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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.

Warren, James (1726-1808) to Elbridge Gerry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.528 Author/Creator: Warren, James (1726-1808) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 November 1779 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 31 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses "A new Constitution of Government now forming by the Convention at Camebridge," referring to the debate over the Articles of Confederation. "The people seem convinced of the necessity of a new form of Government," but progress is slow. Fears what may happen if this convention adjourns. Says Adams and Dana will sail soon and that three ships are ready for Comte d'Estaing or General Washington.

James Warren was speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.
Elbridge Gerry was a Delegate and Representative from Massachusetts and Vice President

My Dear Sir, Boston Nov 9th: 1779
I have now given you're a long respite from the Trouble of my Letters, partly because I had nothing very Important to write: & partly but of Compassion to you. as I hear from all Quarters that you are so deeply Engaged in Business as to have no Time to spare upon small Matters. however I find by you Letter to M Adams that you have not forgot there is such a Man [inserted: as I any] & that he may be confided in.. We have no foreign news to be depended on a new Constitution of Government now forming by the Convention at Cambridge. A Plan of which as reported by the Committee you have from over Friend Adams by this Post. The Meeting of the Genl: Court this day. But principally the Confusions occasioned by the depreciation & the Regulations &. other Plans to obviate or remove them Engross the attention & Conversation The People seem convinced of the Necessity of a New Form of Government. & I think are well diagnosed to receive one. but the Business goes on slowly. & the Convention talk of Adjourning. I fear the Consequences if they do. M. Adams & M Dana will sail in 3 or 4 days. I wish them safe in France. two Ships one of 50: & the other of 44 have been Cruising sometime here for them a Storm must first Clear our Coast & then they may go safe. we have four Continental ships ready for the Sea. ordered to Lay for Count D Estaings. Or Genl. Washingtons orders [2] I wish they were gone, it is a public Misfortune to have them detained long after they are ready, we could if we had powers direct them to profitable Cruises. but we are only Servants. & allowed to use but little discretion
I am Sir with Great Esteem
Your Assured Friend &
Humbl. Servt.
My regards to Mr
Lovel shallw rite him J Warren
By next Post. not having
Time at present ~
[address leaf]
Honbl: Elbridge Gerry Esqr
Member of Congress
Philadelphia

[docket]
' Boston Letter
Honl J Warren
Esqr July 5th
Nov 9 1779
and Novr 23d

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Warren, James, 1726-1808

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