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15 June 1864
Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865)
to Ulysses S. Grant re: prophesying Grant's victory
Very brief telegram: "I begin to see it. You will succeed. God bless you all." A very famous letter.
GLC01572
14 April 1825
Clay, Henry (1777-1852)
to William C. Somerville
Secretary of State Clay informs Somerville of Somerville's appointment as Charge d'Affaires of the United States in Sweden. States that Somerville will replace Christopher Hughes, who will assume the post of Charge d'Affaires of the United States in...
GLC01574.03
19 April 1821
Monroe, James (1758-1831)
to Thomas Jefferson
Mentions funding appropriations for the University of Virginia, and states that he enclosed a report on the subject. Pledges continued support for the University. A discussion of foreign relations with Europe follows. Comments on an Austrian...
GLC01576
17 December 1810
Pickering, Timothy (1745-1829)
Letter and copied note from Timothy Pickering to James McHenry [Decimalized .01-.02]
GLC01578
to James McHenry
Massachusetts Senator Pickering responds to a letter from McHenry, former Secretary of War. Sends McHenry documents he requested which accompanied a message from President James Madison (not included). Discusses Madison's decision to declare West...
GLC01578.01
Copy of a letter written to Massachusetts Senator Pickering from Gabriel Duvall, Comptroller of the United States Treasury. Duvall states that Pickering's "accounts as late Secretary of State of the United States are finally closed on the books of...
GLC01578.02
16 October 1775
to Samuel Holton
Written to fellow jurist Samuel Holton discussing the qualifications of a justice, the readiness of the American forces, and George Washington's opinion of his own army. Satirizes another judge who thinks all judges should have "the prime qualities...
GLC01579.01
26 September 1864
Stanton, Edwin McMasters (1814-1869)
to William T. Sherman
In this telegram Stanton, Secretary of War, writes "The Richmond Enquirer of Saturday rejoices that 'Beauregard has been assigned to the Command of the Army in Georgia, that his star ever led to victory and his very name inspires confidence of...
GLC01583
1776/07/
Washington, George (1732-1799)
to [Benjamin Franklin] re: belated peace initiatives of the Howe brothers
A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or...
GLC01588
[1789/04]
Inaugural address [leaf from 1st draft of discarded first inaugural = pp.57-58]
Concerning trade and population growth, with allusion to the postal service, newspapers and manufactures. This was a first draft which Washington later discarded. The manuscript was disassembled by Jared Sparks (whose unsigned autograph note...
GLC01589
15 February 1944
Baruch, Bernard M. (1870-1965)
Report on war and post-war adjustment policies
Co-authored with John M. Hancock. Report on how best to demobilize soldiers and civilians after World War II, and return them to work. Also discusses how to return the government's workforce to peacetime leadership. Commissioned by James F. Byrnes...
GLC01592.01
18 February 1945
to Mrs. Mary L. Simon
Letter regarding "human demobilization." Typed on personal stationery.
GLC01592.02
18 July 1864
Hooper, Samuel (1808-1875)
to William Pitt Fessenden
Hooper, a United States Representative from Massachusetts, discusses the prospect of obtaining bank loans for the United States Treasury. Informs Fessenden, Secretary of the Treasury, that " ... I have become strongly impressed with the idea that an...
GLC01596.01
January 1864
Sickles, Daniel E. (1819-1914)
to David Birney
Discusses a congressional investigation into General George G. Meade for disciplining officers who testified before the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War after Meade let Lee escape after Gettysburg. Tells Major General Birney to give...
GLC01599
18 March 1806
Gallatin, Albert (1761-1849)
to William Few
Informs that he has directed the Treasurer to remit to Few $240,000 to be used for discharging the interest on stocks. Addressed to Few as the Commissioner of Loans at New York City.
GLC01602.01
12 December 1808
to John Pooler
Informs that he has directed the Treasurer to remit to Pooler $1000 to pay the dividends on stocks. Addressed to Pooler as the Commissioner of Loans for Georgia.
GLC01602.02
2 March 1877
Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881)
to Wallace
Appears to allude to the count of electoral votes for president. Declares, "I have just got out of bed (10 1/2 hrs) having got home from the final count at 4 1/2 this morning. Tired to the bone." Written on House of Representatives stationery.
GLC01603
30 January 1879
Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893)
to unknown
Hayes agrees with his recipient that public business "ought to be conducted on business principles." Declares, "A public officer can in no way serve the party of his choice more effectively than by thoughtful and efficient performance of his office...
