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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.

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858 to John Cripps

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.17 Author/Creator: Gadsden, James, 1788-1858 Place Written: Charleston, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 May 1856 Pagination: 8 p. : Height: 27.5 cm, Width: 21.5 cm Order a Copy

Writes to his Secretary about his longer-than-expected journey from Vera Cruz. Discusses his family and personal news. Mentions an upcoming lecture given by Dr. Lynch on the Toleration of Catholicism. Mentions the possibility, and fear, of a war with Great Britain. Talks about politics and the most current issues in Washington: Nicaragua, Mexico, and the Democratic National Convention of which President Pierce should be watchful. Imprint in upper left corner depicts a coat of arms surrounded by laurels, above "Paris."

Cripps, John S., fl. 1820-1875
Gadsden, James, 1788-1858

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