America Late 1800 Funny Letters Notes

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Abigail Adams letters, 1787-1815, undated

Abigail Adams, who served as the second First Lady of the United States, was the wife of President John Adams, and the mother of President John Quincy Adams. Correspondence between Abigail Adams and family and friends, including her uncle Cotton Tufts, and her son John Quincy Adams. The letters discuss matters relating to family, illness, personal finances and the running of a household, the U.S. Congress at Philadelphia, and American politics. One letter, signed, dated Boston, July 20, 1787, to Hon. Cotton Tufts, comments upon Shays' Rebellion.

Joshua B. Aldridge letters to Anthony Van Schaick, Esq., 1806

Two autograph letters, signed, from Joshua B. Aldridge to Anthony Van Schaick, Esq. of Albany, dated Ballston Spa, N.Y., August 23 and September 15, 1806, regarding the collection of a debt from one John Green. Both letters also bear notations "Sup. Court" and "[Plaintiffs] letter" on reverse. The note referred to in the first letter is not present.

Selected Papers of William Alexander, Lord Stirling, 1767-1782

Known as the "Republican Earl", William Alexander, "Lord Stirling", was born in 1726 in New York City. He served on the Provincial Councils of New York and New Jersey, and in 1775, joined the Whigs in rebellion against the Crown. In March 1776 Alexander was appointed brigadier general and took chief command of the defense of New York City. In 1777, he was promoted to major-general. He died in January 1783 of fever and gout. These selected papers, spanning the years 1767 to 1782 (with a gap between late December 1779 and June 1781), consist of correspondence sent and received, military orders and reports, and bulletins to the Continental Congress. The earliest documents relate Lord Stirling's early commercial dealings, but the bulk of the papers chronicle his activities during the American Revolution. Notable correspondents include most of the military and political leaders of the new state and national governments, as well as prominent merchants in New York and New Jersey.

Edward Annely letter to William Kempe, Esq., 1754

Autograph letter, signed, from Edward Annely, dated Philadelphia, August 22, 1754, to William Kempe, Esq. Annely requests Kempe's help and advice in both collecting a debt and in raising funds from a sale of stock in a copper mine on Annely's property. Annely refers to his estate in Whitestone, but not the state., Addressee may be William Kempe (d. 1759), Attorney General for the colony of New York from 1752-1759.

Susan B. Anthony letters, 1859-1888, undated

Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) was a key figure in the women's suffrage and abolitionist movements in the United States. Five of the letters concern speeches by Frederick Douglass, Theodore Tilton, Julia Ward Howe, and Mary L. Booth, as well as Anthony's own speaking engagements. Recipients include Theodore Tilton and Mary L. Booth. One letter is about remaking a dress. One letter is undated but is probably written by Anthony around November 1895, since it regards Elizabeth Cady Stanton's 80th birthday celebration at the Metropolitan Opera House, organized by Anthony and Mary Lowe Dickinson.

William Atlee letter to Joseph Nourse, 1777

Autograph letter, signed, from William Atlee, Deputy Commissoner of Prisoners, to Joseph Nourse, Deputy Secretary of the Board of War, dated Lancaster, August 23, 1777. Letter discusses the transfer of British and German prisoners to various locations throughout Pennsylvania, and supply and intelligence issues.

Christopher Bancker journals, 1718-1750.

New York City merchant Christopher Bancker's journal, May 11, 1718 to February 28, 1750, recording sales of general merchandise and accounts of business and personal transactions., Christopher Bancker (1695-1763) was a merchant in New York City.

Register of baptisms, marriages, communicants & funerals begun by Henry Barclay at Fort Hunter, January 26th 1734/5

Register of baptisms, marriages, communicants and funerals among the Mohawk Indians, including entries from January 26, 1734/5 through February 16, 1745/6. Rev. Henry Barclay was born in Albany. He graduated from Yale in 1734, and was appointed catechist to the Mohawks at Fort Hunter, N.Y. in 1736. He went to England in 1737, where he was ordained January 30, 1737/8 and sent back by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel as missionary in Albany and Fort Hunter. He reached Albany in April, 1738 and continued his work there and at Fort Hunter until October, 1746, when he was inducted rector of Trinity Church, New York. He died in 1764., New-York Historical Society

Bartram family letters, 1743-1796

Autograph letters from members of the Bartram family. Two letters, both by John Bartram (1699-1777), are of particular interest: the first to Cadwallader Colden, describing his recent expedition up the Susquehanna River; the second to William Bartram, which begins "Dear Billy, I have now a most grievous cough that teaseth me night and day yet I have sent thee six likely young negroes among which is [sic] two young breeding wenches..." John Bartram was a prominent botanist who established a successful garden in Kingsessing, Pa. and led numerous expeditions throughout the Eastern United States.

Stephen Bayard letters, 1728-1743

Four letters from Stephen Bayard to Gilbert Livingston of Kingston, N.Y., and one to Evert Wendell of Albany, dated New York between 1728 and 1743, before Bayard became mayor of the city. The correspondence is largely concerned with financial matters, especially debts Bayard wished to collect. One letter to Livingston is signed by both Stephen and Nicholas Bayard; another, dated December 6, 1731, mentions new governmental appointments in New York and New Jersey and praises a grand jury charge by James De Lancey., Stephen Bayard was the mayor of New York from 1744 to 1747.

Henry Bergh letters, 1866-1884

Henry Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and helped form both the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children and the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. This collection consists of seven letters by Henry Burgh, most concerning the A.S.P.C.A., or cases of animal cruelty. They are accompanied by one portrait engraving autographed by Burgh. Letter recipients include Orange County, N.Y. justice of the peace John Burt; New York state senator Augustus R. Elwood; the editor of the New York Tribune; actor Lester Wallack; and writer Henry Sedley. Of particular interest are two letters: the first, dated December 11, 1866, protesting the regular feeding of live animals to a snake at Barnums museum; and the second, dated November 7, 1881, requesting that Wallack find a position for "a beautiful young lady, of my acquaintance" at his new theater.

Sarah R. Blunt correspondence, March 4, 1862-July 24, 1865

Sarah R. Blunt (born in 1830 or 1831) was a Union nurse during the Civil War. Leaving her home and family in Brooklyn's third ward, Blunt aided soldiers at Point Lookout, Maryland, and Harper's Ferry, Virginia. This collection includes Sarah R. Blunt's letters to her mother, father, sisters, and cousin in Brooklyn, New York, written from hospitals in Point Lookout, Maryland and Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (March 4, 1862-July 24, 1865). She writes of her living conditions, duties, and the wounded soldiers.

William Oland Bourne left-handed penmanship papers, 1862-1868 (bulk 1865-1868)

The William Oland Bourne collection in the New-York Historical Society's Manuscripts Department includes correspondence, papers, broadsides, and unpublished manuscripts related to his work as a social reformer, editor and author in New York City during the 1850s and 60s. Through his publication, The Soldier's Friend, he sought to aid disabled soldiers by offering prizes to those who had lost their right arms in combat during the American Civil War and had learned to write with their left hands. It is the material relating to this enterprise that was selected from the collection for digitization. The selection includes letters, photographs and papers regarding the competition sponsored by Bourne's publication, The Soldier's Friend, for best specimens of left-handed penmanship by disabled soldiers., William Oland Bourne (1819-1901), social reformer, editor, and author in New York City. He was the editor of 'Soldiers Friend,' a publication hat advocated for the rehabilitation of soldiers who suffered injuries and trauma during the American Civil War. He lived and worked in New York City.

Martha Bradstreet papers, 1772-1868

Papers, 1774-1868, mainly consisting of correspondence and legal documents relating to Martha Bradsteets attempts to regain title to land in Utica (N.Y.), which was originally part of the property of General John Bradstreet, the stepfather of Bradstreet's father, Samuel. Title to the land became confused by a poorly drafted deed of sale to Peter Schuyler in 1793, and Martha Bradstreet's claim to the land was further complicated by the terms of the will of her aunt, Elizabeth Livius. Because Bradstreet married Matthew Codd in 1799 without the approval of Charles Morgan, the executor of the will, her share of the property reverted to her brother, Samuel Bradstreet. When Morgan approved the marriage in 1801, she found much of the land had been sold, and her litigation, in a case which was finally decided against her in 1831, was an attempt to cancel the sales and regain possession of the land. The correspondence contains some personal letters, but is mainly concerned with the case; the bulk of it dates from 1815. There are also wills, leases, powers of attorney, and other miscellaneous papers and bills.

James F. Brown papers, 1827-1866

James F. Brown (1793-1868) was the gardener of the Verplanck family at Mount Gulian, Fishkill, New York. Brown had been enslaved in Maryland before running away, and the Verplancks purchased his time after he was found by his enslaver. The collection consists of 8 diaries, 1829-1866, during which time Brown was gardener for the Verplanck family; 1 receipt book, 1832-1857, recording some personal and household expenses, although most entries are unspecified; and 1 memorandum book, 1827-1843. Entries in the diaries are brief, with little elaboration, and pertain to such matters as the weather, local deaths, his gardening activities, the passage of boats on the Hudson, etc. The diaries are not entirely chronological, as in several instances the entries for a year have been copied into a later volume.

Mary Guion Brown diary, 1800-1852 (bulk 1800-1808)

Diary kept by Mary Guion, of North Castle, New York, who married Samuel Brown in 1807. Beginning when she was 17, she records, in considerable detail, the personal and social life of a young girl in Westchester County, N.Y., including daily activities, her efforts to encourage or discourage some of her many suitors, often quoting their conversation in her entries, courting, visits to friends and relatives, local news, social events such as balls and spinning bees, and reflections on life and love. She frequently mentions various members of the Smith, Knapp, Lownsbury, Haight, Hobby, and Searles families. Entries become less frequent after 1808 and mainly concern significant events such as births and deaths.

Charlotte Browne diary, 1754-1757, 1763-1766

Charlotte Browne was matron of the general hospital in North America. Her diary, 1754-1757, describes a voyage from London to Virginia on board the ship London laden with hospital supplies as part of an expedition of thirteen transports, three ordnance ships, and two convoys carrying the 44th and 48th regiments to America. The diary includes accounts of Braddock's campaign in Virginia, Maryland, Philadelphia, and New York. At the end are some financial notes dated 1763 to 1766. This diary is probably a fair copy transcribed by Browne from her original notes and is bound in a flap binding of green stained vellum stamped in gold.

Crean Brush account books, 1765-1766

Two volumes of account books (30 and 48 p., respectively) belonging to Loyalist Crean Brush. First volume has had several pages removed., Crean Brush emigrated to New York from Ireland in 1762. From 1773-1775 he served in the New York legislature as a representative of the town of Wesminster, in what would later become Vermont, where he had accumulated extensive land holdings. During the Revolutionary War he served under British General Gage and was imprisoned by Revolutionary forces. Having lost his property, he committed suicide after the war ended.

James Buchanan draft of inaugural address, March 4, 1857

A manuscript copy, signed and with corrections in James Buchanan's hand, of his inaugural address at his swearing-in as the fifteenth president of the United States. Notorious as the president whose term immediately preceded the outbreak of the Civil War, Buchanan begins his presidency by attempting to address the sectional conflicts then brewing over slavery. Celebrating the role of popular sovereignty in easing tensions, Buchanan takes an optimistic approach that ensuing events would later prove incorrect., New-York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West, New York, NY 10024

William Burnet papers, 1720-1742 (bulk 1720-1729)

Three folders (62 items) of mostly official signed documents from Burnet's tenure as governor of New York and New Jersey, including land grants, warrants for letters patent, memorials, leases, receipts, bills, and lists of accounts. James Alexander is a frequent co-signer and correspondent, and the collection also includes several bonds from Alexander to Burnet for fairly large sums of money. A few later documents discuss the disposition of Burnet's estate., William Burnet served as governor of the colonies of New York and New Jersey from 1720-28, and as governor of the colony of Massachusetts from 1728-1729.

Autobiography of Luis de Carvajal the Younger, not after 1596.

Luis de Carvajal the Younger (1567?-December 8, 1596) was the nephew of Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva, the governor of León, Mexico. The Carvajals are the best known conversos ('New Christians') in colonial Mexico, largely owing to Luis the Younger's testimony at his trial before the Inquisition in 1595. He denounced more than 120 individuals as crypto-Jews—people who secretely practiced their old faith while publicly purporting to follow another faith—including members of his own family. He and many of his family were burned at the stake in 1596. These three documents bound together in one volume are believed to be the only extant writings by a Jew in Mexico during the Spanish colonial period. They include Carvajal's autobiography (written under the pseudonym Joseph Lumbroso), Maimonides's 13 principles of the faith, the Ten commandments, and a prayer manual drawn from the Old Testament. The volume is owned by the Archivo General de la Nación (Mexico). Exhibited: The First Jewish Americans: Freedom and Culture in the New World, New-York Historical Society, October 28, 2016-February 26, 2017. Translation: Cohen, Martin A. "The Autobiography of Luis De Carvajal, the Younger." American Jewish Historical Quarterly 55, no. 3 (1966): 277-318. http://www.jstor.org/stable/23875621 (accessed October 31, 2016)., Archivo General de la Nación (Mexico)

