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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.

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July 5, 1776

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Letter signed

Title: to New Jersey Convention

The letter announces the Declaration of Independence. Stamps on verso: "Sold by Merchantile Library" [red stamp] "Tomlinson Collection" [purple stamp]. With docket on page 2.

GLC00154.01

August 31, 1827

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Clay

President Adams, writing to Secretary of State Clay, defends Joel R. Poinsett, the American ambassador to Mexico, against accusations of Masonism. Describes Congress' accusations as "vague, indefinite and sustained by no better evidence than morbid suspicions." Rejects calls to recall Poinsett.

GLC00104

January 10, 1832

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Susan Decatur

Responding to Decatur's letter, Adams will find it "highly gratifying" if he is able to aid Decatur in advancing her claim currently before Congress. Decatur was attempting to secure a pension for service rendered by her husband, Commodore Stephen Decatur, who died in a duel in 1820.

GLC00105

October 1808

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Printed document signed

Title: [Thomas Jefferson's defense of the Embargo Act of 1807]

Sent to Elijah Brown, Jr. Esq. Circular sent in response to criticisms of the Embargo Act of 1807 by people in the town of Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Explains and defends the Embargo Act as a recourse for securing the United States' rights to freely navigate the ocean. Argues it is "the only honorable expedient for avoiding war." Jefferson received the petition from Brown on 13 October 1808. GLC00016 is a similar printed letter from another town in Massachusetts (now Maine), though it is the result of a different printing.

GLC00115.01

March 14, 1791

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

Letter includes political matters. Mentions: objections to Hamilton's Treasury plan, Constitutional definition of position of Speaker of the House. Possibly misdated, should be 1792.

GLC00099.146

January 30, 1795

Pendleton, Edmund, 1721-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Madison

In the letter, Edmund Pendleton discusses the powers of Congress to tax. Also, provides thanks for pamphlets and mentions John Taylor.

GLC00099.152

May 14, 1814

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In his letter, William Ellery agrees with his grandson that evils have resulted from commercial regulations brought on by the War of 1812. He does not think Congress will enact an embargo and believes the British have a right to blockade their enemy's ports. He advises moderation in expenses and pleasures when he marries. He refers to the Book of Ruth in a discussion of marriage customs as they relate to the impending nuptials between Channing's mother and William. He discusses a possible visit and family news, and mentions the good character of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Writing one…

GLC00108.07

September 10, 1835

Polk, James K. (James Knox), 1795-1849

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Andrew Kincannon

In his letter, James K. Polk informs that he cannot give a reliable opinion on Kincannon's congressional run though he feels he made a respectable showing. Mentions recommendations being forwarded from the Choctaw Agency West after the death of Colonel Armstrong. Discusses politics in Tennessee and informs that, "The mass of our people are essentially Democratic, and all they want is right and correct information, to induce them to act out practically their principles." But then he states that he believes Tennessee will stay Republican. He remarks on the strong influence the press has in…

GLC00129

1789

United States. Congress

Book

Title: Journal of the first session of the Senate of the United States...

The official printing of the journal of the first Senate, containing the first official printing of the Bill of Rights pp. 103-106. A wide-margined copy with slight browning of the leaves. Evans 22207, Grolier American Hundred 20.

GLC00172

January 1, 1778

Whipple, William, 1730-1785

Letter signed

Title: to the Gov. of Georgia

The letter discusses lifting the embargo on rice. Signed on verso by Whipple and Gouverneur Morris, both as members of Congress, as well as Nathaniel Scudder.

GLC00184.51

December 6, 1838

Van Buren, Martin, 1782-1862

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to the Senate of the United States

Instructions for complying with the act of July 1, 1836 concerning a bequest made by James Smithson to the United States government. Asks Congress to attend to properly fulfilling the object of the bequest. Informs that last July the Secretary of State was directed to obtain information from persons in the science and public education fields for their opinions on how to best use the funds. Includes copies of the circular letter with the results of these directions for Congress to review (not present). The bequest was eventually used to establish the Smithsonian Institute in 1846.

GLC00198

February 11, 1854

Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander S. Latty

Comments that he is saddened to hear of Judge Latty's poor health. Talks of local politics and feels that the cities of Williams, Paulding, and Defiance, Ohio will be carried by the Independent Democrats in the fall elections. Remarks that the Whigs will cooperate with the Independents and Liberals. Suggests the names of some men to write to. Chase refers to Stephen A. Douglas and the Kansas Nebraska Bill in a fragmentary postscript, "Fair chance now of killing the striped snake Douglas has brought into Congress." Addressed to "My dear friend." Recipient identified based upon provenance.

GLC00216

circa 1830

Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848

Autograph manuscript

Title: Notes on constitutional separation of powers; Bill of rights

Blue paper. "Constitutions. Legislative --Executive --Judicial" NH, MA, CT, VT" - p.4

GLC00186

June 22, 1949

Hoover, Herbert, 1874-1964

Typed letter signed

Title: to Samuel K. McConnell, Jr.

Written in reply to Pennsylvania Congressman McConnell's request that he give his views on education legislation (the federal "grants-in aid") before the Committee on Education and Labor. Former President Hoover asserts his strong personal interest in education and argues the proposed bill is ineffective and a waste of federal money. Suggests an alternate bill.

GLC00200

1774 - 1788

United States. Continental Congress.

Header Record

Title: Journals of Congress [decimalized]

Set lacks vol. 4. Vol. 2 (Philadelphia, 1776) includes the Declaration of Independence.

GLC00219