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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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circa 1585-1763

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions made by the Mohicans [in Dutch]

GLC03107.02113

1720

Schuyler, Pieter, 1657-1724

Manuscript document

Title: Propositions to the Mohawks, Oneidas, Onondagas, and Cayugas [rough draft]

Schuyler warns the Indians not to make war against the southern Indians, and to respect English property when their warriors travel to Virginia and Maryland. He also mentions the danger of the French building a fort at Onjagare. Marked as a rough draft on the docket.

GLC03107.02135

January 1, 1721

Burnet, William, 1688-1729

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: possession of the land called Niagara

Burnet asks Livingston if the Senecas gave the land called Niagara to the English while Coll, Thomas Dongan was still in office, and before the French conquered that territory. He asks that either Livingston or his son look through the old records of Indian Affairs to see if such a proposition was ever made.

GLC03107.02143

circa 1585-1763

Magistrates of Albany

Manuscript document

Title: Proposal to Coll. Thomas Dongan re: regulation of trade with Indians

The Magistrates explain that due to the barren soil of Albany, the inhabitants of the county have no other way to make a living other than through trade with Indians, which has been quite poor as of late. They therefore request that Coll. Dongan regulate trade with Indians so that it may only be conducted in Albany, which will in the end increase the royal governments revenues.

GLC03107.01956

1686

Grand Jury of Albany

Manuscript document

Title: Presentation of inconveniences to Thomas Dongan

The people of Albany condemn the practice of conducting trade with Indians outside of the town, as it has led to a decline in the trade and wealth of Albany, and will eventuallly bring the town to ruin. They also note that great debauchery has resulted when the youth of Albany enter Indians' houses to conduct trade, and complain of the practice of giving gifts to Indians, which allows them to set the higher value on commodities. They also comment on the poor state of highways in an around Albany.

GLC03107.01957

10 December 1859

Windom, William, 1827-1891

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward R. Parry, Isaac Andrews, Truman Andrews, W. H. Wickoff, and Charles Mansfield

Windom, a United States Representative from Minnesota, states that he will attempt to postpone discussion in Senate regarding a proposed treaty with the Mankato (possibly referring to the Mdewakanton Sioux, who inhabited the region surrounding Mankato, Minnesota). Regarding disagreement between Northern and Southern Congressmen, declares "We have a warm time here with the Southern fire eaters ... In the House, so anxious were they to kindle anew the fires of agitation and sectionalism ... making inflamatory, disunion Speeches ... They openly avow their determination (in case of the Election…

GLC02799

1757

Book

Title: The Conduct of the late ministry, or a memorial containing a summary of facts...

Printed for W. Bizet. Relating to the French & Indian War, relations with the French and including an extract from George Washington's Second Journal.

GLC02834

10 October 1821

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John C. Calhoun

Written by President Monroe to Calhoun as Secretary of War. Declares that the measures Calhoun have taken in regard to the Seminole Indians have been proper. Says that "Unprincipled settlers" should be driven away, and that "It was correct also to prohibit the sale of run away slaves, since it might and probably would, as you justly observe, have opened the door to fraud. Returns the papers relating to the demands of Governor John Clark of Georgia. Mentions that he is sending the proceedings of the court of inquiry and the court martial to him by mail. Hears with regret that many are still…

GLC02859

15 April 1779- 17 October 1780

Brodhead, Daniel, 1736-1809

Autograph manuscript signed

Title: [Brodhead's Revolutionary War letterbook]

Includes various letters written by Colonel Brodhead, commander of the Western Department in Pittsburgh. Early entries in this book are created in Pittsburgh, while later entries are created at Fort Pitt, Pennsylvania. This book begins with a list of recipients arranged alphabetically. Recipients of Brodhead's letters include George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Timothy Pickering, and many others.

GLC02867.01

26 March 1819

Monroe, James, 1758-1831

Manuscript document signed

Title: [Appointment of Morris S. Miller to negotiate a treaty with the Seneca Indians of New York]

Countersigned by Calhoun as Secretary of War. Appointing Miller to make a treaty to obtain Seneca reservation land.