Salvator Cillis correspondence, 1917-1919

Salvator Cillis (September 5, 1892-February 17, 1966) was born in Potenza, Italy and immigrated to New York with his family in 1901. He worked as a sign painter at The Levy Company before being drafted for service in World War I attached to the 77th Division, 306th Infantry. This collection is composed of illustrated letters, postcards and envelopes produced by Cillis during this period (1917-1919). The correspondence covers his basic training at Camp Upton, Long Island before being sent to France and often invokes a sense of humor while discussing military life, with descriptions of the quality of food at Camp Upton, a snowball fight with other soldiers, everyday aspects of training, as well as his experiences abroad. Illustrations in pen and ink, and watercolor, depict fellow soldiers, and scenes from both Camp Upton and France. Cillis' letters are mainly to Morris Van Veen, William Chasin and Dorothy M. Harris, his coworkers at the Levy Company.

John Clarkson manuscripts, August 6, 1791-August 4, 1792

John Clarkson (1764-1828) was an English abolitionist, agent for the Sierra Leone Company, and lieutenant in the British Royal Navy. The collection consists of Clarkson's manuscripts, written in journal form, of his involvement with the settlement of free African-American loyalists from Nova Scotia to Sierra Leone, Africa. The loyalists had been evacuated from New York when the British pulled out at the end of the Revolutionary War and initially settled in Nova Scotia. Volume 1, entitled "Clarkson's Mission to America," covers August 6, 1791-March 18, 1792 as Clarkson arranged for the transportation of the settlers; it provides a detailed account of his activities in Nova Scotia, persons he met there, and the problems fitting out the ships. Volume 2, entitled "Clarksons Mission to Africa," covers March 19, 1792-August 4, 1792. Clarkson's account of the founding and first months of Free Town, Sierra Leone gives numerous details of the difficulties met, relations with the native population, attitudes of the Nova Scotia settlers, and supplies.

George Clinton (ca. 1686-1761) collection, 1744-1751

24 letters and one warrant signed by George Clinton (ca. 1686-1761) in his capacity as governor of New York between 1744 and 1751. The majority of the letters are written from New York, addressed to Major Jacob Glen, and discuss various issues relating to King Georges War, especially negotiations with the Indians for their support in the war and troop supply problems. A letter dated Fort George, New York, May 30, 1751, announces the death of the Prince of Wales to the Council and General Assembly; two others, dated October 7, 1746 and October 13, 1751, are addressed to two subsequent lieutenant-governors of Pennsylvania, George Thomas and James Hamilton. The warrant, dated July 24, 1746, authorizes Henry Holland to impress any carpenter or materials necessary to the building of ""battoes."", George Clinton (ca. 1686-1761) was a British naval officer and politician who served as colonial governor of New York from 1743 to 1753.

John Coffin drafts of statements to the Court of Inquiry, 1783

Drafts of Major John Coffin's statements in reply to the defense of Lieutenant-Colonel George Campbell at Campbell's court martial. Major John Coffin and Lieutenant-Colonel George Campbell both served in the loyalist Kings American Regiment during the Revolutionary War. Campbell was very unpopular among his fellow officers in the regiment, and was court martialed in the summer of 1783. Among the charges levelled against him was unfair treatment of fellow officer Abraham de Peyster, who Campbell had had arrested and tried on a variety of charges earlier that year. (De Peyster was acquitted.) The court suspended Campbell without pay for six months. The enmity between Coffin and Campbell continued after the sentencing, with Coffin allegedly challenging Campbell to a duel and posting infammatory writings about Campbell in public places. Eventually the two did exchange shots with pistols, each wounding the other, but neither man was killed. Later that year Coffin moved with his family to Canada, where he spent the rest of his life.

Collins family letters, 1862-1863

66 autograph letters, signed, between James B. Collins and his brother Joseph T. Collins, their parents John W. and Mary Anne Collins, and a handful of friends and relatives, all dated between February 4, 1862 and July 9, 1863. The bulk of the letters from the front are written by James B. Collins. Also includes a manuscript copy of lyrics to a song entitled "Song of the Louisiana Lowlands." James B. and Joseph T. Collins of New York City enlisted in the U.S. Navy in August of 1862. They were first assigned to the U.S.S. Monticello, and then transferred to the U.S.S. Commodore Barney. Before being assigned to the Barney, among other experiences they witnessed the destruction of the ironclad U.S.S. Monitor off Cape Hatteras on December 31, 1862. Joseph Collins was killed on the Barney during the Battle of Suffolk on April 14, 1863; James survived the battle but lost an arm in the same explosion that killed his brother. James B. Collins was honorably discharged on July 16, 1863 and returned to New York. He became an Internal Revenue officer for the First District of New York City in 1872.

