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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.

Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857 to Joshua Leavitt

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02448.02 Author/Creator: Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857 Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 June 1847 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; Height: 25.1 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Birney, an abolitionist, writes to Leavitt, a reformer and minister in Boston. Has been asked to write columns for the Herald, a newspaper, and is allowed by the editor to freely express his opinions. Notes that Dr. Bailey (possibly Gamaliel Bailey) will not agree with what he has written. Writes, "I have but little faith in the constancy of some who stand prominent in this vicinity as abolitionists. I would not be surprised if some went off to the Democratic party before long." Remarks that Mr. Chase also contributes to the Herald (possibly referring to Salmon Portland Chase). In a post script on page two, notes, "I mention these things merely that you may... account for the different influences that are at work to affect the interests of the Liberty Party." Marked "Private." Contains a note on top of page one: "James Birney, candidate of abolitionists for President."

Birney, James Gillespie, 1792-1857
Leavitt, Joshua, 1794-1873
Bailey, Gamaliel, 1807-1859
Chase, Salmon P. (Salmon Portland), 1808-1873

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