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.

McClelland, Robert (1807-1880) [Patent for Matthias Baldwin's improvements in steam engine cut-off valves]

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00064 Author/Creator: McClelland, Robert (1807-1880) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Document signed Date: 13 September 1853 Pagination: 4 p. ; 52 x 37.2 cm. Order a Copy

Signed by Robert McClelland as Secretary of the Interior. Countersigned by Charles Mason as Commissioner of Patents. Baldwin's written description of his improvement is signed by Henry Simpson and Daniel McKinley as witnesses. Includes a one page diagram depicting Baldwin's invention. Contains a blue paper seal and light blue ribbon. Top of the first page is decorated with a detailed patriotic engraving along with the notes: Drawn by A.A. Von Schmidt and Eng'd by W.H. Dougal.

Matthias W. Baldwin (1795-1866), pioneer in steam locomotion and founder of Baldwin Locomotive works, was a prominent industrialist and philanthopist. Baldwin built "Old Ironsides," the first locomotive to carry passengers.

Baldwin, Matthias William, 1795-1866
Mason, Charles, 1804-1882
McClelland, Robert, 1807-1880
McKinley, Daniel, fl. 1853
Simpson, Henry, 1790-1868

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources