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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.

Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) to Newton, Gordon, and Johnston

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.022.05 Author/Creator: Montgomery, John (fl. 1778-1779) Place Written: Lisbon, Portugal Type: Autograph letter Date: 24 July 1779 Pagination: 3 p. + addr. + docket 23.5 x 19.5 cm Order a Copy

Signed as Montgomery, Sealy, and Co. Reports that Spain has finally joined forces with France against England. The Spanish fleet sailed from Cadiz on 24 June 1779 and will join the French fleet. States that they are threatening an invasion in Ireland or England but remarks that British spirits are high. ". . . John Bull's Spirit seems to be roused, and they begin to be unanimous at home, and don't seem to dread them, which looks well." Mentions that the Spanish have already begun to lay siege to Gilbralter but he thinks their attempt will be fruitless as it was at Algiers because the garrison there is well supplied and well led. Second half of the letter deals with business accounts, and shipments of tea, wine, and other goods. On 21 June 1779 Spain declared war against Britain so that France would help them regain Gilbralter and Florida. Newton, Gordon, and Johnston were merchants from Madeira.

Seller's notes: These are letters relative to the wine trade that was in progress and it will be noted that some of the famous officers of the day were ordering sizeable quantities of spirits at this time. Water in the colonies was very poor, so that these products were important to the every day survival.

Montgomery, John, fl. 1778-1779

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