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.

Handlin, W.W., 1830-1911 to James Gadsden

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03587.21 Author/Creator: Handlin, W.W., 1830-1911 Place Written: Los Angeles, California Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 August 1856 Pagination: 3 p. : envelope Height: 25.1 cm, Width: 19.7 cm Order a Copy

Thanks Gadsden for all his kindness and help while he was living in Mexico City. Discusses his professional prospects and describes Los Angeles' climate and environs. Thinks that Buchanan will carry California in the next election as he is very popular among her residents. Unpopular among Californians is the Pacific Railroad. Hopes that the project will be funded by the Democratic Party. Mentions a possible move to Nicaragua. Handlin was a lawyer who studied in Mexico City until 1851. His successful law career began in 1857 in New Orleans.

Gadsden, James, 1788-1858
Handlin, W. W. (William Wallace), 1830-1911

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources