Our Collection

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.

Allen, Ira (1751-1814) to George Clinton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.005 Author/Creator: Allen, Ira (1751-1814) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 February 1807 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 25.8 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Allen the Vermont adventurer and land speculator, who had lost his fortune by the time this letter was written. Allen was the brother to Ethan Allen. Written to Vice President Clinton at the Senate's request. Describes Vermont's role in the quest for American independence using Samuel Williams's "The Natural and Civil History of Vermont" as a reference. Discusses the Allen family's support for American interests, the British Commissioners' proposal that Vermont become a British Colony, and a general overview of highlights pertaining to Vermont and the Revolutionary War.

Allen, Ira, 1751-1814
Clinton, George, 1739-1812
Williams, Samuel, 1743-1817

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