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.

Lovell, James (1737-1814) to Samuel Holten

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 #: GLC01450.020.07 Author/Creator: Lovell, James (1737-1814) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 October 1780 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 21 x 33.5 cm. Order a Copy

States he received his letter yesterday. Mentions he is sorry to hear about the poor health of someone named Sheldon (possibly Jeremiah Shelden). Mentions that Mr. Partridge lent him a scale of depreciation but that he cannot say if it is as acceptable as the continental one. Expects to soon see a printed account of Holten's elections on the new Constitution. Postcript states that General Ward (possibly Artemas Ward) gave Lovell the enclosed and sends his regards.

Holten and Lovell were Continental Congressmen from Massachusetts.

Philada. Octr. 17. 1780
Dear Sir
Yesterday I had the Pleasure of receiving your kind Letter of Sepr. 23d. I wish indeed that I could give an account from this or other Potent States as favorable as what you tell of Mr. Appleton. I cannot come near it.
I am sorry that Sheldon has been so unfortunate in his Health when he has made so good a Change of Climate: The poor Fellow must be quite off the Exercise of his Talent for Commerce. I expected he would have shined in [2] the trading Line.
Mr. Partridge was so kind as to send me a scale of Depreciation. I imagine it will not be so acceptable as our continental one but I leave that Subject to another who is more touched with it than I.
I expect in a short Time to see a printed account of your Elections on the new [Massachusetts] Constitution. There is one degree above "high Spirits;" when a "gouty" Man can show such, it may be expected that upon laying aside his Flannel he will be in a "tip top" Flow.
[3] Under a weeping Cold I must close, with assuring you of my Esteem and Affection as a Friend at your Service. James Lovell.

Genl. Ward delivered me the inclosed & not being able to write particularly to you presents his Regards.

Lovell, James, 1737-1814
Holten, Samuel, 1738-1816

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources