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.

Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 Appointing Robert R. Livingston Minister to France

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00639.17 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 Place Written: Washington, District of Columbia Type: Document signed Date: 02 October 1801 Pagination: 1 vellum sheet ; 30 x 38 cm. Order a Copy

Countersigned by Madison as Secretary of State. Livingston was appointed to gain secured access to New Orleans, by purchase if necessary. However, Livingston exceeded his instructions by buying the Louisiana Territory.

Livingston, Robert R., 1746-1813
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Madison, James, 1751-1836

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources