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.

Clay, Henry (1777-1852) to Don Francisco Tacon

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01419 Author/Creator: Clay, Henry (1777-1852) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Letter signed Date: 29 October 1827 Pagination: 4 p. ; 31.6 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy

Clay, Secretary of State, replies to a note from Spanish Minister Tacon concerning the presence of Commodore Porter (possibly David Porter, Commander in Chief of the Mexican Navy) and his actions in Key West, Florida. Claims that Porter did not perform any act forbidden by the laws of neutrality. Confirms that President John Quincy Adams has ordered an inquiry into Porter's actions. Refers to a statement issued (not included) by Porter concerning his conduct in Key West.

Clay, Henry, 1777-1852
Tacon, Francisco, fl. 1827
Adams, John Quincy, 1767-1848
Porter, David, 1780-1843

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