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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.

Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to James William Paige

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.11 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Boscawen, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: circa 12 April 1829 Pagination: 1 p. : address ; 33 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy

Informs his brother-in-law that he has made it through "this most melancholy occasion." Appears to be speaking of the 10 April 1829 death from a heart attack of his 47-year-old brother Ezekiel. States that "Mrs. W. [probably his brother's wife] bears all with incredible patience and resignation" and that the "whole community seems most deeply impressed" and "shocked by the occurrence." Refers to several friends and family who attended the occasion, including the Levys, Mr. Kelly, and Ellen. Seal intact.

Circa date of this letter is based on Ezekiel's death on Friday, 10 April 1829. Webster notes that this letter was written on "Sunday eve."

[Boscawen] Sunday Eve'
5 oclock
Dr. William
We have got thro the Sherman duties of this most melancholy affair. Mrs. W [bears] all with incredible patience and resignation - the whole community seems most deeply impressed & [illegible] shocked by the occurrence. The Levy's are all well. Danl. & I hope to be home on Tuesday Eve' - hopefully I may leave Edwd here till I return - which I must do next week.
Mr. Kelly & Ellen were here. Mrs. K. felt well enough to come out.
For myself, I feel as if my main prop was broken.-
Yrs affectionably
D. Webster

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852
Paige, James William, 1792-1868
Webster, Fletcher, 1813-1862
Webster, Grace Fletcher, 1781-1828

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