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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.

Smith, Calvin, 1768-1840 to Jedediah Smith

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.02 Author/Creator: Smith, Calvin, 1768-1840 Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 December 1801 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Begins by saying how happy he is to know Jedediah is alive. Tries to convince him to move to the Mississippi territory where the soil is so much more fertile than the stony ground of Massachusetts. Describes in detail all the advantages he would have if he moved. Gives him instructions and directions for the best way to make the journey. Talks about the mail for a bit. Mentions that the wife of Philander Smith, their brother, has died. Calvin informs that he and his wife have had a daughter. Discusses another brother named Luther who lives within the boundaries of Spanish territory and has nine slaves. Remarks that the crops were good notwithstanding the drought they experienced this year. States that this land is preferable to any in the Union. Gives regards to his family.

Smith, Calvin, 1768-1840
Smith, Jedediah, 1752-1816
Smith, Luther, 1770-1833

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