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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.

Bradford, John (fl. 1777) to Esek Hopkins

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.412.07 Author/Creator: Bradford, John (fl. 1777) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 January 1777 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

Bradford discusses a matter involving Mr. Southouse. States "I think tho he had been a Revenue officer (wch I find he is not) I shou'd thought my self Justifiable to have given him what he Claimd being no more than his furniture as its Characteristic for Americans to be generous; Which from the new Connection I have had the pleasure to have with you." Requests Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy 1775-1778, to intervene on behalf of Southouse. Mentions Captain Hoysted Hacker. In a post script, states "I find your officers have been misinform'd regarding the money said to on board the Mellish, its not probable Government wou'd send money in such a ship when under convoy of a kings ship, and poor Mr. Southouse is ready to dictate on oath he knew nothing of any money being on board."

Bradson, John, fl. 1777
Hopkins, Esek, 1718-1802
Hacker, Hoysted, fl. 1775-1835

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