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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.

Darby, John C., fl. 1850 [to Tobias Gibson]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04501.063 Author/Creator: Darby, John C., fl. 1850 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1854 circa Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

The date is inferred from the election years in which the politicians mentioned ran for office. Discusses various political figures such as William Seward, Francis P. Blair (former Free Soiler), Lewis Kossuth, James Buchanan, Daniel Webster and Lewis Cass. Darby supports Buchanan, and opposes those who advocate abolition. He also discusses plans for railroads in Louisiana and suggest two separate lines for New Orleans. His observations on the changes occurring in the country assume a prophetic tone: "the Almighty Ruler of the Universe seems to be bringing about some great change in the affairs of mankind; & we are all working in the dark. It is to his mercy & goodness alone that we must trust. But I fear that it may turn out that as in the days of Sodom & Gomorrou [sic] there will not be found righteous men enough to save the world. The Earth was never more abandoned to vice & immorality, to infidelity & false philosophy than at this day." The first four pages of the letter are missing.

Gibson, Randall Lee, 1832-1892

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