Crooke family papers, 1737-1804 (bulk 1737-1750)

Twenty-four letters and financial accounts created by members of the Crooke family, originally of Ulster County, N.Y. Collection includes six documents pertaining to the disposal of the estate of Charles Crooke, Jr., dated 1753-1767; one autograph letter, signed, from John Crooke to Martin S. Wilkins, dated Rhinebeck, July 27, 1807; twelve autograph letters, signed, of an official nature from John Crooke Jr. to Henry Livingston, then clerk of neighboring Dutchess county, ranging in dare from 1737-1750; three personal autograph letters, signed, from William Crooke to Peter E. Elmendorf, all dated Raritan, ranging from 1784-1790; two undated autograph letters, signed, from Rebecca Wickham Crooke to cousins Peter E. Elmendorf and a Mrs. Bleecker (probably Catherine Elmendorf Bleecker, b. 1747)-- the latter is a letter of introduction for Mrs. Jeremiah Reynolds., John Crooke, Jr. served as clerk of Ulster county from 1746-1759. Other members of the Crooke family were also prominent in Ulster county politics, especially in the town of Kingston. Robert Crooke (1717-1802) moved to Rhode Island, married Ann Wickham, and had a daughter, Rebecca Wickham Crooke.

Alexander Jackson Davis collection,1837-1888

Correspondence, drafts of essays and speeches, drawings, and autobiographical writings of Alexander Jackson Davis, a successful New York City architect. Includes letters to Davis and miscellaneous papers, 1835-1859, chiefly about building residences. The correspondents include Francis H. Smith of the Virginia Military Institute, Joel Rathbone, W.J. Rotch, and H.K. Harral. The collection also includes numerous examples of autobiographical writing, and notes and essays on the philosophy of architecture, all in draft form, many scribbled in pencil on the backs of advertisements or old letters.

Mahlon Day's Journal of a voyage among the West India Islands, November 11, 1839-April 20, 1840

Mahlon Day (1790-1854) was a Quaker, publisher of children's books, printer, and bookseller in New York City. This is a contemporary copy of a diary kept by Day while on a tour of the West Indies (November 1839-April 1840) in the company of Joseph John Gurney, the English Quaker philanthropist, minister, and writer. In most of the places they visited, they did considerable sightseeing, held religious services for all faiths, and were entertained by many residents. They were particularly interested in education, religion, and the condition of the Black population, especially on the free islands as compared to those that still permitted slavery. Day also includes many rhymes composed by Gurney to commemorate particular occasions. Persons whom they visited include Sir W.M.B.G. Colebrooke and Nathaniel Gilbert of Antigua, and John and Maria Candler of Jamaica.

Charles Willoughby Dayton diaries, 1863-1865

The diaries of Charles Willoughby Dayton (1846-1910) date from 1863 to 1865 and contain entries about the weather and war news. He writes negatively about African Americans, African American soldiers, the Emancipation Proclamation, and Abraham Lincoln. He also mentions the New York Draft Riots and his fear of being killed by the mobs. Other events and topics noted by Dayton include the marriage of Tom Thumb, the death of Edwin Booth's wife, Mary Booth (ne Devlin), the New York Sanitary Fair of 1864, and the campaign leading up to the presidential election of 1864 (Dayton was a supporter of George McClellan, and makes many entries concerning the campaign and his fears that Lincoln will be re-elected). The Charles Willoughby Dayton papers were donated to the New-York Historical Society by William Charles Willoughby Dayton Denby III, and the diaries were digitized thanks to his generosity.

Charles John Michael De Wolf correspondence with Gouverneur Morris, 1790-1809

Letters, some in French, from C.J.M. De Wolf, a banker in Antwerp, Belgium, or, after 1806, his wife, to Gouverneur Morris concerning financial matters such as loans for the U.S., economic conditions in the U.S. and Europe and De Wolf's speculations involving 440,000 acres of land in northern New York State. Frequently mentiond are Phyn, Ellis & Inglis, William Constable & Co., William Short and Le Ray de Chaumont.

