1773
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: apology for leaving Ancram
Elliott apologizes profusely for leaving his job at Ancram so abruptly, and is afraid that he has deeply offended Robert, Jr. He explains, however, that he was led to believe that Robert, Jr. was tired of him, so he took it upon himself to move at...
GLC03107.03293
1740/12
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: fear of war with the French, trade on the Oswego
Philip believes it will not be long until they are at war with the French, at which time he will retreat from the troublesome town of Albany. He discusses in length the trading ventures of the ship Oswego, forecasts high prices for bread and flour...
GLC03107.02607
1755/07/31
Elphinstone, William, fl. 1755
to Cousin Robert Livingston, Jr. re: sympathy for illness in the family
William Elphinstone sends his sympathy to Robert, Jr. who suffers the double burden of a sore knee and a very ill son. He also states that he and his wife have grown tired of traveling, and asks Robert, Jr. for his advice on where they should settle...
GLC03107.02904
1756/05/14
Alexander, William, 1726-1783
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: appointment of Lord Louden to commander in chief
William writes that Lord Louden was appointed commander-in-chief in America, but it is uncertain if he will travel immediately. He also states that General Shirley is moving to Jamaica. Docketed on address leaf.
GLC03107.02967
1756/11/03
Livingston, Robert III, 1708-1790
to Brother Livingston re: invitation to live among his brothers and sisters
Robert, Jr. writes that the recent deaths of both his mother and his eldest son Philip have been most difficult to endure, and he hopes that the familial bond between him and his brother remain in tact. He then invites his brother to come and live...
GLC03107.02981
1749/01/23
D.Witt, Petrus, fl. 1749
to Philip Livingston re: sale and purchase of wheat
D.Witt informs Philip of various business matters on the Manor. He warns Philip that a certain Mr. Hoffman sells his wheat most dishonestly, and strives only to make things difficult for them. D.Witt also notes that the dam at So[d]us is nearly...
GLC03107.02487
1749/10/04
Anderson, John, fl. 1749
to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: request for farm servents
Anderson writes that he is aware of a vessel expected from Holland with servants, and asks Robert, Jr. to procure one for him that is knowledgable of farming.
GLC03107.02770
1701/09/16
Dutuffeaux, fl. 1701
to Robert Livingston re: Philip Livingston [in French]
As a part of his education, Philip Livingston spent a year in the Huegenot community of New Rochelle to learn to read and write French. Related to GLC03107.01.00574. Docketed on address leaf.
GLC03107.02390
12 September 1785
Peters, Richard, 1744-1828
to Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
Written by Peters, a former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, to von Steuben in retirement. Peters is trying to put Von Steuben at ease after he was denied a large part of the inflated expense account he sumbitted to Congress and the rejection of...
GLC04833
30 April 1780
Lee, Charles, 1731-1782
to Benjamin Rush
Written by disgraced General Charles Lee to Rush, the former Pennsylvania Continental Congressman, as a doctor in private practice. Is upset that Congress published his letter of apology. Claims that "Most people I have conversd with on the...
GLC04700
6 November 1771
Hancock, John, 1737-1793
[Instructing Paul Farmer to admit an indigent man to a Boston poorhouse].
Signed by Hancock and Jonathan Mason as Selectmen of Boston. Consented to by W. Greenleaf as Overseer of the Poor. Farmer is described as a stranger and "not an Inhabitant of any Town in this Province."
GLC04724
29 January 1855
Schneck, B. S. (Benjamin Shroder), 1806-1874
to George Besore
Schneck asks for $300 to send a slave's wife and three children to Africa. The husband must also purchase his freedom for $1,500, but the Society is trying to raise money to assist in the transport itself. Written on behalf of the Colonization...
GLC04743
1830/10/19
Austin, Stephen F., 1793-1836
Settler's certificate for Austin's first colony to Epraham Anderson (in Spanish)
Printed in Spanish. Settler's certificate for Austin's first colony in Texas.
GLC05078
circa 1861-1865
Fowx, Egbert Guy, 1821-1891
Line Officers of 170 NY Vol
A print of a photograph of eight officers seated and ten officers standing behind them. Title in graphite beneath: "Line Officers of 170 NY Vol." Note uniforms: double stripping on trousers. Officers braiding [ranking] on jacket sleeves and piping on...
GLC05111.01.0068
[164th New York Zouaves standing in inspection formation]
A print of a photograph taken of Zouaves of the 164th N.Y., "Corcoran's [Irish] Legion," in formation with line officers to the front on either side and a drummer on the left side of the image. The troops hold their rifles at the Support Arms...
GLC05111.01.0071
1864 ca.
Guesner, fl. 1864
Refugee home, Camp Nelson, KY. [1864 ca.]
Image of a dirt street with small white homes lining both sides. The street goes uphill and many of the homes have fences around the front yard. All of the people in the photo are African-American. A group of six children stand in the middle of...
GLC05111.01.0213
General view of refugee homes, barracks, and tents [Camp Nelson]. [1864 ca.]
View of buildings in the distance with wooded hill in the foreground. Larger buildings to the left side of the image. Most of the structures have a uniform appearance. Tents can be seen throughout the camp. Camp Nelson was a recruiting and training...
GLC05111.01.0214
20 November 1838
Weld, Theodore Dwight, 1803-1895
to Milton Sutliff
Weld writes to Sutliff, an Ohio abolitionist and lawyer, from the Office of the American Anti-Slavery Society. The Society will be publishing a series of tracts refuting the main objections to abolition, and Weld seeks information on slavery and the...
GLC04941
2 December 1826
Porter, David, 1780-1843
to R. Smith
Writing to a banker in Washington, D.C., arranges for his wife's finances after his defection to Mexico. Sends along with his letter eight hundred dollars, four hundred of which is to be given to his wife, the rest to be put in his bank account....
GLC02734
circa 1792-1793
[Legal document concerning land]
Signed in text twice by Knox as "HK." Writes he is conveying property to "WB" (referring to William Bingham). Wants to make sure everything is clearly expressed so the "true intent and meaning" of the deal is known to all parties. Includes mention...
GLC02719
1878/02/18
Norton, Joshua Abraham, 1819-1880
[Fifty-cent interest-bearing note from the Imperial Government of Norton I]
Signed by Joshua Abraham Norton as Norton I, self-proclaimed emperor of the United States. Check number 2510. On verso, affixed note reads "Yours Truly A.J. Bryant Mayor, San Francisco. Oct. 22nd, '78."
GLC02729.02
Showing results 201 - 250