GLC01607
25 January 1819
Jackson, Andrew (1767-1845)
to Rachel Jackson
Writes to his wife that he has arrived in Washington, a day after Henry Clay made an inflammatory speech against him. However, he is confident, because he believes that "a very large majority" of Congress sides with him. He has also learned that...
GLC01609
1867/10/18
Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875)
Authority to affix the seal to the pardon of Perry Murphy
GLC01611
19 June 1867
Pardon of John W. Paxton, convicted of larceny.
Convicted of larceny; sentenced to 18 months of imprisonment. Pardoned after serving prison term for his good conduct and penitence. (c/s William H. Seward)
GLC01612
20 April 1908
Roosevelt, Theodore (1858-1919)
to Victor Howard Metcalf
Writes as President to Secretary of Navy Metcalf regarding a meeting designed to take stock of America's natural resources. Also invited were the justices of the Supreme Court, both houses of Congress, and his cabinet. Includes a stamp of receipt...
GLC01619
14 May 1813
Cartel for the exchange of prisoners of war, between Great Britain and the United States of America
Broadside reprinting terms of prisoner exchange agreed to by the American and British governments. Includes notations on the right and left margins of the document. Signed by Secretary of State James Monroe and Tho. Barclay.
GLC01621
6 March 1920
Wilson, Woodrow (1856-1924)
[Sentence commutation for Charles Manfri, convicted of selling heroin in New Jersey 19 December 1918, and sentenced to four years imprisonment]
Charles Manfri, alias Charles Mansfield, was convicted of violating the Harrison Anti-Narcotic Act in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey and sentenced to four years in the State penitentiary in Baltimore, Maryland. Wilson commuted his sentence to...
GLC01622
15 January 1811
Smith, Robert (1757-1842)
Secretary of State Smith sends a cover letter with a copy of a proposed constitutional amendment (not included) banning persons holding foreign titles from public office to the New Hampshire legislature. The amendment did not pass.
GLC01623
9 May 1902
Root, Elihu (1845-1937)
Instructions of the Secretary of War to Governor William H. Taft in the matter of the purchase of the Friar Lands in the Philippines.
Because Congress has not yet acted on recommendations of the commission in regards to the Friar Lands of the Philippines and Taft cannot delay his return there, the President authorizes Taft to travel to Rome to determine which authorities of the...
GLC01625.04
25 April 1864
[Discharging a boy volunteer upon the refund of bounty money].
GLC01630
1801/01/17
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826)
to John Adams re: inviting the outgoing President to dinner
Complete text: "Th: Jefferson presents his respects to the President of the US and will have the honor of waiting on him to dinner on Thursday next. / Jan.17.1801"
GLC01632
9 April 1778
Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)
to Clement Biddle
Mentions that he discussed his plan to amend Pennsylvania's wagon law with General George Washington, who suggested that the change might cause jealousy between the army and state. Closes by mentioning the return of Lafayette, who wants his old...
GLC01637
12 January 1848
[Speech on Declaration of War on Mexico in the House of Representatives]
Concerning the constitutionality and necessity of Polk's declaration of war with Mexico. Printed by J.& G.S. Gideon. See also GLC02025.
GLC01638
2 October 1904
Mosby, John S. (1833-1916)
to Gaston
Colonel Mosby, the former Confederate leader, describes a cordial meeting with President Theodore Roosevelt, the loss of his hat, boots, overcoat and cape in 1864, when captured by the 13th New York Cavalry, and the return of his hat. Discusses his...
GLC01653
28 August 1812
Additional instruction to the public and private armed vessels of the United States.
Signed by Monroe as Secretary of State, directed to privateers. In response to the repeal of British Orders in Council, instructs naval and privateering ships to assist American-owned vessels bringing British goods to the United States. Issued...
GLC01665
29 January 1919
Creel, George (1876-1953)
Official U.S. Bulletin. [Vol. 3, no.524 (January 29, 1919)]
Newspaper published daily by order of the president by the United States Committee of Public Information. Contains the text of the eighteenth amendment, which established the prohibition of alcohol. Accompanied by a statement by acting Secretary of...
GLC01668
1 July 1864
to Joseph Holt
Lincoln writes to Judge Advocate General Holt concerning army contractor Daniel Wormer, who was paid but failed to deliver 1200 horses to the army. Lincoln asks Holt to get the record and report on it to him. Written on Executive Mansion stationary...
