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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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Displaying results for Topic "Federalists"
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Showing results 101 - 125

January 14, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Washington

Knox updates Washington on various state conventions meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, "The new Constitution has hitherto been as well received as could have been expected considering the various existing opinions prejudices and parties in the respective states." Reports that Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Connecticut have all voted in favor of ratification. Mentions Jeremiah and James Wadsworth, both part of the Connecticut convention. Thinks Connecticut's decision to ratify will influence the Massachusetts convention (Massachusetts…

GLC02437.03762

January 12, 1788

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Carrington reports, "I have as yet passed through no more of this state than what is called the Northern Neck- there I find the opponents of the Constitution pretty numerous and vociferous." Mentions that [Richard Henry] Lee "has in great measure declined to act in the opposition, finding that even his own family have separated from him." Declares that in the southern part of Virginia, many influential figures have united on the "wrong side." Mentions that Governor [Edmund] Randolph has "committed to the public view his opinions as to the conduct which it will be wise now to pursue with…

GLC02437.03758

January 20, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Egbert Benson

Knox reports on the proceedings of the Massachusetts Constitutional ratification convention. Notes that there are "150 decidedly for the constitution, about 120 decidedly against it- and about 50 or 60 who appear to determine to hear all that can be said on both sides and then vote as they shall think right, Mr S Adams is in this class.- on the whole it is highly probable that the Constitution will be adopted." Expects the decision to be made about the Constitution in less than a fortnight. Location inferred.

GLC02437.03766

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy…

GLC02437.09416

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and exciting alarms. Notes that residents of the Kentucke area (the later state of Kentucky) will have a large impact on ratification. Their primary concerns are navigation of the Mississippi River and organization into a separate state. Discusses details of the Virginia convention for ratification. Is disappointed that a great majority opposes the…

GLC02437.09418

19 December 1806

Clinton, DeWitt, 1769-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Michael Lieb

Discusses publishing Mr. Coleman's public apology for insulting Dr. Lieb since his recent prosecution. Mentions the danger of Federalism mixing with Quiddism in Pennsylvania.

GLC02505.09

25 July 1804

Russell, Benjamin, 1761-1845

Newspaper

Title: Columbian centinel & Massachusetts federalist. [Vol. 41, no. 43 (July 25, 1804)]

Includes an article reviewing Thomas Jefferson's administration and another denouncing Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury. Has coverage of the 11 July 1804 Aaron Burr-Alexander Hamilton duel on pages 1 and 2. Other articles detail local, international, political, court, and ship news, advertisements, and public announcements. Includes a eulogy announcement for Alexander Hamilton signed by James Warren.

GLC08751

1802

Callender, Tom, fl. 1802

Pamphlet

Title: Letters to Alexander Hamilton, king of the Feds

GLC08659

January 21, 1799

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Wayles Eppes

Written as Vice-President to his son-in-law. Jefferson discusses the Logan incident, in which George Logan, a Philadelphia Quaker, attempted to negotiate differences between the United States and the French Directory on his own initiative (the Logan Act of 1799 made it illegal). Jefferson thinks the Federalists forged documents "to ensnare Logan" in order to pass the act (he later in this letter writes that Logan's "enthusiastic enterprise" prevented war). Jefferson turns to revenue and expenses, which he lists, in order to show that additional army and navy will consume any budget surplus.…

GLC00148

April 15, 1812

Ellery, William, 1727-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George G. Channing

In the letter, William Ellery thanks his grandson for his letter. He expresses happiness on the success of his auction business and that the candidate who opposed Channing in the recent election was defeated. He is much pressed with the increase of his duties during the present conflict with Great Britain. He reports that in local politics that the Federalists are sure to triumph.

GLC00108.03

1789

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Header Record

Title: [Two bound newspapers]

Two bound newspapers dated 1787-1788, The two newspapers are; Freeman's journal. [Vol.6, no. 298 (January 3, 1787)- v.8, no. 402 (December 31, 1788)] and Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 2953 (January 3, 1787) - no. 3042 (September 17, 1788)] [with gap].

GLC00259

1787-1788

Bailey, Francis, 1744-1817

Newspaper

Title: Freeman's journal. [Vol.6, no. 298 (January 3, 1787)- v.8, no. 402 (December 31, 1788)]

One bound edition of the newspaper Freeman's Journal containing Vol. 6 no. 298, January 3, 1787 to vol. 8 no. 402, December 31, 1788. Printed by Francis Bailey, at Yorick's Head. Of particular interest is a early printing of Constitution in issue number 335. The Freeman's Journal was an anti-Federalist newspaper. The bound newspaper also includes these issues of interest: List of Constitutional Convention members issue number 322 pp. 2-3; Ratifications by Pennsylvania issue number 348, Ratifications by Massachusetts issue number 357, Ratifications by New York issue number 381,…

GLC00259.01

1787-1788

Hall and Sellers

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 2953 (January 3, 1787) - no. 3042 (September 17, 1788)] [with gap]

One bound edition of the newspaper Pennsylvania gazette containing number 2953 January 3, 1787 to number 3042 Sep 17, 1788, with a gap of number 3003 and a suplement to number 3032. The volume has the signature of Edanus Burke, Esq. on front pastedown. The newspaper was printed by Hall and Sellers. Contains the printing of the United States Constitution in issue number 2990. The Pennsylvania Gazette was an anti-Federalist newspaper. Some other issues of note included in the volume are: Northwest Ordinance issue number 2983, Constitution printed as "Plan of the New Federal Government"…

