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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.

Audubon, John James, 1785-1851 to Richard Harlan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04031.01 Author/Creator: Audubon, John James, 1785-1851 Place Written: St. Francisville, Louisiana Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 November 1829 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 25.5 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

Describes his journey from Philadelphia to Louisiana and states that he was able to see his wife. Mentions birds he has been studying, particularly swallows. Also states that a friend of his has discovered new birds, which he will tell Harlan about when he can see him again. Informs that he will going to England by the 15 of January. Remarks that he will start drawing next week, both animals and plants natural to "this Magnificent Louisiana." Asks Harlan to give regards to mutual friends. Signed postscript written across page one states that he has "just now Killed a Large New Falcon, yes positively a New Species of Hawk." Goes on to describe the physical characteristics of the falcon. Addressed to Harlan in Philadelphia.

Audubon, John James, 1785-1851
Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843

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