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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.

Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843 to John James Audubon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04031.02 Author/Creator: Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 11, 1832 Pagination: 4 p. : address ; Height: 25.2 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

Addressed to John Backman in Charleston, South Carolina but noted that the letter is for Audubon. Thanks him for a recent letter containing interesting information which he has shared with others. Mentions that he received a letter from Mrs. Audubon and that the family is well. Mentions that the winter was very cold and wet which has effected the roads and the mail delivery. Discusses copies of Audubon's work and some plates that were included in error, specifically a hawk and a blue bird. Advises that both Mrs. Audubon and their son Victor want to discourage Audubon from visiting the area beyond the Rocky Mountains. Fears he is spending too much time in Florida and he should instead go to California to seek novelties in ornithology. Remarks, "The Eyes of the intelligent part of the world are upon you - and the opportunities which now open before you, will never occur again - with you alone the great work in which you are engaged must sink or swim." Indicates that he has read a review of his works and has sent Mrs. Audubon copies of what has been published in various journals and that Mr. Backman has them also.

Harlan, Richard, 1796-1843
Audubon, John James, 1785-1851
Backman, John, fl. 1832

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