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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.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820 to George G. Channing

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00108.07 Author/Creator: Ellery, William, 1727-1820 Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 14, 1814 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 24 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

In his letter, William Ellery agrees with his grandson that evils have resulted from commercial regulations brought on by the War of 1812. He does not think Congress will enact an embargo and believes the British have a right to blockade their enemy's ports. He advises moderation in expenses and pleasures when he marries. He refers to the Book of Ruth in a discussion of marriage customs as they relate to the impending nuptials between Channing's mother and William. He discusses a possible visit and family news, and mentions the good character of Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry. Writing one month after Napoleon's first abdication, Ellery praises the downfall of the emperor.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820
Channing, George Gibbs, 1789-1881
Perry, Oliver Hazard, 1785-1819
Bonaparte, Napoleon, 1769-1821

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