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December 8, 1877
Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
to General C.J. Wright
Davis upholds the secessionist notion of the Union: "The word Union implies volition among the members...."
GLC00578
29 March 1861
Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865
[Authorization to the Secretary of State to affix the seal of the United States to the pardon of Milo Thornton for counterfeiting coins].
In Ohio, Thornton had been convicted in 1859 and sentenced to the Ohio State Penitentiary for ten years. According to D. R. Kinsell, his physician, his health was quickly failing and he would soon become a lunatic if not released. The release was...
GLC00613
August 4, 1863
Custer, George Armstrong, 1839-1876
to Alfred Pleasanton
Custer writes to his commanding officer to report that he has complied with his orders to send 800-1000 men. Notes that this will leave him in command of two batteries of Horse Artillery without support. Explains that he would rather see those two...
GLC00614
25 April 1862
Ruggles, Daniel, 1810-1897
[General Ruggles' official report on the Battle of Shiloh]
Very detailed report on the Battle of Shiloh, which took place on 6-7 April 1862, addressed to Major George G. Garner. Confederate General Ruggles commanded Ruggles Division, 2nd Corps, Army of the Mississippi at the battle. Retained copy.
GLC00617.01
February 7, 1778
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
to Henry Knox
Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence and a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts, writes from York, where the Continental Congress was convening. Dismisses rumors of a possible plot to undermine Washington's authority, but...
GLC00619
March 31, 1862
to Edwin L. Baker
Acknowledges receipt of his note delivered by Edwin's brother John. Refuses to let "Joe" [Joseph Baker] transfer to a higher position within the army and resign his present post because of the precedent it might set among the servicemen. "The...
GLC00622
2 October 1855
Pierce, Franklin, 1804-1869
[Commission of David Farragut as a captain in the U.S. Navy]
Partially-printed document on vellum signed by President Franklin Pierce and countersigned by James C. Dobbin as Secretary of the Navy. Note on margin signed by J.B. Hardin: "Registered No. Four - the lowest number of the same date takes rank."...
GLC00626
1880
Johnston, Joseph Egleston, 1807-1891
The war of the rebellion: a compilation of the official records of the Union and Confederate armies
Inscribed: "Lewis E. Harvie Esqe. from his friend Joseph Eggleston Johnston." The book was compiled by Robert N. Scott under the direction of the Secretary of War, with authorship attributed to the United States War Department. Published by the...
GLC00628
December 20, 1901
Roosevelt, Theodore, 1858-1919
to F. Marion Crawford
Theodore Roosevelt declines to intervene in pardon application. He writes that he does not ask for pardons unless he is personally familiar with the case and would not want to impose on NY Gov. Odell due to awkwardness.
GLC00629
2/5/1864
Everett, Edward, 1794-1865
[Address delivered to the Putnam Phalanx in praise of volunteer militia]
Welcomes the Putnam Phalanx, from Hartford, Connecticut, to Boston. Offers words of praise regarding volunteer militia groups, discussing their historical significance and the involvement of George Washington and John Adams in implementing the...
GLC00633.01
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