20 January 1855

Tyler, John, 1790-1862

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Tyler

Written from former President Tyler's plantation, Sherwood Forest, to his son Robert. Robert transmitted a letter from Mr. Buchanan (President James Buchanan, confirmed by docket). John returns the letter, encouraging Robert to respond in a way that would give Buchanan "an epitomy of the politics of the country without denouncing any party or any man." Discusses the Crimean War, remarking that at its beginning, most Americans were on the side of the Turks (Ottoman Empire, assisted by the British and French), but because of remarks made by Lord Clarendon and various British and French…

GLC03671

17 December 1780

Dundas, Ralph, 1732-?

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Dundas

Ralph, Captain of the H. M. S. Bonetta, writes to his brother James. Lists the names of ships involved in an expedition. Mentions General Charles Cornwallis. Relates news related to various sailors and a ship that sailed to Antigua. States that the British navy has allowed Count De Rochambeau to strongly fortify his troops in Rhode Island. Refers to the presence of General Stirling (possibly William Alexander) in New York. Relates that some British soldiers found his cousin, T. Dundas, in Reading, Pennsylvania, and that T. Dundas's brother had joined the colonial force. Refers to…

GLC03676.03

22 February 1862

Polk, Leonidas, 1806-1864

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ulysses S. Grant

Polk, Confederate Major General Commanding, writes to Union General Grant requesting that families of officers captured at Fort Donelson, including General Simon Buckner be allowed to visit. Mentions that the Confederate forces allowed the families of Union officers to visit after the Battle of Belmont.

GLC03690

5 September 1854

Pierce, Jane M., 1806-1863

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Anne

Writes that she hopes Anne's injured hand is recovering and asks her to write again when she is able. Hopes she is keeping busy with household duties. Laments over the death of Alfred, her nephew, and expresses sympathy for her sister Mary Aiken's loss. Mentions that she and Franklin Pierce were at Capon Springs, West Virginia, which was pleasant, but the journey was tiring. Comments on her health and that of Mr. Pierce. Gives regards to Mr. Wentworth. Postscript mentions that Mr. Smith has been at the White House. Explains that Captain Benbow, his family, and Anne's uncle have…

GLC03375

29 October 1863

Maury, Matthew Fontaine, 1806-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to his cousin

Asks for help advertising for information regarding Lieutenant John H. Maury, captured below Vicksburg 27 January 1863. Maury was in England, possibly outfitting the raider CSS Savannah. John Herndon Maury, son of Matthew F. Maury, disappeared 27 January 1863 on a late-night scouting expedition on the Warrenton Road. Only the evidence cited in this letter was found; Grant and other Union officers said they could not find him among the captured. After the war an eyewitness reported that the younger Maury had been murdered that night by bushwackers.

GLC03350

03 September 1814

Miller, James, ?-1851

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ruth Miller

Discusses the current British attack on Fort Erie during the War of 1812: "We have from fifty to two hundred cannon shot and shells thrown into our camp every twenty four hours." Speculates on rumors of American reinforcements and the possibility of fighting their way out. Mentions that he sent money home. The British siege of Fort Erie failed two weeks later. Written at Fort Erie

GLC03370

17 August 1817

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Jones Mumford

New York Senator North, a former aide to Baron von Steuben, offers words of wisdom and advice to Mumford on the topics of education, knowledge, virtue, and success. Encourages Mumford to pursue an honorable lifestyle and not to disappoint his parents and their friends.

GLC03372

30 May 1864

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Letter signed

Title: to Rev. T. V. Moore re: crisis in southern affairs

Thanks Moore for a gift of wine and for his prayers. Lee offers sympathy for the capture of his sons. Of the wine, Lee writes "It was what the Surgeon thought I required...." Lee has signed twice, once in initials after the postscript.

GLC03398

28 December 1843

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to R.W. Latham

Jackson writes to Latham at Upperville, Virginia. Discusses Stockly Donelson's default on a contract involving the purchase of enslaved people from Andrew Jackson Donelson and Andrew Jackson, Jr. Latham who attempted to hold A. J. Donelson and Andrew Jackson Jr. liable for the sum. Tells Latham that Stockly's part of the debt is secured by a deed of trust.

GLC03423

25 January 1838

Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

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, John and Celia, have lost their children since their arrival at Liberia, and the woman has not heard from any of her other relatives. Requests the recipient to give the enclosed letter to the Secretary of the Colonization Society in Washington, D.C. for delivery to the old woman's family.

GLC03317

2 June 1853

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Fitzhugh (Rooney) Lee

Personal letter to his son concerning his approaching manhood. Lee asks if he will be ready to meet its demands. He advises him that he has the means to educate and support his children but that Rooney Lee should select his own course. He uses Rooney's older brother George Washington Custis Lee as an example to follow. Lee discusses Rooney's chances of getting into West Point, and is doubtful that he will get an appointment. Lee indicates that he may be denied for medical reasons because of a childhood injury that resulted in the loss of part of his fingers. Lee's letter stresses…

GLC03325

14 March 1828

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Monroe in retirement to an unknown recipient, but the collateral file has paperwork that says it is to Tench Ringgold. That cannot be confirmed, although it is possible. Ringgold was a well known Republican politician in Washington, D.C., and was serving as U.S. Marshall for the District of Columbia when this letter was penned. He was also active in helping Monroe receive reimbursement from the government for Monroe's previous diplomatic work. Says at the insistance of his friends in Albemerle County, Virginia, he has had his memoirs printed in pamphlet form. Is sending a copy to…

GLC03338.02

24 November 1870

Grant, Ulysses S. (Ulysses Simpson), 1822-1885

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ulysses Grant, Jr re: family news of mother, Nellie, Jim, Jessie, Fred

Written to his son at Harvard University.

GLC03292

25 July 1768

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Margaret Arnold

Writes to his wife, Peggy, in New Haven, Connecticut. Informs that he has sent her brandy, oranges, coconuts, handkerchiefs, and more from the West Indies and hopes the shipment has arrived safely. Briefly discusses his own trade. Desires to return to his family, " ... a separation from you is attended with the most Cruel Anxiety, you who are with your Friends Cannot Imagine my Impatience to leave this Savage Island & be with you & my Friends who are most Dear to me." Mentions some pending law suits. Gives love to the family. With an initialed postscript.

GLC03301

26 July 1864

Farragut, David Glasgow, 1801-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Virginia Farragut

Written aboard the USS Hartford. Written by Rear Admiral Farragut to his wife Virginia in Hastings on the Hudson, New York. Signed by Farragut as well as initialled after a postscript. Says he wanted to let her know he was well. Remarks that he gave General Sickles a passage home in the USS "Governor Hahn." Writes: "He is the little fellow who made such a flourishing speech for me, on my arrival, at New Orleans when I came down the River after passing Port Hudson..." Says "Eaton takes my sword Home to you, if the pirates do not get it." Claims there is nothing of interest, but reports that…

GLC03309

30 January 1846

Lee, Robert E., 1807-1870

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John MacKay

Written as Captain of Topological Engineers working on the defenses of New York City harbor. Written in a playful manner typical of his other letters to MacKay, a close friend. Lee worries about MacKay's lingering illness and hopes the warm Gulf air may improve his health. He discussed at length a recent snowfall and the festive atmosphere of the city. He comments merrily on the ladies and a sleigh ride down Broadway in a large "omnibus" sled where he offered a woman his seat rather than his lap since, "it would not sound well if repeated in the latitude of Wash[ingto]n that I had been…

GLC03324

1861-1865

Beauregard, Pierre Gustave Toutant, 1818-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to J. T. Doswell

Dated "Saturday morning." Beauregard encloses a note (not included) from "a gentleman who had offered me that servant girl & her family." Two of the family recently died, and though Beauregard regrets their death, he is "glad it has occurred before they had been bought." Doswell was likely a financial agent and/or merchant in New Orleans.

GLC03564

18 November 1856

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charlotte Chase

Ohio governor Chase writes to his sister Charlotte. Discusses her visiting him in Columbus, Ohio, where he was serving as governor. Speaks of a disagreement of opinion with Justice John McLean but still holds him in high esteem and respect. He is still in support of him for president. Regrets that McLean no longer considers him a friend. Chase supported Supreme Court Justice McLean over Fremont in the election of 1856. Written on Executive Department, State of Ohio stationery.

GLC03572

18 August 1882

Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889

Letter

Title: to Mrs. Randall L. Hunt

Written entirely and signed by Varina Davis, for her husband. Declines an invitation to visit a church festival because he has a prior engagement and must be in New Orleans at that times. Explains that his daughter "would be very glad to contribute by a song to the laudable purpose you have in view" if someone could be sent to rehearse with her beforehand. Written at Davis's home, Beauvoir.

GLC03574

2 November 1817

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Count De Grouchy

Hopes that Grouchy's son has recovered from his illness. Indicates that he would like to meet Grouchy in person and would be honored if he came for a visit to Monticello. Gives directions, "the route thro' the counties next below the Blue ridge, to wit by the Court houses of Prince William, Fauquier, Culpeper & Orange, would present you what I think the finest part of our country . . ." Also describes a route by Fredericksburg.

GLC03584

28 August 1865

Sherman, William T. (William Tecumseh), 1820-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Philemon Ewing

Writes about the anticipated arrival of his wife and family. He wants the children to arrive so they may start their classes on time. States his desire to postpone building a house until the following spring. "I am more than convinced that I should hold the $30,000 at interest this winter and next spring. I can build a house to suit us Exactly." Believes they should board at a hotel for the winter. Ask Ewing to try to convince Ellen (his wife) of this, as he fears," ... she may think we must have a house at whatever cost of money or subsequent discomfort." Written on stationary marked…

GLC03600

1850-1870

Ewing Family, fl. 1850-1870

Header Record

Title: Letters of the Ewing family to William T. Sherman [Decimalized .01-.11]

Letters of the sons of Thomas Ewing, Philemon (9), Hugh (1) and Charles (1), mostly concerning family matters, including eight to General W. T. Sherman.

GLC03601

2 April 1796

Boudinot, Elias, 1740-1821

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Bayard

Boudinot, director of the United States Mint, transmits Bills of Exchange (not included) to London to pay Bayard for copper imported to the United States. Reports that President George Washington refused to submit papers regarding negotiations with Great Britain to the House of Representatives (possibly referring to John Jay's Treaty). Refers to a recent speech praising Washington delivered by a Mr. Erskin (possibly Thomas Erskine) in London. Forwards a portrait of Washington (not included) for Erskin. Discusses family matters at length. Reports that "the British carrying the War so…

GLC03627

28 May 1801

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Maria Eppes

Writes to his daughter about her health, his desire for Maria's presence in capital, and planning for her to visit. Waterstaining slightly obscures the text.

GLC03641

1861-1863

Brigham, George, fl. 1861-1863

Header Record

Title: [Collection of George and Bart Brigham] [Decimalized .01-.08]

Letters are from George Brigham and H. B. Brigham to their sister Lucretia. With a hand-drawn "Plan of the Battle of Fredericksburg, VA."

GLC03607