Our Collection

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.

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823 [Notes on taxation and establishment of churches in Massachusetts]

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07160.06 Author/Creator: Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph document Date: 1792 Pagination: 8 p. ; 23.1 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy

Notes outlining his arguments against the practices of taxation and appropriation of public monies to fund construction of meeting houses and payment of teachers for denominational majorities. Cites the state constitution and its Bill of Rights. In general, Van Schaack records quotes from the constitution, axioms regarding the separation of church and state, and personal readings of the two, in the left-hand column. In the right-hand column appear specific instances that violate his principles, and other details relating to religion in Massachusetts. Page four has four points to be included in the "Warrant for warning the next Town meeting."

Van Schaack, Henry, 1733-1823

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources