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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.

Wadsworth, Benjamin, 1750-1826 to Samuel Holten

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.20 Author/Creator: Wadsworth, Benjamin, 1750-1826 Place Written: Danvers, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: June 30, 1783 Pagination: 1 p. + docket 31.5 x 20 cm Order a Copy

Begins by expressing thanks for his last letter and for the informative pamphlet on Congress. Mentions that the Continental debt is much lower than people had expected thanks to the "prudence and good economy of Congress." Comments that self interest is of utmost importance to most men and praises extensively the soldiers who fought in the Revolution for the common good. Remarks that Wadsworth's wife said he was taking a journey for his health and gives his wishes that he achieves it. States that his family is healthy, the season is good, and his salary is better than other years.

Wadsworth, Benjamin, 1750-1826
Holten, Samuel, 1738-1816

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