GLC02768

1809

Reich, John, fl. 1809

Object

Title: [James Madison Indian peace medal]

Medal features James Madison's profile on front and the words "James Madison President of the U.S. A.D. 1809." Designer is unknown. Verso features two hands shaking, a tomahawk crossed with a pipe, and the words, "Peace and Friendship," designed by John Reich.

GLC02767.02

1863

Pope, John, 1822-1892

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry W. Halleck

Informs Halleck that the army will allow the starving Indians, the Winnebago and Sioux, to leave their lands, rather than die. He has given the order that the Indians will not be obstructed if they attempt to leave their lands. Though he is upset by the situation, says he cannot do anything beyond allowing them to leave, since the military does not have any food to give them. Tells Halleck to take the matter up with the Indian Bureau, which is the proper authority for this issue. Written at the Head Quarters of the Deptartment of the Northwest.

GLC02463.17

4 August 1851

Fillmore, Millard, 1800-1874

Document signed

Title: [Authorization to affix the seal of the United States]

Gives authorization to Robert P. Letcher to finalize the implementation of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and to conclude a convention with the Mexican Indians. One black and white bust engraving and one black and white seated full length engraving included.

GLC02775

1709

Vetch, Samuel, 1668-1732

Manuscript document signed

Title: "Instructions to be given to the two Indians to be sent . . .

. . . to Montreal, and Quibeck." Document leaves instructions to take careful note of troops and fortifications in Canada. The document is also signed by Col. Fr. Nicholson.

GLC03107.00807

November 7, 1699

Livingston, William, fl. 1769-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston re: news of William's sons

William writes reiterating his request for Robert to discover any news of the captivity of Andrew Livingston, and his belief that James Livingston might possibly be dead. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.00516

13 August 1698

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Manuscript document signed

Title: Account of money disbursed to soldiers by Richard Earl of Bellmont

P.1 lists the different sums of money paid to individual soldiers at Albany. P.2 contains a memorandum of 15 August 1698 noting the delivery of rum to the Indians of the five nations.

GLC03107.00441

October 12, 1679

Andros, Edmund, 1637-1714

Manuscript document

Title: "The Gov[erno]r Gen[era]ll Message to the Onneydes" [in Dutch and English]

The document announces the Governor's arrival in Albany with the Oneida squaw, and asks if the Oneidas plan to join them.

GLC03107.01886

September 7, 1683

Livingston, Robert, 1663-1725

Map

Title: Settlements along the Susquehanna River

The map marks various settlements of the Senecas, Onondagas, and Cayugas along the Susquehanna River, and the length of travel between them. This map had borders drawn between Robert Livingston and three Iroquois delegates. The accompanying text explains that a detailed account of the river is necessary so that settlers may find their way along it. The text also notes that the Iroquois were satisfied and happy when they were told that settlers would soon move into this territory, as it would ease and increase trade and transportation in that area.

GLC03107.01923

after 1728

Manuscript

Title: Discussion of the rightful ownership and boundaries of the Manor of Livingston

The document discusses how Robert Livingston, the first owner and proprieter of the Manor of Livingston, formed the Manor through a series of land patents issued by Governor Dongan from 1684-1686. It is then debated whether or not these patents were legitmate, and where the boundaries of the Manor ought to stand. This is part of a larger controversy involving the Livingston Manor. Throughout the 18th century, the claims to title and ownership of the Manor by Robert Livingston's heirs were repeatedly challenged by Indians and other European settlers in the area. Numerous petitions were…

GLC03107.01836

July 18, 1666

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition at the Indian fortress at Albany [in Dutch]

GLC03107.01853

August 15, 1666

Van Haguaisin, Orenstin, fl. 1666

Manuscript document

Title: Proposition regarding Mohawk Indians [in Dutch]

GLC03107.01856

1676

Livingston, Robert, 1654-1728

Manuscript document

Title: Charter of Albany

The document puts forth a number of policies regarding how the city and county of Albany ought to operate. It states that trade with Indians will remain an exclusive privilege of the town's residents, that the people must consent to being taxed whenever necessary, and that hunting passes may not be issued. It also lays the ground for the formation of a body politic, and mandates the issuance of land patents to residents. Finally, it states that the area of land called Schachkook will remain in the possession of the Indians that live there. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.01862