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.

Shock, William H. (fl. 1855-1860) to E.R. Archer

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.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01896.035 Author/Creator: Shock, William H. (fl. 1855-1860) Place Written: U.S.S. Frigate Powhatan Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 August 1860 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Two letters, one from Chief Engineer Shock and the other from Captain Pearson, regarding Archer's decision to resign his position as an officer in the U.S. Navy. Both men express their regret about his decision but laud him with praise for his excellent service under their respective commands. Shock was a pioneer in the steam Navy and rose to become engineer in chief of the US Navy. George F. Pearson (1796-1867) was captain of the Powhatan. He rose to the rank of rear admiral.

Archer, Edward Richard, 1834-1918
Shock, William H., fl. 1860
Pearson, G., fl. 1860

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources