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.

Davis, Caleb (1738-1797?) to Elbridge Gerry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.233 Author/Creator: Davis, Caleb (1738-1797?) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 November 1780 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 24 x 18 cm. Order a Copy

Docketed in Elbridge Gerry's hand. Reminds Gerry that he has an "appointment upon a Committee to devise ways & means to supply the treasury to pay this Commonwealth's Quota of the army and other Exigencies of Government." This committee is to sit "until the bussiness is perfect." Also requests "your attendance as a Member of this house, as also to discharge the duties in consequence of your appointment yesterday." Signed by Davis as the Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

Caleb Davis was the first Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representative.
Elbridge Gerry was a Delegate and Representative from Massachusetts and Vice President.

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Davis, Caleb, 1738-1797

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