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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 28, 1911

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930

Typed letter signed

Title: to Talcott Williams

William H. Taft updates Williams, a political journalist, on the tense status of relations between the United States and Mexico in return for Williams' "seal of silence." He refers to an enclosed copied letter for United States Army Chief of Staff Leonard Wood, containing instructions for generals commanding 20,000 troops Taft ordered to the Mexican border in early March (not included). He informs Williams of anti-American riots in Mexico, and actions Mexico took to prevent the United States from building a dam near the Mexican border. He states that Henry Lane Wilson, United States…

GLC00240

16 March 1778

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Printed document signed

Title: [Partially printed document authorizing the forcible capture of British vessels]

This document serves as a form by which Continental Congress authorizes the seizure of British ships and crew members in a warlike manner. Originally signed by Hancock during his term as President of the Congress (24 May 1775- 31 October 1777). This particular document authorizes Ebenezer Williams, Commander of the Polly, to seize British vessels. States that the Polly is owned by Andrew Caldwell of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Signed at the bottom by William Mumford, a Secretary, and Rhode Island Governor Nicholas Cooke. Williams' name and other information appear to have been filled…

GLC00231

October 28, 1861

Meane, John, fl. 1861

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Julia S. Moulton

Discusses the aftermath of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, which occurred on October 21, 1861. Written on Connecticut multi-color magnus letterhead with matching patriotic envelope. Mentions seeing McClellan, who was using their movements as a possible ruse to lure the enemy from Manassas. Discusses ambulances and wounded men. Also mentions the death of Colonel and United States Senator Edward D. Baker, "You have heard of the death of Col. Baker of the California Reg."

GLC00233

2 October 1864

Martin, William H., fl. 1864

Manuscript

Title: C. F. Miller Col. 192nd P.V. Poll-book for October election companies

Poll book for the 1864 election for Company C of the 192nd Pennsylvania Volunteers. Certifies the officers of the election. Lists votes for Congress and a number of local offices. Colonel C. F. Miller was probably the commanding officer of this company. Lieutenant William Martin was the clerk of the election and one of the judges of the election as well.

GLC00234

July 21, 1862

Thornton, Joel F., fl. 1839-1910

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Alexander Hamilton Stephens

Thornton requests advice from Stephens, Vice President of the Confederacy. He explains that he was previously deprived of one of his feet, and that he went to New Orleans in February 1862 to have an artificial foot constructed. Later, an agent sent to pick up the artificial foot had to escape New Orleans before the foot was finished due to the May 1862 Union capture of the city. He writes "I want you to let me know- what you think the chances would be to get the Commding General at Jackson to let a man have a flag of Truce- & also to get you to write to him & state the circumstances…

GLC00238

circa 1865

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Photograph

Title: Carte de visite portrait of Lincoln, Mary Todd Lincoln, and Tad from lithograph

GLC00241.03

1861-1865 ca.

Photograph

Title: Carte de visite view of Independence Hall, Philadelphia

GLC00241.04

circa 1861-1877

White, W.S., ?

Photograph

Title: Full-length carte de visite portrait of a deceased young girl

Imprint of W.S. White, Kalamazoo, on recto of pink mount.

GLC00241.06

circa 1861-1877

Merker, F.B., fl. 1861-1877

Photograph

Title: Half-length carte de visite portrait of a deceased young child holding flowers

Imprint of F.B. Merker, Collinsville, Ill., on verso of yellow mount.

GLC00241.07

circa 1861-1877

Albright Brothers (photographers), fl. 1872-1875

Photograph

Title: Full length standing carte de visite portrait of a young girl with doll

Imprint of Albright Bros., Wooster, Oh., on verso of pink mount.

GLC00241.08

circa 1861-1877

Pentz

Photograph

Title: Full length standing carte de visite portrait of two young girls in roller skate

Imprint of Pentz, York, Pa., on verso.

GLC00241.09

circa 1861-1877

Lesher, John C., fl. 1839

Photograph

Title: Full length carte de visite portrait of a deceased young child

Imprint of John C. Lesher, Carlisle, Pa., on verso. "No. 7395" pencilled on verso.

GLC00241.10

circa 1861-1877

Abbott (photographer), fl. 1860-1880

Photograph

Title: Half length seated carte de visite portrait of woman in black dress

Imprint by Abbott, Little Falls, N.Y., on verso. Photograph is either heavily retouched or from a lithograph.

GLC00241.11

circa 1861-1877

Spafard, C. fl. 1875

Photograph

Title: Full length carte de visite portrait of two girls with stereocards and viewer

Imprint of C. Spafard, Norwich, Conn., on verso of peach-colored mount.

GLC00241.12

circa 1861-1877

Harman, fl. 1923

Photograph

Title: Full length carte de visite portrait of two women in black dresses

Imprint of Harman, York Springs, Pa., on verso.

GLC00241.13

circa 1861-1877

Barcalow, Richard Garrison, 1824-1891

Photograph

Title: Half length seated carte de visite portrait of man in military style jacket

Imprint of Barcalow, New York, on verso. Man's cheeks are tinted pink; cloth on the table next to him is tinted bright purple.

GLC00241.14

circa 1861-1877

J.H. & J.L. Abbott (photographers), fl. 19th century

Photograph

Title: 3/4 length seated carte de visite portrait in jacket with gold badge on breast

Imprint of J.H. & J.L. Abbott, Albany, N.Y., on verso. Ink inscription by Bing on verso: "Mr. Conrad Bing, dieses Bild andenken g[illegible] wann er ist in der [illegible]."

GLC00241.15