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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.020.10 Author/Creator: Lovell, James (1737-1814) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 January 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the dire economic state of the colonies, inflation, and the depreciation rate of currency. States that according to John Adams, the British will continue the war. Mentions that Maryland has limited the time beyond which the old money will not be accepted. Reports that the other states might not put the resolution of March 18 into place but that Congress is determined it will succeed. Indicates that the debt situation is dire, stating "We, mighty men, totally dependent upon 13 Legislatures, different in views for support in our smallest endeavors to carry on the war."

On 18 March 1780 the Continental Congress had passed a resolution that states' Continental dollars will be accepted at a rate of 40:1. Lovell and Holten were Continental Congressmen from Massachusetts.

Lovell, James, 1737-1814
Holten, Samuel, 1738-1816
Adams, John, 1735-1826

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