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.

Polk, James K. (1795-1849) to Andrew Kincannon

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 #: GLC00129 Author/Creator: Polk, James K. (1795-1849) Place Written: Columbia, Tennessee Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 September 1835 Pagination: 4 p. : address : free frank ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Informs that he cannot give a reliable opinion on Kincannon's congressional run though he feels he made a respectable showing. Mentions recommendations being forwarded from the Choctaw Agency West after the death of Colonel Armstrong. Discusses politics in Tennessee and informs that, "The mass of our people are essentially Democratic, and all they want is right and correct information, to induce them to act out practically their principles." But then states that he believes Tennessee will stay Republican. Remarks on the strong influence the press has in Tennessee and refers to the establishment of a newspaper, "The Democrat," which has allowed people to see both sides of the issues. Informs that many newspapers in Tennessee are anti-Jackson (Andrew Jackson was President at the time). Asks Kincannon if the Democrats can gain some influence over his newspaper, stating that it will help in the coming election. Advises that any of his talk about the press is confidential. Addressed to Kincannon in Fayetteville, Tennessee.

Polk was a member of Congress at this time.

Polk, James Knox, 1795-1849
Kincannon, Andrew A., fl. 1835
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources