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 James Ronaldson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00496.002 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Montezillo [i.e. Quincy] Type: Letter signed Date: 23 February 1820 Pagination: 1 p. : free frank : docket ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Character of General Jackson.

Montezillo Febuary 23d.-1820
Sir
I have received your favour of the 16th and loose (struck: no time) not a moment to acknowledge my obligation for it - I have been attentive to the Actions and Character of General Jacksen [sic] and have read the volume of his Geography - and have no hesitation in giving my opinion - that he is one of the greatest Military Characters that North America has produced - no present of (inserted: the) kind could have been more acceptable to me - than a Bust of this great Man - to whom we are all so deeply indebted - it is the more pleasing as it is the works of Mr. Rush - a Native American - and a Name very dear to me - I have not had time as yet, to send an Order for the precious Monument - which I shall preserve with great Care, for the Contemplation of my Posterity -

I am Sir with many thanks for
your kindness, and politeness,
your obliged friend and humble Servant
John Adams
James Ronaldson Esqr

Ronaldson, James, 1768-1842
Adams, John, 1735-1826
Jackson, Andrew, 1767-1845

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