Browse Items (581 total)

This envelope is addressed to George P. Davis, Esq. of Beloit, Wisconsin, with a Bloomington, Illinois, postmark. The bright yellow envelope is illustrated with a portrait of Abraham Lincoln engraved by Mendel. The stamp once affixed to the envelope…

John Todd Stuart writes to Mr. McGalliard on Stuart, Edwards, and Brown Law Firm stationary regarding a legal case.

Edwin M. Stanton writes to B.B. French requesting a name of a case he cannot recall because a previous memo containing that name cannot be found. A stationer's mark is located in the upper left corner.

William Joshua Allen writes to his mother about a visit he and two southern "fire-eaters" had with President-elect Lincoln. Allen mentions attempts of other southerners to assassinate Lincoln by sending him poisoned fruit.

Richard Townsend writes to a cousin predicting that the electorate will be disappointed in Lincoln and acknowledging that he had voted against him in the recent election.

Frank writes from Philadelphia to his brother about his prospects at work and offers his reaction to Lincoln's inauguration and subsequent celebration in Washington.

An engraved parchment document signed "Abraham Lincoln," and countersigned by Secretary of War Simon Cameron appoints John J. Sweet to the rank of second lieutenant in the second regiment of cavalry.

Abraham Lincoln asks Hiram Barney to see him so that he may "...make up the New York card better...." once they talk. Hiram Barney is a prominent New York attorney Lincoln would appoint as collector of the port of New York in April 1861 only to be…

This hand-written copy of President Lincoln's proclamation ordering the blockade of harbors in South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas opened the Civil War. On the reverse side of this manuscript is found the note…

Joseph Proctor writes to his brother John, about the state of Americans in England on the eve of the Civil War. Proctor is pro-Union. He informs his brother that the English government proposes a "strict new treaty" and will likely find "some…

Aide-de-camp Drake DeKay signs a pass through union lines for B.B. French incorporating an oath to the Union signed by French on the reverse side of the pass.

Abraham Lincoln writes a note regarding Theodore C. Dorsey's candidacy at West Point. Lincoln refers the request of Isabella Dorsey to appoint her sixteen year old brother as a cadet at West Point "when he shall be old enough."

President Abraham Lincoln requests U.S. Postmaster General Montgomery Blair the nomination of John Armstrong for postmaster at Springfield, Illinois. As an attorney, Lincoln once defended both Armstrong and his son Duff in the 1850's. Armstrong…

Future president Benjamin Harrison of Indianapolis,Indiana,writes to Albert G. Porter requesting a commission for his brother, Carter B. Harrison (later mayor of Chicago). Abraham Lincoln's endorsement of Harrison appears on the reverse side of this…

G.T. Wood and James A. Dawson understand that Congress will soon pass the house bill to reorganize the district court of Kentucky. They recommend to President Abraham Lincoln the name of Asher W. Graham of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as judge of the…

Ninian Edwards and his wife, Elizabeth, deed sixty acres in Logan County to Constant R. Oglesby for $600. Elizabeth Edwards is the sister of Mary Lincoln. Sangamon County Clerk Noah W. Matheny witnesses the signatures of Edwards and his wife.

Caleb Smith notifies B.B. French of his appointment by the President as Commissioner of Public Buildings and Grounds in the City of Washington.

Hannibal Hamlin informs B.B. French in a private letter that he has received and signed paperwork authorizing the increase of the police force. The letter is marked "Private."

A report of grades from Harvard College for the academic year 1860-1861 lists the marks for the freshman, sophomore, and junior classes with class rank penned beside each student name. Freshman Robert T. Lincoln is ranked #43 in his class of 56 with…

Mary Devlin Booth writes a ten page letter to actress Emma Cushman reporting on Edwin's opening as Shylock; discussing his reviews in great detail; giving her opinion of the English; mentioning the child she is expecting; and sharing news of the…

Edwin Booth pens a cheerful letter to James Lorimer Graham wishing Mrs. Graham a speedy recovery.

Abraham Lincoln writes B.B. French regarding Thomas Stackpole & Louis Bargdorf, watchmen at the White House.

Mary Lincoln invites B.B. French to a Thursday evening dinner at the White House that includes General Anderson, Mr. Holt, C.R. Smith, Henry Clay's son, Gov. Sprague, Mr. Shaw of Kentucky, Mr. Speed of Kentucky, B.B. French, Mary Lincoln, and the…

Colonel J.B. Turchin seeks the advice of General W.T. Sherman regarding a negro charged with murder who the local citizens of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, wish to remove from jail and, presumably, lynch.

The son of Edward D. Baker writes to President Lincoln requesting his transfer from the 4th U.S. Cavalry regiment to a regiment of volunteers being raised in Oregon. On the reverse side of the letter is Lincoln's note dated November 13, 1861,…