Duane family cookbooks, 1840-1874

Six volumes of recipes, dated 1840-1874, accompanied by twenty-eight loose recipes (most undated), a letter to Eliza Duane from her cousin Kate, and a handwritten song to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." Eliza Duane, and is dated November 28, 1843, another is identified as belonging to Mrs. Mary Wells (undated), and still another was given by S.T. Bagg to Fanny T. Wells, and is dated December 25, 1857; the remaining three volumes most likely belonged to these women or other members of the Wells or Duane families. The cookbooks and accompanying loose sheets contain recipes for various cakes (including "Jenny Lind Cake" and "Election Cake"), preserves, puddings, desserts and soups, as well as directions for pickling (including "Pickled Oysters") and curing of various meats and other foods. One of the loose sheets also has a medicinal recipe for the treatment of cholera ("Cholera Mixture")., Six volumes of recipes (circa 378 pages) and thirty loose items.

Duane family papers, 1665-1916 (bulk 1756-1900)

This collection contains papers relating to the Duane family and associated families. The bulk of the collection concerns the papers of James Duane, a prominent New York lawyer, patriot, and land developer. James Duane (1733-1797) became the ward of Robert Livingston after his father's death around 1734 and married Livingston's daughter Mary in 1759. He made a number of profitable real estate investments and was a prominent lawyer by the time of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Revolutionary Committee of New York, the Continental Congress, one of the signers of the Articles of Confederation, a member of the Constitutional Convention, a U.S. District judge from 1789 to 1794, and mayor of the city of New York from 1794 to 1789.

Letters to Thomas J. Durant, 1869-1879

Nine letters from various correspondents to Thomas Jefferson Durant, a lawyer and Louisiana state senator, and one of the few prominent Southerners who supported the Union during the Civil War. After the war he practiced in Washington D.C.

William Pitt Fessenden correspondence, 1839-1888 (bulk 1858-1869)

Correspondence of William Pitt Fesssenden, and his sons Francis Fessenden and James Deering Fessenden. The majority of letters are addressed to William Pitt Fessenden on financial and political matters, but a few are private; several letters are addressed to Francis Fessenden, including one from William Pitt Fessenden. A handful are addressed to James Fessenden. Four letters (J.C. Ropes to P.W. Chandler,1868; Joshua C. Stone to A.J.C. Sowdon, 1868; Charles Allen to A.J.C. Sowdon, 1868; and William Paine to J.A. Deblars, undated) are not addressed to any member of the Fessenden family, but mention William Pitt Fessenden or one of his sons., William Pitt Fesssenden was a U.S. senator from Maine (1854-1864, 1865-1869) and Secretary of the Treasury during the Civil War (1864-1865). His sons, General Francis and Brigadier General James Deering Fessenden were both lawyers active in Maine politics and served in the Civil War.

Joseph Goodwin diary, 1820-1827

Joseph Goodwin was a plantation manager in Cuba originally from Hudson, N.Y. This diary was presumably kept by Goodwin, although it may have been kept by his brother. After leaving home in Hudson, N.Y., Goodwin worked for Gen. George De Wolf, first in Bristol, Rhode Island for a few months and then on De Wolf's plantations near Matanzas, Cuba as a manager or overseer. The plantations grew mainly coffee, although other crops are mentioned. The crops were worked by enslaved labor. The diary entries are mainly routine and record weather, plantation activities, people met, and local news. They often mention George and William De Wolf. While in Cuba, Goodwin stayed first at the home of John Line and later at the plantations Buena Esperanza and Arca de Noe. Some pages of the diary are missing.

Ebenezer Gray collection, 1777-1844 (bulk 1777-1786)

Letters, certificates, land grants and military orders pertaining to the life of Ebenezer Gray of Connecticut. Items include Grays commissions as major (dated 1777, signed by John Hancock) and lieutenant-colonel in the Sixth Connecticut Regiment (1778, signed by John Jay); eight letters from various officers discussing military matters; Grays membership certificate in the Society of the Cincinnati, signed by George Washington; and a land grant to Grays three children, signed by Thomas Jefferson. Two items dated 1841 and 1844 relate to the discovery of Grays powder horn in Germantown, which was lost in battle, and arrangements to return it to his family., Ebenezer Gray of Windham, Connecticut served as a Lieutenant Colonel in the American Revolution.

Horace Greeley collection, 1840-1872

Letters, notes, a printed circular, and one receipt pertaining to the life and activites of Horace Greeley, dated from 1840 to 1872. Nearly all letters are written by Greeley; recipents include Thurlow Weed, Henry Clay, Roscoe Conkling, Andrew Johnson, Hamilton Fish, and Joshua R. Giddings. Receipt is for a subscription to Greeleys Whig newsletter ""Log Cabin,"" signed by Greeley., Horace Greeley (February 3, 1811-November 29, 1872) was an American politician and newspaper editor.

John Greenwood music book, circa 1780

Manuscript book of music given to Greenwood by a British fife-major, probably after 1780. According to 'Early American Secular Music and Its European Sources, 15891839: An Index' (http://www.colonialdancing.org/Easmes/Biblio/B018536.htm, viewed August 6, 2012), the music is probably for German flute or violin, and it is a leisure collection for a gentleman and not music for use in the military as some sources suggest. The volume contains 87 numbered leaves. Leaves 18 and 24 are blank, and leaves 76-77 and 82-86 are lacking. Approximately 80 tunes are in the volume as well as biographical and historical notes added to the final leaves in the 19th and 20th centuries., Fife-major, 15th Massachusetts Regiment; he later became a dentist in New York City. Gift of Mary M. Greenwood and Eliza R. Greenwood, Dec. 7, 1942.

Jupiter Hammon poem on Anne Hutchinson, 1770

Untitled poem attributed to Jupiter Hammon (1711-circa 1806), a Black man enslaved by the Lloyd family, proprietors of the Manor of Queens Village in what is now the Village of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y. It was composed as a tribute to Anne Hutchinson, who was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony for challenging the authority of Puritan ministers. The poem is part of the Townsend family papers, and was written down by Phebe Townsend, youngest of Robert Townsend's three sisters. The Townsends interacted with the Lloyd family. Inscribed at the foot of page [3]: "Compos[e]d by Jupiter Hammon, A Negro Belonging to Mr. Joseph Lloyd of Q[u]eens Villiage [sic] on Long Island. August the 10th 1770. Phebe Townsend."

Henry Hart papers, 1782-1793

Letter, promissory notes, and accounts relative Henry Hart of Kingsbury, N.Y., and the administration of his estate. Account of Hamilton McCollister lists numerous people with claims to Harts estate.

John Jay's In relation to foreign nations, circa 1788

Draft in John Jay's hand of Federalist Number 64, originally published on March 5, 1788 in the Independent Journal. It bore the number 63 in the newspaper version, but was renumbered 64 in the first collected edition, published 22 March 1788. Comparison with the published version shows little change in the substance of the argument for the constitutional provisions for senatorial approval of treaties. Changes in organization and wording are substantial. Jay's draft speaks of "the Convention" making certain provisions while the published essay substitutes "the Constitution." Jay's justification of the election of Senators by state legislatures is omitted in the final, published paper. In answering objections to making treaties the supreme law of the land, Jay, in his draft, cites examples of British constitutional law; in his published version, the citations refer to colonial and state practice. Jay's concluding paragraph asking for a fair trial for a constitutional plan with theoretical merits is omitted in the published essay.

John Lansing notebooks, 1787

Two autograph notebooks (1787 May 25-June 16 and 1787 June 18-July 10), containing John Lansing's notes taken during the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Some contents include: transcriptions of various committee reports, including a transcription of Alexander Hamilton's plan ('Colonel Hamilton's System'); the text of Elbridge Gerry's committee report of July 5 1787; and a three-page list of the delegates of the convention arranged by state (excluding New Hampshire, since their delegates arrived after Lansing had left Philadelphia)., John Lansing, delegate to the Constitutional Convention from New York, was born in Albany on January 30th, 1754. He was admitted to the bar in 1775, but temporarily suspended his practice to serve as aide-de-camp to General Philip Schuyler in 1776 and 1777. Beginning in 1780, Lansing served his first of six terms in the New York State Assembly, where he would be elected speaker twice. He was a member of Congress under the Articles of Confederation from 1785 to 1786, at which point he was chosen to be mayor of Albany. In 1790, he was appointed to the New York State Supreme Court, and became Chief Justice in 1798. In 1801, he was made Chancellor of New York State, a position he held until his retirement in 1814. Upon retiring, Lansing returned to practicing law, and made an unsuccessful attempt to return to the New York State Assembly, running and losing in 1824. He nonetheless kept busy, becoming involved with Columbia College and the State University of New York (where he was named a regent), and spending a great deal of time managing his land holdings, which were nearly 40,000 acres. Lansing disappeared one evening in December of 1829, while he was in New York City for some meetings at Columbia College. Lansing was last seen walking from his hotel to the dock at Cortlandt Street to mail some letters; he never returned and was never heard from again.

