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.

Stephens, Alexander Hamilton (1812-1883) to Thomas W. Thomas

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 #: GLC01249 Author/Creator: Stephens, Alexander Hamilton (1812-1883) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 February 1854 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

One letter addressed to Thomas W. Thomas from Alexander Stephens dated February 27, 1854. Mentions a resolution of a conflict with Jewish people, a fight involving Robert Toombs and his health.

Washington DC
27. Feb. 1854

Dear Thomas
Your letter of the 8th Inst was received some days ago but not until after Some unnecessary delay in consequence of having been missent as you will see from the envelope. I return that you may show to your postmaster and ask him to look sharper next time.
He sent it to Washington Ga instead of Washington D.C. From Washington Ga. it was forwarded to me here. I have sent you a [2] copy of the Census of 1850 which I hope you will get in due season. I am glad the Jews have settled their affairs without further trouble or litigation - After all the bluster in the news papers, such as rumors that Col. Davis had a correspondence waiting Mr. Toombs on his arrival [here &] it seems that nothing is to come of it at last. This is as I expected. Toombs has been here several weeks but Davis has made no movement in the matter. He is not so anxious to pick up a fight when he thinks he could [opt out]. I believe I told you last fall that I did not think Davis would challenge Toombs - The universal opinion [3] here as far as I have heard it expressed is in Toombs favour as the matter now stands - But enough. I have been sick - not ill - all winter - About 12 days ago I got out went to the House and got fired up the first day with a desire to speak in reply to a couple of [Yankees] on the Nebraska bill. Two days after I [took] the floor - could not [get] it before - when I gave them a part of my mind - you will see it in the papers. I will also send you a copy when it comes out in pamphlet form. Toombs also spoke last week. He gave Seward & Summer an [excoriating] dusting - Toombs is now quite sick with violent cold & fever - The same disease I had. It [4] is prevalent here. It is a sort of Influenza - I hope he will be out in a day or two - My best regards to Mrs. Thomas -

Your [illegible] respectfully
Alexander H. Stephens

[Hon.] T. W. Thomas
Elberton Ga.

Stephens, Alexander Hamilton, 1812-1883
Thomas, Thomas W., -1864

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources