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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, Israel, 1763-1821 to Jedediah Smith

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.04 Author/Creator: Smith, Israel, 1763-1821 Place Written: Natchez, Mississippi Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 November 1808 Pagination: 4 p. : address ; Height: 31.5 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy

Writes that he was very happy to hear from him since almost two years have past since their last correspondence. Discusses a Colonel Trash who traveled to Jedediah's area (Massachusetts) but did not bring back word. He is sorry to hear Jedediah has suffered some family misfortune. Reports on family news and states their brother, Philander, has been elected to the legislature again. Another brother, Calvin and himself are in the military. Comments upon the divided state of politics in the Mississippi territory where he lives. There are Tories, Burrites, and Democrats but the democrats are losing ground. Mentions the practice of rabble rousing to win elections and fears the effects Jefferson's embargo might have on their area. Mentions the weather and the cotton crops. Removal of the seal has resulted in some text loss on 3rd and 4th page.

Smith, Israel, 1763-1821
Smith, Jedediah, 1752-1816
Smith, Philander, 1765-1824

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