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.

Adams, John (1735-1826) to Robert Fulton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04351 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Quincy, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 June 1813 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy

Agreeing with Fulton that "the diamons [sic] in the quarries of science are inexhaustable" and commenting "perseverance will succeed; indolence never can."

Quincy June 23. 1813
Sir

I thank you for your favour of the 17th. I am entirely of your Opinion, that the Diamons in the quarries of Science are inexhaustable: and as you have been, I hope you will continue to be Successful Miner. If I were only fifty years younger I Should be happy to dig, with you.
The two Scientific Nations have made experimental War upon us for twenty years. It is but one, that We have tried a Serious experiment of resistance. If our Success has not been very astonishing, the Want of Experience, not Genius has been wanting. Perseverance will Succeed; indolence never can. I am, Sir, with
much respect your humble Servant
John Adams

Adams, John, 1735-1826
Fulton, Robert, 1765-1815

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