Abraham Lincoln manuscripts, 1858-1865

Drawn from several manuscript collections at the New-York Historical Society, Abraham Lincoln drafted, signed, endorsed, or received the 192 documents presented in this digital collection during his presidency. They range from correspondence with his Secretary of War, Edwin M. Stanton, to proclamations and other official documents signed by Lincoln, to letters, telegrams, and petitions received by him from government officials, military leaders, and ordinary citizens. These documents reveal Lincoln's eloquence and his deep engagement in the affairs of state as he writes, comments, signs off, and makes decisions on numerous issues relating to war, politics, and government. Together they provide unique insights into the arduous role of the presidency as Lincoln guided the nation through its most difficult time.

Petition of Citizens of New York to Abraham Lincoln, undated [circa 1862]

Undated petition, probably circa 1862, to United States President Abraham Lincoln from citizens of New York requesting that the governor of New York be authorized to raise a number of regiments composed wholly or partly of African American troops, including the signatures and addresses of petitioners. In scroll form, approximately 25 feet long., Mss Collection - BV Petitions, New-York Historical Society

Edward Yorke McCauley diary, 1853-1854

Edward Yorke McCauley's illustrated diary, from February 13th, 1853-June 10th, 1854, of his time aboard the USS Powhatan during its visit to Japan under Commodore Matthew Perry. Contains McCauley's written observations, as well as over 50 illustrations.

William Morris tune-book, 1776-1777

Tunebook of musician William Morris of Captain Tucker's Company, New Jersey's First Regiment, Hunterdon County, dated 1776-1777. Volume contains approximately fifty patriotic and martial tunes including "Liberty Song," "American Artillery," "Quick Step Bunker Hill," "The Basket of Oysters," and "The Wild Irish Man." Some tunes are entered twice. Four staves printed on each page; music and titles in manuscript. Inscription on the inside of front cover reads: "William Morris, First Regiment, Hunterdon [Co., N.J.], 1776, 1777.", Musician in the Continental Army; served in Captain William Tucker's Company, First Regiment, Hunterdon County Militia, New Jersey.

Solomon Nash diary, January 1776-January 1777

Diary kept by Solomon Nash from January 1776-January 1777, while serving in Captain Jotham Drury's artillery company in Massachusetts and New York. Nash writes of his daily routine in the army and his experiences in the Boston and New York areas. He mentions such events as engagements with the British, the evacuation of Long Island, the plot against General Washington, destruction of the statue of King George, and activities of the artillery on Governor's Island, as well as actions of British ships, desertions, and fatalities. Solomon Nash was a Revolutionary War soldier from Abington, Massachusetts.

John Pintard Journal of studies, 1797-1804

John Pintard (1759-1844), of New York, was a merchant, philanthropist and founder of the New-York Historical Society. Despite amassing a considerable fortune, he was briefly imprisoned in Newark, NJ for debts incurred during the financial panic of 1792. His extensive "Journal of Studies" (1797-1802) begins shortly before his imprisonment in 1797, and continues after his release thirteen months later, complementing a number of diaries and journals found in Pintard's personal papers. Initially, the journal is a record of intellectual pursuits, specifically documenting his voracious reading habits, but other activities as well such as languages he is studying (e.g., Hebrew, Italian and Spanish). Also included are notes kept on occurrences at the debtors prison a highlight of which is a description of a prisoner's escape and subsequent capture. His reading tastes are broad, including noted works in the following: classics, law, poetry, plays, novels and philosophy. Around 1800, the journal evolves into a more traditional diary, with less regular details of his reading, giving brief daily entries commingling personal experiences and public events. Among myriad topics and information recorded are politics, deaths and birthdays, business activities, travel (Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, Havana, New Orleans), weather and nature observations, and daily miles walked.

Joseph Reed and Esther De Berdt Reed papers, 1757-1874

Joseph Reed (1741-1785) was a lawyer, Revolutionary War soldier, and statesman born in Trenton, New Jersey. His wife, Esther De Berdt (1747-1780), organized aid for the Continental Army during the Revolution and was born in London, England. The collection consists of letters and documents that pertain to such matters as colonial politics; trade between England and America; De Berdt family affairs; Joseph's pre-Revolution law practice; relations between Great Britain and the colonies; the supply of the Revolutionary Army; Joseph's activities in the Continental Army and as a member of Continental Congress; his work as president of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania from 1778-1781; and lists of donations raised by the ladies of Philadelphia for the benefit of the soldiers of the American Army collected under the leadership of Esther in 1780.

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Source: https://digitalcollections.nyhistory.org/islandora/object/islandora%3A99325

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