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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.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820 to William Stedman

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00298 Author/Creator: Ellery, William, 1727-1820 Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 19, 1807 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

William Ellery writes that he received his last letter and had hoped Stedman would provide some political news but since Stedman is apathetic about politics, Ellery must read the newspapers. He asks who originated the suspension on Habeas Corpus and mentions that General James Wilkinson wants it suspended. He shares a recollection about Wilkinson at Valley Forge and his role in the Conway Cabal. Comments that he expected to have heard more about Aaron Burr's rebellion. Asks his opinion of Napoleon's blockade and states, "It seems to me that it will prevent our filling the Treasury as fast as he draws from it . . . But no matter; a naked Treasury affords no invitation to Enemies. . . We hedgehogs can live by ourselves." Discusses family and local matters and the weather. Ends by giving advice about success.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820
Stedman, William, 1765-1831
Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806
Conway, Thomas, 1735-1800
Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825
Burr, Aaron, 1756-1836
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 1769-1821

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