American Historical Ephemera & Photography

Washington’s Farewell Address, 17-1/2 x 22 in. At top in the decorative border is “Save the Union.” During the Civil War Maryland remained neutral, having both pro-Union and pro-Confederate factions at work. (and this was essential, given its border with the District of Columbia. Washington could not have functioned if Maryland joined the Confederacy, since they already had Virginia on one side.)  In Hagerstown, the Herald of Freedom was published between 1848-1851; the Torch Light between 1850 and 1851; these merged to become the Herald of Freedom and Torch Light, 1851-1863. This paper was pro-Union (though not necessarily anti-slavery). Their primary rival was the Hagerstown Mail, which supported Confederate causes.

According to ushistory.org, “Washington’s Farewell Address has long been recognized as a towering statement of American political purpose….” Reprinting it as war was erupting would have reinforced this idea. 

Senate.gov notes that Feb. 22, 1862, a tradition began of reading the Farewell Address every year on Washington’s birthday. “Washington warned that the forces of geographical sectionalism, political factionalism, and the interference by foreign powers… threatened the stability of the Republic. He urged Americans to subordinate sectional jealousies to common national interests.” And the senators selected to read the address each year sign the Senate notebook. Many also comment on the need to be reminded of these principles when they sign. 

While we cannot find any reference to the reason the Herald of Freedom decided to reprint this speech, it is clearly associated with the Civil War and may have been triggered by the Senate reading. (folds, scattered browning) 

Certificate from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stating that one Jonathan golden is entitled to two hundred and twenty four dollars under “An Act to authorize the liquidation of damages sustained by citizens of Pennsylvania during the late rebellion.” Signed by J.F. [John] Hartranft (Governor and former Civil War General, and the one who gave the signal to hang the four Lincoln assassination conspirators). Also signed by Harrison alley (Auditor General) and R.W. [Robert] Mackey (Treasurer).

Partially printed DS, 1 Jan. 1872. Vignette of William Penn and native Americans at top, Hartranft in uniform at bottom. Blind-stamp of the State at bottom.

Partially printed DS, “Extract from the Proceedings of the Supreme Court for the District of Columbia, holding a Special Term, on Saturday, the 17th day of September, A.D. 1870.” Manuscript decision re: the estate of Mahlon Falconer (1805 – 1870). “Ordered that the Executor of Mahlon Falconer, deceased, sell by public auction all or any part of the Personal Estate of said deceased first giving at least three days notice of the time, place and terms of sale by advertisement in the Evening Star and shall sell the land for cash.” Signed A. Webster, Register of Wills.

Invitation to the Opening Ceremonies of the International Exhibition of 1877. To Prof. Saml. Jackson and Lady, Philadelphia. April 2nd, 1877. 

Partial letter, Saml. Hood to Isaac Graham, Ireland. Philadelphia, 28 Nov. 1836. Content seems mostly personal.