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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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1781/09/04

Manuscript document

Title: Account of Elias Tocker at Ancram

Elias Tocker purchased sundry goods, and also worked at Ancram. Written at the Manor of Livingston, in Ancram, New York.

GLC03107.03325

1775/11/06

Patterson, John, fl. 1777-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: attempts to calm tension with England

John Patterson writes that he shall soon set out for Philadelphia, and notes that the people there seem to have become more moderate due to changes in the Assembly. In addition to this more moderate political sensibility, Patterson hopes that the export trade with England will be opened soon. He also expresses a desire for some kind of reconciliation with Great Britain, and thankfully believes that the peace of New York is secure for the moment. Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.03326

1775/08/31

Lawrence, Catharine, fl. 1775-1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: plea for shelter during dangerous times

Robert, Jr.'s sister begs him to grant her some shelter and safety during such dangerous times, and also adds: "The Almightly God is omnipresent here & there his Goodness was great when greap shott went hissing thro the Air like the sound of sky Rockets over our heads & not one of our Lives lost."

GLC03107.03327

1775/10/23

Duane, James, fl. 1763-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: declaration in support of independence

James Duane announces his support of American independence from Great Britain, and condemns the recent acts of British aggression: "I hope the Winter will put a stop to the Ravages of the King's Ship's by which are employed in carrying on a pitiful predatory war against defenceless Towns and Coasts, disgraceful to the British Fleet." Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.03328

1775/08/26

Livingston, Robert Cambridge, 1742-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: canons fired at New York City

Robert Cambridge states that canon balls carrying grape shot were fired into New York a few days ago, and caused more panic than actual damage. Consequently, many people have left the city for fear of a second attack.

GLC03107.03329

1775/06/07

Duane, James, fl. 1763-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: outrage at Great Britain and support for war

"Our publick affairs are at length arrived at the most dangerous Extremity. The ministry with inflexible obstinacy persevere in that inhuman system of Despotism which was contrived to rob us of our Liberties; and because we cannot submit to so humiliating a Condition they have drawn the sword against our suffering Friends as Traitors and Rebels, and the Authority of Parliament is called in to starve the Southern as well as the Eastern Colonies into base submission." Duane states that a war must be fought in order to obtain liberty, and believes that their ultimate victory will make all of…

GLC03107.03331

1775/05/29

Livingston, Robert Cambridge, 1742-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: advice to sell flour quickly

Robert Cambridge writes that he has sold the last of his flour, and explains: "I thought it too dangerous to keep produce on hand at present it being most probable that a termination of our Commerce will take place about the middle of July and therefore I don't think it would be improper to send all the Flour you have by you down as soon as the Sloop returns." He also discusses the mounting tensions with Great Britain and notes, "The maneuvres of the Continental Congress are secret, but people imagine they are preparing or devising ways and means to carry on an opposition to parliament."

GLC03107.03332

1775/05/31

Livingston, Robert Cambridge, 1742-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: a welcome period of tranquility

"The most turbulent Spirits amongst us do not expect the arrival of any Troops at present. Mr. Colden says it was only propogated to facilitate the introduction of the Connecticut Forces amongst us - We are now enjoying as much tranquility as ever we did and have no appearance of its being disturbed." Robert Cambridge does note, however, that money and men must be raised, as it is believed that the Continental Congress plans to wage a defensive war against Great Britain.

GLC03107.03333

1775/05/13

Livingston, Robert Cambridge, 1742-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: trading and business arrangments

Robert Cambridge urges his father to send him all his flour and wheat, as he believes that their right to export and trade it will be curtailed in the near future. He also mentions a rumor that regiments of 2000 to 3000 soldiers are being sent to New York to defend the province against British troops that are said to be moving in that direction as well. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.03334

1775/[?]/15

Livingston, Robert III, 1708-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Richard] Montgomery re: congratulations on victory at St. John's

Robert, Jr. congratulates Montgomery on taking St. John's in the seige against Canada, and says that this has only served to further boost his already excellent reputation. Robert, Jr. also expresses his belief that the King of England is determined to subdue the colonies with force; and describes a nearly fatal accident in his powder mill.

GLC03107.03335

1775/11/20

Livingston, Henry, 1753-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: selling flour

Henry writes that he got the best price he could for his father's flour, and discusses the settlement of their accounts.

GLC03107.03336

1775/11/21

Moore, Martin, fl. 1775

Manuscript document signed

Title: Agreement to dig iron ore for Robert Livingston, Jr.

The document states that William Smith, Benjamin Davison, Martin Moor, and Shadrach Phelps agreed to dig iron ore on the hill where William Smith lives on the Manor of Livingston, in return for a reasonable sum from Robert Livingston, Jr. Also signed by Shadrach Phelps, and Benjamin Davison, who signed with his mark.

GLC03107.03337

1775/12/26

Livingston, Walter, 1740-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: false rumor of Richard Montgomery's death

Walter describes his relief at having received a letter from Richard Montgomery, which confirmed that he is still alive, despite rumors to the contrary. Walter writes that Montgomery seems in good spirits, and "says the Walls of Quebeck are in a defenceless situation."

GLC03107.03338

1779/05/11

Van Buren, John, fl. 1773-1779

Autograph document signed

Title: Account of William Trafford with Robert Livingston, Jr.

The account began on 15 January 1776, and shows that Trafford purchased cornel, wheat, flour, and other provisions from Robert, Jr.; and in turn performed labor at Ancram. Written at the Manor of Livingston.

GLC03107.03339

1776/02/09

Livingston, Walter, 1740-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: good price for iron

Walter writes that some customers were pleased with Robert, Jr.'s price for iron; and also notes that he will bring some bread down later in the week.

GLC03107.03340

1776/03/09

Pitt, William, Earl of Chatham, fl. 1776

Letter

Title: "The following is a genuine Extract of a letter from the Earl of Chatham"

The Earl of Chatham condemns the American revolutionary goals of liberty and republicanism, and declares: "Whilst America retain'd her allegience, I was the Friend of America; whilst there was room for honorable accommodation, I was happy to propose the terms. That era is past, tis now too late to negotiate. . . . America must submit to the constitutional authority of Gr. Britain, and her submission must be absolute, unlimited and unconditional."

GLC03107.03341

1776/03

Duane, James, fl. 1763-1785

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: military protection for colonies

Duane states that extra military departments have been formed to protect New York, Virginia, and South Carolina, which are expected to be particularly vulnerable to British attack. He also predicts "The unnatural War is like to rage this Summer with violence." Docketed on recto.

GLC03107.03342

1776/03/26

Livingston, Henry, 1753-1823

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: mounting tension in New York

Henry writes that he has just returned to New York, only to find it in disarray. "[O]n our arrival here we found this City in a most disagreeable state, in every street, their is a Barrier erected, to prevent the landing of troops, people moving out of the town very fast, hourly is expected . . . all the men far and near that can be procured-." Docketed on verso.

GLC03107.03343

1776/04/21

Livingston, Robert Cambridge, 1742-1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: trading difficulties

Robert Cambridge states that it has been extremely difficult to obtain dry goods as of late, and has therefore not included any carpet in his last shipment to Robert, Jr. He also writes that he has had difficulty disposing of his father's flour, and notes that he is doubtful that the Revenue Acts will be repealed.

GLC03107.03344

1782/08/31

Wigram, John, fl. 1782-1791

Autograph document signed

Title: Account of Robert G. Livingston, Jr. with Robert Livingston, Jr.

Robert G. Livingston purchased iron from Robert, Jr. in June and September 1776.

GLC03107.03345

1776/06/12

Livingston, Walter, 1740-1797

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: report of affairs in Canada

Walter writes that their Commanding Officer behaved most cowardly at the battle at Cead[us] and allowed all of his men to be taken prisoner, while others were massacred by Indians. He notes that he has had conlficting accounts of the war in Canada, some relating despair, while others state that they will soon take Quebec. Walter also states that a good many soldiers are afflicted with small pox.

GLC03107.03346

1776/02/05

Trumbull, Jon, fl. 1776

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: gratitude for offers of assistance

Governor Jon Trumbull thanks Robert, Jr. for offering furnace hearth stones to the government. Docketed on address leaf.

GLC03107.03347

1776/07/25

Livingston, Gilbert, 1718-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: examining rivers and forts

The letter is signed by both Gilbert Livingston and William Paulding. Gilbert writes that he has just returned from "the Forts" where he examined the rivers at Montgomery and Constitution, and has found that the site at Constitution is preferable for settling a fort. Both Gilbert and William Paulding send Robert, Jr. instructions for making an iron chain from his iron works; and add that the Forts are in high spirits, but low on artillery.

GLC03107.03348