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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.

Ward, Henry (1732-1797) [Rhode Island laws]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00996 Author/Creator: Ward, Henry (1732-1797) Place Written: Providence, Rhode Island Type: Document signed Date: 24 December 1776 Pagination: 9 p. : 30.8 x 19.8 cm Order a Copy

Signed by Ward as Rhode Island Secretary of State. Printed set of laws passed by the legislature and Nicholas Cooke, Governor of Rhode Island. Second page lists members of the legislature. Each page lists resolutions and laws and each paragraph has a quick summary in a column next to it. Most of the laws and resolutions deal with military issues of the Revolution. Some examples of laws include: appointment of a council of war, regulation of prices of goods, and the raising of three regiments. Most provide for military details, the commissions of officers, and money payments. Document is bound with string on its left side. First page has an embossed paper seal of the symbol of Rhode Island. Also at the top of front page in what appears to be Ward's hand are the words "Two Regiments Raised." On blank tenth page there is written in pencil "Evans 15053." Printed by John Carter.

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