03 August 1865

Johnson, Andrew (1808-1875)

Document signed

Title: [Presidential pardon and authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of John Alsop of Spotsylvania for rebellion].

Alsop, took part of a rebellion against the government. He was granted full pardon and amnesty by President Andrew Johnson to all the offences he committed. Countersigned by the Secretary of State William H. Seward.

GLC01111

17 March 1863

Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865)

Printed document signed

Title: [Appointment of Godfrey Weitzel as Brigadier General of Volunteers]

Also signed by Edwin McMasters Stanton as Secretary of War, and by Edward Davis Townsend as Assistant Adjutant General. Townsend attests that this appointment is recorded in the Adjutant General's office. Serves as an official United States Presidential form for appointments, containing an image of an eagle at the top of the page and a knight's helmet, weapons, and musical instruments resting amongst several flags at the bottom of the page. Contains a blue War Office seal.

GLC01115

22 August 1879

Douglass, Frederick (1818-1895)

Autograph quotation signed

Title: [Douglass quotation on each citizen's right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness]

One note from Frederick Douglass dated August 22, 1879. Writes that the government owes every citizen equal opportunity to live and when it does not provide this service should be overthrown.

GLC01116

13 February 1776

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas Mumford, Groton, re: begging for gunpowder

Docketed. Containing the comment that gunpowder "will be of the utmost service to the cause of Liberty & America." Free franked "On the service of the United Colonies" (probably not GW's hand), but not signed.

GLC01117

10 June 1832

Calhoun, John C. (John Caldwell) (1782-1850)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to S.L. Gouverneur

Vice President Calhoun wrote this letter after his falling out with President Andrew Jackson over Jackson's pursuit of the Seminole Indians into Florida during the first Seminole War. Discusses the Seminole Affair and questions a recently published article that claims Jackson had invaded Florida on secret orders from President Monroe. Calhoun had disapproved of Jackson's actions and considers this a "wicked attempt top transfer the odium from where it ought to rest & to place it on the memory of Mr. Monroe."

GLC01118

15 June 1841

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Aspinwall

Introduces George Bishop to Aspinwall, United States Consul to London. Recommends Bishop, claiming that he "has invented a mode of making cloth without spinning and weaving." Informs Aspinwall that while in London, Bishop will attempt to gain a patent for his invention.

"Mr. George G. Bishop, a gentleman who has invented a mode of making cloth without spinning and weaving and recommended to me by several friends of highly respectable character, is going to London with a view to obtain a patent for his invention, and I beg leave to commend him to any kind of service which it may at your...

GLC01123

21 July 1801

Madison, James (1751-1836)

Letter signed

Title: to David Lenox

One letter addressed to David Lenox from James Madison (serving as Secretary of State at the time) dated July 21, 1801. Pertains to two seamen detained in British ships of war. The seamen are identified as Nathaniel Heard and David, a Black man enslaved by a merchant named Lowndes. Lowndes had written for special attention to be paid to the situation.

GLC01124

26 March 1862

Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865)

Printed document signed

Title: [Commission of Orville Babcock as a First Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers]

Partially printed form from an engraving signed by President Lincoln and countersigned by Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton. Note signed by Adjutant G. Thomas on top left corner indicating the commission was recorded on 27 March 1862 in "Volume 17. Page 70." Includes a blue seal intact. Orville Babcock was later U.S. Grant's aide.

GLC01128

08 December 1877

Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893)

Document signed

Title: [Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of Frank Doyle].

GLC01130.01

30 April 1877

Hayes, Rutherford Birchard (1822-1893)

Document signed

Title: [Presidential authority to the Secretary of State to affix the seal to the pardon of John Smith].

GLC01130.02