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1869
Butler, John George (1826-1909)
Courageous Thankfulness
A sermon given on the twentieth pastoral anniversary of St. Paul's Church in Washington D.C., July 4, 1869. Inscribed "compliments of" J. Geo. Butler on the front cover.
GLC01265.37
17 July 1776
Noyes, John (1740-1784)
to Mary Noyes
Writes his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts about how much he misses her and how he thinks about her all the time. Relays that the British sent a truce flag but that the colonies have declared independency. He believe George Washington would be glad...
GLC01450.056.08
14 July 1902
Root, Elihu (1845-1937)
[Copy of a telegram from Secretary of War Root to William Howard Taft]
Thanks him for the succesful result of his negotiations with the Vatican about the Friar Lands in the Phillipines. Explains the position of the United States government toward these lands. He is to represent this position to the Phillipine...
GLC01625.03
9 May 1902
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
1825
Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848)
[Album autographed by John Quincy Adams and Marquis de Lafayette].
A note by Lafayette dated January 23, 1825 indicates he was an "old friend" of the parents of the young lady who owned this album. Adams writes a seven-line poem dated March 10, 1825. A note from William White dated March 23, 1825 quotes Proverbs...
GLC01826
29 April 1847
Webster, Daniel (1782-1852)
to Harriette Story Paige
On a tour through the southern states, Webster writes to his sister-in-law Paige, stating that Richmond, Virginia has a "pleasant beat." Poetically describes morning as a "new image of light, a new breaking forth of the sun, a new waking up of all...
GLC01946.35
8 August 1807
Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826)
[Land grant for Toppan Webster].
Countersigned by Secretary of State James Madison. Grants 100 acres to Webster, an assignee of Samuel Jess, on the basis of the act of Congress appropriating land for former soldiers and for the society of the United Brethren. The act had been...
GLC02010
1865/04/04
Unknown
to Frank Richardson
Written from an unknown soldier. Written on stationery of the Sergeant of Arms Office, House of Representatives, noted "Q.M. Gen.s Office." Envelope with 3 cent (1861) pink stamp, postmarked. Discusses the fall of Richmond and the celebration of...
GLC02034.02
23 April 1892
Washington, Booker T. (1856-1915)
to Anne Abbott
Written on printed stationery of the Tuskegee Normal and Industrial Institute, as Principal, to Anne Abbott, regarding a fund "to help girls who go as missionary teachers".
GLC02087
1860
Sumner, Charles (1811-1874)
The barbarism of slavery. Speech of Hon. Charles Sumner, on the Bill for the admission of Kansas as a free state.
Given in the Senate, 4 June 1860. Condemns slavery as barbaric and criticizes various pro-slavery arguments, including that slavery was not upheld by the United States Constitution. Published by Thaddeus Hyatt, Washington, D.C. Printed as the clergy...
GLC02095.21
3 February 1848
Dix, John Adams (1798-1879)
[Members of Congress agree on Washington D.C.'s need for an Episcopal Church]
Written and signed by Congressmen John A. Dix. Cosigned by George E. Badger, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, H. Johnson, (possibly either Henry or Herschel Johnson), Robert Winthrop, John Sergeant, William D. Dayton, John Macpherson Berrien, and Joseph...
GLC02288
18 May 1883
Lee, John F. (1813-1884)
to Henry Jackson Hunt
States "I say you are still fit for the tented field; full pay; and to hold your own with any hero or patriot of them all (even with Cullum- I will tell you, someday, why I put him first)." Scolds Hunt for going to Little Rock, Arkansas because...
GLC02382.098
1871-1894
Hemans, Daniel W. (fl. 1872-1881)
Letters with wife Nancy, to Rev. & Mrs Shiras [decimalized]
Letters by missionaries from north of the Missouri River, 38 miles north of Santee Mission in South Dakota, describing teaching English, arithmetic, and bible to Yankton Sioux Indians. The collection was written to Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Shiras of...
GLC02429
21 July 1776
Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
to Lucy Knox
Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental...
GLC02437.00387
29 July 1776
Jackson, Henry (1747-1809)
to Henry Knox
Responds to a letter in which Knox described a meeting between George Washington and an adjutant general from the British army seeking to deliver a letter and negotiate a truce (the story was written to Lucy in GLC02437.00385). Claims that the...
GLC02437.00400
15 August 1776
Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he "will make a very family...
GLC02437.00419
7 January 1777
Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where...
GLC02437.00514
23 March 1777
to William Knox
Says that since William's happiness is important to him, he will not prevent his brother from joining the army once William has completed certain essential family business. Arranges for William to pick up his baggage from various spots in New...
GLC02437.00556
22 March 1782
Cutting, John Browne (fl. 1782-1797)
Thoughts on various topics of the day, including the ways people understand the war and military strategy; shifting American perceptions of the war, especially those of people in Massachusetts; financial problems and supply shortages; squabbles among...
GLC02437.01374
14 April 1782
Greene, Nathanael (1742-1786)
Written by Major General Greene to Major General Knox. References two letters from Knox. Congratulates him on the birth of his son. Asks how his godson is. In reference to the godchild says, "Such a set of responsers I believe never happened before...
GLC02437.01388
31 December 1782
Baron, Asa (fl. 1783)
[Three letters regarding the furlough of Seth Warren, requested so he can settle his father's estate]
Baron writes 31 December 1782 on behalf of the heirs of the estate of Samuel Warren, a "shaking quaker," to ask that Warren's eldest son, Seth, a soldier, receive a furlough to return to the estate to help settle his inheritance. On page two, in an...
GLC02437.01792
1 December 1787
Doughty, John (1754-1826)
Informs that he has debts in Jersey and is willing to have his pay applied to discharge the debt. Writes about the new constitution and the western territory, "I am much obliged to you for the new constitution & for the plan of Government for the...
GLC02437.03718
6 January 1789
Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794)
Written from Canton, present-day Guangzhou, China. Writes, "I love you too much to trouble you with a long tale of my disappointments. Randall has not yet arrived, nor do I know any thing of him since the 5 March at Madeira. Advantages which I had...
GLC02437.04075
4 February 1788
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de (1757-1834)
Lafayette anxiously awaits ratification results of the U.S. Constitution, discusses debates between himself, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and "Common Sense" [Thomas Paine] regarding the need for Constitutional amendments, and stresses the importance of...
GLC02437.04105
11 February 1790
to George Washington
Wishes Washington a happy birthday, "permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day." "I do not wish you long life as the greatest blessing, believing strongly the immortality of the mind, and that the next grade of...
GLC02437.04508
8 September 1791
Initialed by Knox. Thanks Washington for his sympathy regarding the death of his son. States "The arrow with [which we were] stricken is indeed barbed with the keenest anguish." Says that neither reason nor philosophy has had their proper effect.
GLC02437.05147
26 September 1791
Belcher, Andrew (1763-1841)
Writes, "It is often matter of great Regret... that it was out of my power to improve & to cultivate so much as I cou'd have wish'd, the Acquaintance I was honor'd with in your Family & to be recognized by Mrs. Knox as a near Relation." Introduces...
GLC02437.05169
26 April 1802
Tousard, Louis de (1749-1817)
Discusses his strained and tensed relationship with [Henry?] Dearborn. States, "Not being a Roman Catholic yourself, you cannot appreciate the feelings of a poor soul after having remained a long while in Purgatory, when the Angel comes to announce...
GLC02437.07728
December 23, 1776
Jay, John (1745-1829)
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
20 November 1816
Madison, James (1751-1836)
[Presidential pardon of a group of Quakers for refusing to bear arms in militia].
Countersigned by Secretary of State James Monroe. Intended for Joseph Hollingsworth, William Ellicott Jr. and Sr., Thomas Hartley, Levi Hartley, Samuel Hartley Jr., and Seneca Parry, who were arrested in Maryland. Partially filled out.
GLC00043.02
13 November 1816
Monroe, James (1758-1831)
to Thomas Rutter
Secretary of State Monroe asks the marshal of Maryland for details of the cases against Joseph Hollingsworth, William Ellicott Jr. and Sr., Thomas Hartley, Levi Hartley, Samuel Hartley Jr., Seneca Parry. These men were Quakers who had refused to...
GLC00043.06
[Transmittal letter for blank pardon form].
Possibly for a group of Quakers arrested for refusing to bear arms. Writing as secretary of state.
GLC00043.07
13 May 1892
Harrison, Benjamin (1833-1901)
Pardon of Truman O. Angell, convicted of bigamy.
Convicted of bigamy. Pardoned since he had forswore and avoided bigamy from April 1, 1885 and promised to uphold the laws of the U.S. against the unlawful practices of the Mormon Church. (c/s James G. Blaine)
GLC00045.35
10 August 1853
Pierce, Franklin (1804-1869)
to his brother
Writes that he is upset to hear what his brother has said about David L. Gregg, who was appointed Commissioner to the Sandwich Islands. Informs that this is the first he has heard about Gregg's Catholic sentiments and that it did not occur to him to...
GLC00152
15 February 1951
Truman, Harry S. (1884-1972)
to Lewis Strauss
Thanks him for his memoranda. Thinks it is crucially important to maintain good relations with Jewish, Catholic and Protestant world leaders, "As you know, I have been trying my best to organize the moral forces of the world..."
GLC00162.19
28 March 1859
Buchanan, James (1791-1868)
Pardon of the Steamboat "Terror" for violations of steamboat inspection laws [fraud].
Convicted of being in violation of steamboat inspection laws [fraud]. Pardoned because the crime was unintentional. The steamboat had been rented only as accommodation to a charitable, religious society for a trip down the Penobscot River at no cost...
GLC00173.06
21 February 1936
Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882-1945)
[Broadcast speech for Brotherhood Day]
Press release of Roosevelt's speech which he broadcasted on the evening of 23 February 1936, a day designated as Brotherhood Day by the National Conference of Jews and Christians. Notes that it cannot be released to newspapers until 8PM, 23 February...
GLC00196.04
1856
Stewart, James Augustus (1808-1879)
Speech of Hon. James A. Stewart, of Maryland, on African slavery, its status-- natural, moral, social, legal, and constitutional...
Title continues, "...and the origin, progress, present condition, and future destiny of the United States, considered in connection with African slavery as a part of its social system; with the bearings of that institution upon the interests of all...
GLC00267.004
27 May 1840
Society of Friends
Memorial of the Society of Friends in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, praying the adoption of measures for the suppression of the African slavetrade.
Message to Congress emphasizing the "horror and brutality of the middle passage." The memorial states that the trade is being "prosecuted to a greater extent, and in a manner more destructive to its victims, than it ever was before." 26 Congress...
GLC00267.036
1850
Gurley, Ralph Randolph (1797-1872)
Report of the Secretary of State communicating the report of the Rev. R. R. Gurley, who was recently sent out by the government...
(title continues)... to obtain information in respect to Liberia. Pamphlet bound as a book. With introductory note by Daniel Webster, Secretary of State 1850-1852. 31st Congress, 1st session, Senate Executive Document No. 75. Contains a...
GLC00267.054
14 May 1888
Stewart, William Morris (1827-1909)
[Claims of the state of Nevada]
Report submitted by William Stewart, Senator from Nevada and a member of the Committee on Military Affairs, to the Senate as a whole. Requests repayment of money spent during the Civil War by the territorial government of Nevada. Says most of the...
GLC00267.242
1861
Conway, Moncure Daniel (1832-1907)
The Rejected stone: or insurrection vs. resurrection in America. By a native of Virginia
Conway's authorship marked as "By a Native of Virginia." Published by Walker, Wise, and Company at 245 Washington Street. Printed by Welch, Bigelow, & Co. First edition. A plea for emancipation divided into 19 chapters. Original red printed...
GLC00267.248
1862
The Golden Hour.
Signed by Julia Piatt, 29 July 1862, Washington, D.C. Conway was an American author and preacher, and ardent abolitionist. He lectured in England during the Civil War in the interests of the North. The Golden Hour is a plea for the emancipation of...
GLC00267.249
18 April 1881
Garfield, James A. (James Abram) (1831-1881)
to Samuel J. Kirkwood
Writes to Secretary of the Interior Kirkwood to introduce Dr. Mark Hopkins, of Williamstown, Massachusetts, who "has been appointed by a number of the churches to represent their Indian affairs." Asks that Hopkins be interviewed. Indicates that...
GLC00637
5 April 1778
Washington, George (1732-1799)
to Thomas Wharton, Jr.
Forwards a letter from Mrs. Mary Pemberton to Wharton, President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. Pemberton had requested a passport for wagons with supplies for her husband, Israel Pemberton, and other Philadelphia Quakers exiled...
GLC00639.31
10 April 1861
Figures, Henry S. (fl. 1861 -1864)
to Ma
One letter addressed to Hattie E. Figures from Henry S. Figures dated April 10, 1861. Provides updates of his health and wellbeing. Asks for his siblings to write. Mentions that the capital may be relocated to Huntsville.
GLC00653.01.01
25 April 1861
to Pa
One letter from Henry S. Figures addressed to his father dated April 25, 1861. Mentions Catholic services and that he hadn't been invited to a wedding.
GLC00653.01.02
10 March 1863
One letter addressed to Hattie E. Figures from Henry S. Figures dated March 10, 1863. Mentions attending church, borrowing money to buy a gun and his ambrotype.
GLC00653.01.14
Circa 1861-1864
M.F.A. (fl. 1861-1864)
An Obitutary or tribute piece to Henry Stokes
He is described as a happy, healthy little boy who grew up attending Christian schools. He was ready to serve his country and said "If necessary, I am willing to die for it." First, he worked as a clerk and then begged permission to actually fight...
GLC00653.01.32
1 February 1864
Powell, George May (1835-1905)
to Emma C. Small
re: He expresses his belief in prayer, particularly that the will of God may happen. He has not received remuneration for his inventions, but has not lost hope that they will be found valuable in the future. His work with the hospitals, Young Men's...
GLC00687.009
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