Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

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circa 29 October 1843

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Document signed

Title: [General Order no. 8 regarding African Squadron vessels' procedure for obtaining supplies]

Commodore Perry writes these orders as Commander of United States Naval Forces on the Western Coast of Africa. Appears to be docketed in pencil at the top of page one, noting this order was received "at sea." Date from docket.

GLC01126

3 January 1844

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas T. Craven

Perry, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces on the western coast of Africa, writes from the U.S.S. Macedonia (off the coast of Monrovia) to Lieutenant Commodore Craven of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. Directs Craven to survey anchorage at Fish Town, near Cape Palmas. Details how the survey should proceed with regard to the study of tides, winds, weather, beach conditions, and coastal resources. Reminds Craven to pay attention to the crew's health. With a signed postscript about chart making. Perry was engaged in suppressing the slave trade off the West coast of Africa.

GLC00815.01

2 April 1844

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Letter signed

Title: [General orders pertaining to the deaths of Thomas Gilmer and Beverly Kennon]

Perry signs as Commander of Naval Forces on the West Coast of Africa. Transmits a copy of two general orders issued following the death of Thomas W. Gilmer, late Secretary of the Navy. Transmits the orders to commanding officers of vessels attached to the African Squadron. On verso, contains a general order issued 29 February 1844 issued by Lewis Warrington, Secretary of the Navy. Warrington orders flags at half mast, firing of guns, and the wearing of crepe on sailors left arms and swords in memory of Gilmer, who was killed 28 February 1844 by a bursting gun aboard the U.S.S.

GLC02430

11 June 1844

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Letter signed

Title: to Thomas Tingey Craven

Perry writes from U.S. Frigate Macedonian to Craven, Commander of the U.S. Brig Porpoise. Instructs Craven that upon arriving in Liberia, he should go directly to the Galenas River. Discusses procedure for cruising and for display of the American Flag, noting, "...in the neighborhood of the Galenas at least you may be able to prevent the desecration of the American Flag to the vile purposes of the foreign slave Dealer." Requests Craven's observations on the land, currents, and other features of the Galenas River.

GLC01617

19 August 1844

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Document signed

Title: General Order no. 17, re: Texas question and possibility of more service

Docketed. Directed to the African Squadron; received on Oct. 19.

GLC00896

8 December 1846

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Connor

Written aboard the U.S.S. Mississippi, Perry discusses visiting Captain George E. Lambert of HMS Endymion regarding two prisoners who were taken aboard the Palsot for attempting to reconnoiter the enemies' powder magazine and brought to Vera Cruz. Perry mentions the departure of the Morris, a ship carrying provisions for Connor's ship, the McLane, and suggests he stock up on water while in Tampico, Mexico.The war with Mexico brought Perry the principal wartime command of his career.

GLC02354

27 December 1847

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Document signed

Title: General Order. No. 14

Written to Lieutenant Comdt. H.J. Hartstone. Orders to collect maritime information to improve charts of the Mexican coast.

GLC05109

1856

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Book signed

Title: Narrative of the Expedition of an American Squadron to the China Seas and Japan, Performed in the Years 1852, 1853, and 1854...

Title continues: "Under the Command of Commodore M.C. Perry, United States Navy, by order of the Government of the Unites States. Compiled from the original notes and journals of Commodore Perry and his officers, at his request, and under his supervision, by Francis L. Hawks, D.D.L.L.D. With numerous illustrations." Volume II has same title. Volume III titled: "Unites States Japan Expedition.

GLC04720.02

1861-1865

Perry, Matthew Calbraith (1794-1858)

Photograph

Title: As Commodore, standing 3/4 length portrait

Subject is wearing epaulettes, white gloves and is holding sword in his left hand. Graphite inscription on verso "Mathew Perry Japan Expedition." Photographers imprint on verso: "Published by E. Anthony 501 Broadway New York. From Photographic Negative in Brady's National Portrait Gallery." The carte is a reprint of an earlier image.

GLC05111.02.1417

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