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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) to William Wirt

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08279.01 Author/Creator: Adams, John Quincy (1767-1848) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 05 July 1828 Pagination: Order a Copy

Asking for comments on Georgia's claims pursuant to an 1802 federal agreement that extinguished Indian titles within the state's boundaries. The letter anticipates the events leading up to the 1829 Georgia-Cherokee Crisis; the Supreme Court case Worcester v. Georgia, which found in favor of the Indians, thus limiting states' rights; and eventual removal of the Cherokees via the famous "Trail of Tears."

Washington 5. July 1828.
The papers herewith enclosed, are referred to the Attorney-General of the United States for his opinion and advice. His attention being particularly desired to the reasoning of the Legislature of Georgia, and of the Delegation in Congress from that State, in behalf of indemnity for property destroyed for the increase of living property, and for interest.
J. Q. Adams
List of papers enclosed.
1. Letter from R.H. Wilde enclosing argument of Delegation in Congress
2. Memorial of the Legislature of Georgia -
3. List of rejected claims -
4. Recapitulation of claims -

[address leaf]
The Attorney General of the United States

[docket]
The President of the U.S.
July. 5 - 1828
Georgia Claims
Opinion recorded in
Lib: C. page 48 & c

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Wirt, William, 1772-1834

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