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Broadus R. Littlejohn, Jr. Manuscript and Ephemera Collection

Broadus R. Littlejohn, Jr. (1925 - 2010), Spartanburg native, businessman, and philanthropist, collected the manuscripts shown here. These manuscripts are a portion of Mr. Littlejohn's personal collection, which also includes archival collections, ephemera, textiles, and objects. The collection has been housed in the Wofford College library since 2007, and and in 2011 the library accepted the generous donation of the whole of Mr. Littlejohn's collection.

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Dolley Madison, wife of James Madison, letter to President Andrew Jackson about the death of her husband, founding father and former President James Madison. Dated September 2, 1836.

Dolley Madison

The notes penciled in the margins of the manuscript (apparently written by Allen C. Clark) indicate that this is the final draft of this letter to Andrew Jackson upon the death of her husband.
Land grant certificate for 40 acres Indiana, signed by Martin Van Buren (as President of U.S.). March 15, 1837.

Martin Van Buren President

Land grant certificate for 40 acres in or near Vincennes, Indiana, granted to one Henry Sipes of Monroe County, Indiana; signed by President Martin Van Buren. March 15, 1837.
Land grant for 160 acres in Lima, Ohio, granted by President Martin Van Buren, 1837.

Martin Van Buren and David Thatcher

David Thatcher, of Montgomery County, Ohio is granted 160 acres in Lima, Ohio. Granted by President Van Buren and signed by his delegate for him, 21 August 1837. On parchment, with Seal of the General Land Office adhered.
J. R. Poinsett letter to Hugh Swinton Legare, dated October 10, 1837.

Joel Roberts Poinsett

J. R. Poinsett writes to H. S. Legare requesting to speak with him about a current discussion topic before presenting his speech. Dated October 10, 1837.
Certificate authenticating the original appointment of B.H. Saxon as Secretary of State of South Carolina, signed by Pierce M. Butler, governor, and B.H. Saxon. Dated November 4, 1837, Columbia, S.C.

Pierce Mason Butler

The appointment of B.H. Saxon as the Secretary of State of South Carolina is certified by this document. Signed by Pierce M. Butler and B.H. Saxon. 1837.
Honorable discharge of Mitchell George signed by Barnard Bee (Sr.), Republic of Texas form, May, 1836.

Barnard Elliott Bee Secretary of War

Honorable discharge of Mitchell George from the Republic of Texas army under Captain Snively. May 1836. Signed by Barnard Bee (Sr.)
J.R. Poinsett letter discussing views on the Cherokee Treaty, dated May 29 1838.

Joel Roberts Poinsett

J. R. Poinsett responds to a letter in interest of the success of his views in relation to the Cherokee Treaty. Dated May 29 1838.
Receipt for 2 barrels of coal and their drayage, signed by Robert E. Lee, 1838.

Robert Edward Lee

Receipt for 2 barrels of coal for use by Blacksmith during the building of the harbor in St. Louis. This document is 'for the improvement of the Mississippi River above the Mouth of the Ohio,' signed by Robert E. Lee, 18 June 1838.
Letter from Hugh S. Legare to his daughter, Charlottesville, Virginia, August 6, 1838.

Hugh Swinton Legare

Legare writes to his daughter about his travels through Washington, Baltimore and then Virginia, noting "this country is very beautiful." He also mentions some political matters, including the President and John C. Calhoun.
Receipt and fragment, signed by Robert E. Lee, circa 1838, with receipt indicating cost itemized applied to a public works project on the Mississippi River at St. Louis.

Robert Edward Lee

Document of receipt signed by Robert E. Lee to certify Steamboat Ariel to freight on 2 buoys for $320, for the improvement of the Mississippi River above the mouth of the Ohio, signed September 10, 1838.
Diplomatic letter of introduction for James Chesnut of Camden, S.C. Written by John Forsyth, Secretary of State, 1839.

John Forsyth

Diplomatic letter of introduction for James Chesnut of Camden, S.C. "to the respective diplomatic agents of United States in Europe," written and signed by John Forsyth, U.S. Secretary of State, in compliance with a request from the Secretary of War Joel Poinsett (also from S.C.). 1839.
Letter of recommendation to James Kirke Paulding regarding James Shepard Thornton, signed by members of the U.S. Congressional delegation from New Hampshire. 1840.

Henry Hubbard Senator, Franklin W. Pierce Senator, Charles Gordon Atherton Congressman, and Jared W. Williams Congressman

Letter of recommendation to the Secretary of the Navy, James Krike Paulding, regarding James Shepard Thornton of New Hampshire for the position of Midshipman, signed by members of the US Senate and House of Representatives from New Hampshire: Henry Hubbard, Franklin W. Pierce, C. G. Artherton, Jared W Williams, Ira A Eastman, Edward W Burke, and Tristham Shaw, 1840.
Letter from Beverley Tucker to his sister, Brooke, dated January 14, 1843.

Nathaniel Beverley Tucker

Nathaniel Beverley Tucker, an American author, legal scholar, and political essayist, writes to his sister Brooke, discussing his debt and loans from the bank, dated July 14th, 1843.
J. R. Poinsett letter to Thomas Dunlap, the President of the Bank of the United States, dated July 25, 1840

Joel Roberts Poinsett

Joel R. Poinsett writes to Thomas Dunlap, the President of the Bank of the United States, introducing Mr. Offley to him to confer with while in Philadelphia. Dated July 25, 1840.
Letter from Jane Pierce, wife of Franklin Pierce, to her mother regarding family and social affairs. November 1840.

Jane Means Pierce

Jane Pierce writes to her mother from Concord, New Hampshire, November 24, 1840. She notes the absence of Franklin Pierce from her home, the health, weight, and activities of infant Frank, domestic details regarding care for her home, and some social interactions.
Liquor License, Barnwell District, South Carolina, August 21, 1841.

Barnwell District, South Carolina

In which the licensee, William Robertson Jr., swears to not "sell give exchange barter" liquor to any enslaved persons. Signed by C.A. Scott.
Warrant for arrest. Charge: assault and battery on Julia, an enslaved woman. 1841, Washington County, Tennessee.

Justice of the Peace, Washington County, Tennessee

The justice of the peace for Washington County, Tennessee instructs the sheriff to detain an individual for the "assault and battery on the body of Julia a Female Slave the property of Alexander Nelson now in the employment of Henry C. Stephenson." October 28, 1841.
Louisa Catherine Johnson Adams poem "to Thomas," 1842.

Louisa Catherine Adams

Louisa Catherine Adams was the wife of John Quincy Adams. She was the first lady from 1825-1829, and she was the only first lady to be born outside the U.S. Adams writes this poem to Thomas, stating "your presence eased the lab'ring thought/the note aside was laid/ Before, with kind expression fraught/my compliment was paid." Dated January 25, 1842.
Robert E. Lee letter to Captain J.K.H. Mansfield of Fort Pulaski regarding a matter published in a circular to the Army Corps of Engineers. Fort Hamilton, N.Y., February 25, 1842.

Robert Edward Lee

Robert E. Lee writes from Fort Hamilton to Captain J.K.H. Mansfield of the Corps of Engineers at Fort Pulaski to discuss the object of a publication presented to the Circular in the Corps December 27, 1841. He states he had could claim no merit in its origin and was to promote its success, dated February 25, 1842, Fort Hamilton, N.Y.
Edward Doubleday letter in which he informs his correspondent of his intent to remain in Key West another year. He also asks for money. 1843.

Edward Doubleday

Edward Doubleday was an English entomologist. Here he informs his correspondent of his intent to remain in Key West for another year and asks if a bank can accomodate him with $1000. He further notes the abundance of mosquitoes in Key West.
John Van Buren requests an issue of the "Democratic record" be sent to him at Kingston, N.Y. November 13, 1843.

John Van Buren

John Van Buren writes to J. and H.G. Langley to ask that his November issue of the "Democratic record" be forwarded to him in Kingston. Kingston, New York. Dated November 13th, 1843.
Letter to Andrew H. Foote aboard the USS Cumberland, from Chaplain Charles Samuel Stewart, writing from New York, dated November 23, 1843.

Charles Samuel Stewart

Andrew Hull Foote is known for his naval service and contribution to reforms in the US Navy. At the time of this letter, it appears that Foote was on a Mediterranean cruise aboard the USS Cumberland. Chaplain Charles S. Stewart writes to Foote from New York to encourage his prospect and promise for moral and spiritual good upon the USS Cumberland.
John B. Magruder letter to John Earle & Co.

John Bankhead Magruder

Magruder, travelling under orders fromt he U.S. Army, in 1844, requests Earle "send up my clothes if possible tonight" as he must leave the following morning for Providence.
Patrick Calhoun Letter to his father John C. Calhoun, from Iowa Territory, June 29, 1844.

Patrick Calhoun 2nd lieutenant

Letter from Patrick Calhoun at Fort Madison to his father John C. Calhoun. 24 July, 1844
Letter from John C. Calhoun requesting Robert Oliver Gibbes be listed as an applicant for Midshipman, December 3, 1844.

John C. Calhoun

John C. Calhoun, at the time of writing U.S.Secretary of State, requests that Robert Oliver Gibbes, the son of a "highly respectable citizen of Carolina," be listed as an applicant for Midshipman. Dated December 3, 1844.