GLC01677.01
15 November 1945
Truman, Harry S. (1884-1972)
Statement by the President
Signed and corrected by Truman. Honors the tenth anniversary of the Philippine commonwealth. Praises the Filipino people and notes the ordeals they experienced during World War II and the Japanese occupation. Remarks that they "are spiritually...
GLC01683
1 January 1863
Halleck, H. W. (Henry Wager) (1815-1872)
to Edwin M. Stanton
Writes to the Secretary of War to request that he be "releieved from further duties" as General in Chief of the Union Army because of differences of opinion between himself, Stanton, and the President. In March 1864 he was appointed (demoted) to...
GLC01688
13 July 1862
to Elizabeth Halleck
Writes his wife a lengthy description of events that led to his appointment as General in Chief of the Union Army. Explains how he avoided quarrels between Edwin Stanton and George McClellan by refusing to mediate when asked to go to Washington, D.C...
GLC01689
July 18, 1831
to Richard G. Dunlap
Written by Jackson as President, upset by the events surrounding the resignation of Major John H. Eaton as the Secretary of War. Jackson praises Eaton, as well as Martin Van Buren and Major William Berkley Lewis for their loyalty. He attacks Vice...
GLC01690
29 August 1831
Defends his friend Major William B. Lewis from charges made by his political enemies, especially John C. Calhoun, including allegations that he interfered in state elections. Discusses Calhoun's maneuverings against himself, and advises Dunlap to...
GLC01691
27 December 1862
to Caleb B. Smith and William P. Dole
Written on Executive Mansion stationery to "Sec. of Interior (Smith) and Comr. of Indian Affairs (Dole)." Says that Mr. DuPuy lost his job as an Indian Agent after being falsely accused. Acknowledges that he should be reinstated, but realizes the...
GLC01695
6 May 1824
Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848)
to John McLean
Secretary of State Adams writes to McLean, Commissioner of the General Land Office, about the government responsibility for internal improvements. In response to McLean's request, he encloses a copy of an 1807 resolution he put before the senate on...
GLC01727
30 June 1824
to Oliver Wolcott Jr. re: distributing Stone facsimile of the Declaration
Partly printed circular letter signed as Secretary of State written to the Governor of Connecticut, with printed resolution on page 3 directing distribution of copies of the (W. J. Stone) facsimile of the Declaration, and other documents. A note at...
GLC01728
7 March 1829
[Appointment of John McLean as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court]
Countersigned by James Hamilton as acting Secretary of State. Autograph note signed by Charles H. W. Wharton on verso certifies that McLean has sworn to support the Constitution of the United States. Docketed on verso by Wharton. Writing is faded on...
GLC01734
30 June 1829
President Jackson responds to a letter from an unknown sender suggesting that Cadwallader David Colden represent the United States Government in the Netherlands. Expresses his favor regarding this suggestion, and praises Colden's character.
GLC01735
March 4, 1834
to Moses Dawson
Writes as President concerning the subsiding economic panic of 1834 caused by the calling in of loans by the second Bank of the United States. Informs that the panic will leave the country in a better condition "... by giving us, in time, a metalic...
GLC01736
March 1, 1806
to Samuel Mitchill
President Jefferson sends New York Senator Mitchill an enclosed letter (not included) regarding a case involving General John Armstrong. Asks if the Tripoline Treaty experiences delay in the Senate. One full length seated engraving of Jefferson...
GLC01737
4 May 1861
[Lincoln note on military forces].
Recommends a division be admitted to the new corps of volunteers.
Basler, Roy P. The Collected Works Of Abraham Lincoln. (New Brunswick, NJ: Rutgers University Press, 1953), Vol. IV 1860 - 1861, p. 355
GLC01739
4 April 1863
[Promotion of Nathaniel C. McLean to Brigadier General of Volunteers]
Official document promoting McLean, signed by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Partially printed from an engraving, with blanks filled in by hand. This item was accompanied by maps. Includes blue seal on top...
GLC01740.01
4 April 1865
Unknown
[Furlough granted to Brigadier General N. C. McLean]
Written on printed Head Quarters, Department of North Carolina, Army of the Ohio stationery. Grants General Nathaniel Collins McLean a leave of absence, "with permission to proceed to Cincinnati and await the action of the War Dept on the tender of...
GLC01740.05.03
5 May 1864
Margedant, William C. (b. 1835)
Part of Northern Georgia
Printed "In the field" on cloth. Black and white lithograph depicts Northern Georgia. Compiled under the direction of William E. Merrill, Chief Topographical Engineer, Washington, D.C. Margedant was Captain and Superintendent of the Topographical...
GLC01740.06
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