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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.

Whipple, William, 1730-1785 to John Langdon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03185 Author/Creator: Whipple, William, 1730-1785 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 May 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 20.6 x 16.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written by New Hampshire Continental Congressman Whipple to New Hampshire Continental Congressman Langdon. Whipple signed the Declaration of Independence, but Langdon resigned his position in Congress in June 1776 to become agent for Continental prizes and superintendent of the construction of several ships of war. Says Colonel Josiah Bartlett, another New Hampshire Congressman, arrived yesterday. Encloses a resolution Whipple claims Langdon will like (not included here). Speaks of "a Confederation permanent and lasting [that] ought in my opinion to be the next thing, & I hope not far off." Hopes it will lead to foreign alliances that will bring ships to fill American ports from all parts of the world. Red wax seal is extent. Some text loss where seal was torn off. Free frank carries Whipple's signature.

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