GLC00259.02

December 23, 1800

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Harrison Gray Otis

Hamilton suggests that the Federalists should support Thomas Jefferson for President rather than Aaron Burr when the tied election goes to the House of Representatives. Hamilton's response is an extended comparison of the two men concluding with the statement: "In a choice of Evils, let them take the least - Jefferson is in my view less dangerous than Burr." Hamilton concludes with comments about relations with France and Britain which responds to Gray's short discussion of the Convention of 1800 with France. Harrison Gray Otis, a leading Boston Federalist, had written to Hamilton on December…

GLC00496.028

March 4, 1809

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Rush

In his letter, Adams discusses Madison taking office, politics, and national divisions.

GLC00639.01

January 10, 1813

Adams, John, 1735-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: To Governor William Plumer

In the letter, Adams discusses New York State, party, and sectionalism.

GLC00639.02

August 11, 1799

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

McHenry served as Secretary of War. Mentions appointment of ambassadors to France during Quasi-war and newspaper accusations by William Duane against federalist officials (in a July editorial) for supposedly accepting bribes. Humorous letter (on bribery) with hinted approval of Sedition Act. Marked "Confidential" in the text.

GLC00604.01

December 15, 1810

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Howell

Jefferson attacks the Federalists as favoring hereditary rule. Free franked. He mentions that public news draws him from reading Tacitus and Horace, which he calls "more agreeable reading." He also mentions Gov. Fenner of Rhode Island. Jefferson praises Fenner, who controlled state politics for many years. Jefferson writes that he wants to avoid writing things that will be quoted. Apparently Howell asked Jefferson's opinion of his successors. Letter also mentions Republican principles, Federalists, and Jefferson's reading. Letter written in Monticello.

GLC01027

December 5, 1796

Carroll, Charles, 1737-1832

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James McHenry

Senator Carroll informs McHenry, Secretary of War, that Senator Rufus King intends to move resolutions in Congress related to the 1796 United States Presidential election. He reports in detail the number of votes currently held by each Presidential candidate, expressing favor for John Adams and disapproval of Thomas Jefferson. He mentions communications between Secretary of State Timothy Pickering and Charles Pinckney, the Ambassador to France, regarding the strained relationship between the United States and France. Referring to the election and foreign relations, he states "there are no…

GLC00985

November 27, 1804

McKean, Thomas, 1734-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Clay

Written by McKean as Governor of Pennsylvania to Clay as a U.S. Representative from Pennsylvania. According to the docketed note of McKean, this is a retained rough draft of a letter to Clay. References Clay's letter of November 15, 1804. Clay claims there is a report of political intrigue to divide McKean's Federalist and Republican supporters (by this time his base included Federalists and moderate Republicans). McKean was a political chameleon, and was sensitive to any such division, which he denies is happening in this draft. Says it is not worthy of further notice, but thanks him for the…

GLC00989

February 3, 1788

Sands, Comfort, 1748-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sands reports that he has just returned from the New York Legislature, and that Mr. [Egbert] Benson has asked him to relay that both branches agreed to hold a convention to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. The convention is scheduled to meet at Poughkeepsie in June. Benson asks Knox to inform Boston.

GLC02437.03779

February 3, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that Knox has rheumatism. Expects that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Discusses several delegates who advocated its adoption. Mentions [John] Hancock's publication in the [Massachusetts] Centinel 2 February 1788, which according to Sargent stated "that we should ratify &c. & propose certain Amendments..." Asks if General [Arthur] St. Clair will hold a treaty with an unspecified tribe of Native Americans and discusses business of the Ohio Company. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03783

3 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Marked private at the top of page one. Declares, "I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten states. In Virginia, the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten- In New Hampshire the majority eleven- The latter passed it on Saturday the 21, and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo." Discusses the New York convention presently deciding on ratification of the Constitution. Predicts that "the Convention will stipulate for amendments previous to the adoption... Congress will…

GLC02437.03926

17 July 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent writes, "the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia & New Hamshire [sic] is a Circumstance of very high Gratification to all your Friends in this Western World- I am unhappy that you should seem to suspect me of Inattention to you since my Arrival here-" Notes that he has been unable to use his right hand, thus writes with his left. Encloses a letter to [Richard] Platt (not included), asking Knox to inspect it. Discusses the Ohio land interests of a Mrs. Colden and the retention of settlers to Northwest Territory lands. Hopes to accommodate "those Settlers who are every day…

GLC02437.03937

12 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to [Adam Stephen?]

Addressed to General Stephens. Possibly to General Adam Stephen, whose name is often misspelled Stephens. Discusses Indian policy, stating "[t]he affairs of the Cherokee Indians are peculiarly perplexed, and require a stronger arm to put them into a proper train than is proposed the present government ..." Mentions a previous treaty with Congress made in 1785. States that he is happy Stephens approves of the new government, and writes "it seems the only mean[s] to avoid the horror and miseries of the weakness of our present situation - New Hampshire, Massachusetts & Connecticut - New…

GLC02437.03724

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