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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.

Peyton, Balie, 1803-1878 to S.A. Hall

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05527.03 Author/Creator: Peyton, Balie, 1803-1878 Place Written: Panama Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 December 1849 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Describes his crossing at the Isthmus of Panama and reaching the Pacific in time for the steamer to Valparaiso. Reports difficulties crossing and dealing with the American consul, who Peyton feels is un-American, rude, and greedy. Writes about the newly-vacant consul position and the ideal characteristics of the appointee. Discusses the health of his daughter.

Hall, S.A., fl. 1849
Peyton, Balie, 1803-1878

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