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Emancipation Proclamation

Wide margined copy of the Leland-Boker "authorized" edition, produced for raising money at the Philadelphia Great Central Sanitary Fair in June 1864. The Sanitary Commission engaged in hospital and other charitable work during the Civil War; it was a...

GLC00004

To the inhabitants of the State of New York

Delivered at Fishkill, New York, to the state's constitutional convention shortly after the American defeats at Long Island, Manhattan and White Plains, and a few days before Washington surprised the Hessians at Trenton. As such, Jay addressed his...

GLC00006

to Nathanael Greene

Written by Von Steuben as the senior Continental officer in Virginia to General Greene as commander in the Southern Department. References Greene's letter of January 24, 1781. Congratulates Greene on his army's recent victory at Cowpens and in the...

GLC00140

to Major John J. Key

Lincoln quotes the testimony against Key and assures him the dismissal was not personal but for the good of the service. Lincoln also expresses sympathy for the death of Key's son in battle.

GLC00496.045.01

[Notice of suspension of habeas corpus in Boston to Justin Dimick].

Scott quotes an Abraham Lincoln document suspending the writ of habeas corpus, countersigned by William H. Seward. Scott empowers Brevet Colonel Dimick to do the same in Boston. Also signed by Assistant Adjutant General E.D. Townsend.

GLC00638

to William Stephens Smith

Letter in hand of aide-de-camp Benjamin Walker, and written to Smith, the Commissary of Prisoners to the Army. References Smith's letter from December 12, 1782. Thanks him for intelligence it contains. Disagrees with Smith's assessment on Dobbs Ferry...

GLC00949

to Elias Shipman & others

An important letter responding to their protest about the dismissal of Elizur Goodrich in favor of Samuel Bishop. Goodrich was a "midnight" appointee of Adams, two weeks before leaving office. An important letter defending the care with which he...

GLC00964

to Governor Clinton

Seeking advice on various appointments from the Governor. In part: "To you I need not make the observation that of all the duties imposed on the Executive head of a government, appointment to office is the most difficult & most irksome..." He goes on...

GLC00986

Manuscript draft: [Sixth annual address to Congress]

Washington asserts the constitutional authority of the federal government during the Whiskey Rebellion. Written by GW's secretary Bartholomew Danbridge, on Washington's personal stationery, extensively corrected by Washington and signed by him at the...

GLC01054

to Elbridge Gerry

Writes that although he lacks any sympathy for the "philanthropy" of slavery, he will not violate the treaty requiring the enslaved people who sought freedom to be returned to enslavers. One black and white bust engraving of John Adams included.

GLC00024

to New Jersey Convention

The letter announces the Declaration of Independence. Stamps on verso: "Sold by Merchantile Library" [red stamp] "Tomlinson Collection" [purple stamp]. With docket on page 2.

GLC00154.01

to Herbert Hoover [Decimalized .01- .02]

Discusses the starvation relief in Europe and Hoover's part in its management. Expresses his support and advises Hoover as to the next steps in food distribution abroad. Discusses rationing. Stamped on page one by the U.S. Food Administration...

GLC00162.13

United States Constitution. First printing [Dunlap & Claypoole printing]

One printing of the United States Constitution by Dunlap & Claypoole dated September 17, 1787. This printing of the Constitution is inscribed on p.1 to "Doctor John Hampton." With a additional inscription on p.4 reading "John Thos./Daniel." This...

GLC00258

to Samuel Galloway

With two postscripts, one initialed. Headed "Private." Introducing John "George" Nicolay (later Lincoln's personal secretary) and describing how he wants the Lincoln-Douglas debates published. In the 1860 presidential election, the debates served as...

GLC00365

Report of a committee of the Bank of the United States that was formed to investigate an alleged counterfeiting ring in North Carolina

Also signed by George Fox, both as members of the committee. They confirm the existence the ring, saying of it that it is a "very extensive Combination, and of a very formidable nature, to counterfeit & pass Notes purporting to be of the Bank of the...

GLC00496.012

Constitution [printing of first draft, docketed by James Wilson]

First two leaves in facsimile, with docketed wrapper. Committee of Detail printing. First draft. Wilson chaired the Committee of Five which drafted this copy of the Constitution. With one correction in Wilson's hand. Docket on blank wrapper:...

GLC00528

to William Cooper

Enclosing the Declaration of Independence, with personal notes to his friend and description of sabotage of a captured American ship. Cooper was town clerk of Boston. Also, discusses military matters.

GLC00595

Constitution [printing of first draft] [Committee of Detail]

Report of the Committee of Detail, the first draft of the Constitution, signed by Pierce Butler with his annotations. The leaves are printed recto only. Uncut and unbound, sealed in Plexiglas string mat. "We the People of the States of New-Hampshire...

GLC00819.01

And to make all Laws, not repugnant to this Constitution....

Half sheet of paper signed "P. Butler." A brief fragment concerning Congress' power to legislate. Date from Hutson.

GLC00819.12

to John McCalla

Austin argues that the Mexican government's usurpations and violations of the constitutional rights of Texans led to this "war of independence." Mentions Santanna's pending invasion. With Nashville postal stamp on address leaf.

GLC01161

Order of march to Trenton

Orders for surprise attack on British forces at Trenton. On Christmas morning Washington made his famous crossing of the Delaware, and prepared for a surprise attack on Trenton. These orders lay out the various roles of the different sections of...

GLC02437.00495

to Lucy Knox

Expresses his love for Lucy, but says that the love of his country must keep them apart for now. Discusses the Battle of Trenton (26 December 1776) in depth. Starts by stating that Lucy must "have heard of our success on the morning of the 26th...

GLC02437.00497

to Edwin M. Stanton

A two-page petition regarding churches in Port Royal, S.C., occupies recto and verso of first leaf. Lincoln's note appears on verso of second leaf. Lincoln writes about the danger of conflict among different religious denominations in their ministry...

GLC05508.008

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...

GLC05787

to Henry Knox

Wants Knox to write more frequently to keep him updated on activities in New York. Remarks that "at Last the grand Question of Independence is determined and I hope every true American will support it with his Life and Fortune." Comments on...

GLC02437.00376