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.

Ellery, William, 1727-1820 to George Wanton Ellery

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02300.19 Author/Creator: Ellery, William, 1727-1820 Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1806 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 21 cm, Width: 17 cm Order a Copy

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Has received George's letter. Berates George for sending him the wrong description of the geography he needed for school. Corrects the grammar of his letter. Is glad to hear that there are persons in Wickford who are religiously inclined. Advises him to read his Bible: "and may the Holy Spirit inspire you with a principle of holiness. Without holiness no man can see God, and enjoy his smiles." He continues to have the "bad humour" about the lower region of his belly, "otherwise my health is as good as a man my age can expect." Sends his regards to Mrs. Barney. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

Ellery, William, fl. 1802-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources