Our Collection

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.

Penn, William, 1644-1718 to Dr. Woodhouse

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00391.01 Author/Creator: Penn, William, 1644-1718 Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: March 29, 1682 Pagination: 1 p. + address. 30 x 18 cm. Order a Copy

Penn gives advice to the father of Elizabeth Woodhouse, who had the choice of going to America or staying with her lover. This letter mentions her wish to come to America, and Penn does not discourage the idea, mentioning that he will be going this summer (for the first time). Penn suggests practical protection with which to face the new continent. Dated in the old style.

Penn, William, 1644-1718
Woodhouse (doctor), fl. 1862
Woodhouse, Elizabeth, fl. 1862

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources