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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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March 14, 1780

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter

Title: to George Wiat

Docket indicates that this letter is a copy. Author inferred from content and because the collection is described as letters to or from Lovell, a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts. Regrets he could not write sooner. Indicates that the state of the country demands all his attention and he has heard from Congress everyday since he took his seat except a few when he was sick. "I consider myself as acting for a young nation or a new world, and millions yet unborn will be happy or miserable (as to this world) in consequence of the proceedings of Congress ..." States that if this were…

GLC01450.020.04

April 6, 1780

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter

Title: to Isaac Foster

Marked as a copy. Author inferred from content and because the collection is described as letters to or from Lovell, a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts. Writes that he received Foster's letter. Discusses a request made for more money to go to the army hospitals. States that it was recommended to the board that they make a resolution to Congress for $40,000 for Foster's department. He regrets that more cannot be done and cites the embarrassing circumstances concerning money and finances as the cause. Asks him to document medical expenditures carefully.

GLC01450.020.05

June 28, 1780

Shelden, Jeremiah, fl. 1780-1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Thanks Holten for everything he has done for him and states he will always esteem him as a friend, father, and benefactor. He regrets he did not become a master of his field of learning but knows that with Holten's assistance he will distinguish himself. (Holten was possibly his mentor.) States he was distressed at leaving Holten when he was unwell. Describes his trip to Danvers and wagon troubles along the way, making the trip take 21 days. Thanks him profusely for his hospitality when he stayed with Holten. Praises Mrs. Holten and "the two young ladies." States that everyone in…

GLC01450.020.06

October 17, 1780

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

States he received his letter yesterday. Mentions he is sorry to hear about the poor health of someone named Sheldon (possibly Jeremiah Shelden). Mentions that Mr. Partridge lent him a scale of depreciation but that he cannot say if it is as acceptable as the continental one. Expects to soon see a printed account of Holten's elections on the new Constitution. Postcript states that General Ward (possibly Artemas Ward) gave Lovell the enclosed and sends his regards.

GLC01450.020.07

December 5, 1780

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Recipient inferred from content (also, handwriting on the docket matches that on other letters). Signed with initials. States that he received his letter. Remarks that he will not send him all the bad news that has come to him since the recipient suffers in mind and body. Prompts him to read the Epistle of Bush to Shippen because the writer criticizes Lovell in it. States that Mr. Adams (John Adams) has defended the resolution of March 18 against the opinions of the Count de Vergennes (Charles Gravier) of France. On March 18, 1780 the Continental Congress had passed a resolution that…

GLC01450.020.08

January 16, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Signed with initials. States that we have had no word from the eastern side of the Hudson River. Encloses a paper for Mr. Jay (possibly John Jay) and asks that he send it to the Navy Board. Remarks that he is mortified to find out from Mr. Laurens (possibly Henry Laurens) that the letters "given to him by Mr. Lovell and the Admiralty are in the Enemy Hands."

GLC01450.020.09

January 23, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Discusses the dire economic state of the colonies, inflation, and the depreciation rate of currency. States that according to John Adams, the British will continue the war. Mentions that Maryland has limited the time beyond which the old money will not be accepted. Reports that the other states might not put the resolution of March 18 into place but that Congress is determined it will succeed. Indicates that the debt situation is dire, stating "We, mighty men, totally dependent upon 13 Legislatures, different in views for support in our smallest endeavors to carry on the war."

GLC01450.020.10

March 23, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

States he had hoped he could give an account of British General Charles Cornwallis, but they must wait before judging whether or not he will fail in his retreat. Remarks that Benedict Arnold is still safe. He will write again next Thursday and forward any intelligence that arrives before then.

GLC01450.020.12

March 27, 1781

Lovell, James, 1737-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holten

Recipient is inferred from content and from other items in the 1450.020 collection. The handwriting on the docket matches the others addressed to Holton. States he has received letters from Holten letter and James Carmichael, but not from John Jay. Remarks that he is glad the spirit of the state (Massachusetts) is so high. Reports that Nathaniel Green has lost a battle. Discusses the action of the French fleet off the Cape of Virginia. Says Holten will have his wish as per Bermuda and mentions the repeal of a former resolve involving imports and exports from the island. Indicates that…

GLC01450.020.13

1776/01/07

Schuyler, Philip John, 1733-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Schuyler writes that he is outraged by the scandalous conduct of their soldiers in Canada, which may result in their loss of that territory. He also expresses frustration with Congress, which has ignored his calls to address this issue. With enclosed letter from Robert Livingston (1746-1813) to [Philip] Schuyler, dated 11 June 1776, Clermont, [N.Y.] Robert states his frustration with Congress for neglecting their duty to supervise the troops, and discusses a plan to storm Quebec.

GLC03107.04186

circa 1855-1870

Lanman, Charles, 1795-1870

Autograph note

Title: to unknown

Note explains letter in GLC05503.01. Writes that he corresponded with Thomas Sully in 1853 in regard to a portrait of his wife. States that Sully gave him prices: head $80, bust $100, kit kat $200, half length $600. Mentions that in 1855 he corresponded with Sully about a portrait of Commodore James Lawrence by Gilbert Stuart that had come into his possession and Sully sent a reply (see GLC05503.01).

GLC05503.02

[n.d.]

Morris Family

Autograph note

Title: to unknown

List of names with numeric notations written after each. [with Charles Morris' papers]

GLC06451.013

27 January 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 946 (January 27, 1747)]

Inscribed with "William Sandwith His paper" and "London." Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.087

3 February 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 947 (February 3, 1747)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 1, 3, and 4. Massachusetts Bay governor William Shirley's speech to the general assembly of that province regarding acts of hostility between Indians and French Canadians. Also discusses settling boundary disputes between Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.088

10 February 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 948 (February 10, 1747)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships. Includes an advertisement selling lottery tickets benefiting a New York college.

GLC06670.089

24 February 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 950 (February 24, 1747)]

GLC06670.090

3 March 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 951 (March 3, 1747)]

Signed by Mary Sandwith. Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.091

10 March 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 952 (March 10, 1747)]

Inscribed with "Sandwith" on page one and "Mary" on page four. Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.092

16 March 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 953 (March 16, 1747)]

Signed by A. Petes. Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Discusses a skirmish between American troops and French Canadians on Île-Saint-Jean. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 2 through 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships. After coming under British control in 1763 Île-Saint-Jean became known as Island of Saint John. In 1799 its name was changed to Prince Edward Island.

GLC06670.093

2 April 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 955 (April 1, 1747)]

GLC06670.094

14 May 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 961 (May 14, 1747)]

Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 1 through 4. Letter to Pennsylvania governor George Thomas from the assembly in response to the governor's speech published in issue number 960. Letter discusses public affairs and Thomas' upcoming voyage. Includes the governor's reply. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.095

21 May 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 962 (May 21, 1747)]

GLC06670.096

28 May 1747

Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790

Newspaper

Title: Pennsylvania gazette. [No. 963 (May 28, 1747)]

Includes international news from various overseas newspapers. Domestic news and classified ads inhabit pages 3 and 4. Section reserved for announcing the indentured servitude of residents, the return of runaway slaves, and departing ships.

GLC06670.097