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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.

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 to James T. Austin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00239 Author/Creator: Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: June 7, 1813 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Remarks that the governor of Massachusetts, Caleb Strong, "displayed his british colours," referring to Strong not allowing the federal government to recruit troops for the War of 1812 in his state. Notes that President Madison recovered from an illness and praises the president and his wife. Mentions that he cannot send a document Austin wants. In response to Strong, President Madison withdrew all protection from Massachusetts. Gerry was then vice president.

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Austin, James Trecothick, 1784-1870
Strong, Caleb, 1745-1819
Madison, Dolley, 1768-1849
Madison, James, 1751-1836

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