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.

Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) to Harriette Story Paige

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01946.25 Author/Creator: Webster, Daniel (1782-1852) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 December 1842 Pagination: 2 p. ; 18 x 11.3 cm. Order a Copy

States that he received a testimonial from his sister-in-law Paige in favor of G.H. Paige, likely one of her relatives. Serving as Secretary of State, reports that he recommended G.H. Paige to Secretary of War Jefferson Davis for an appointment.

Webster served as Secretary of State (1841-1843).

Washington
Decr. 13. 1842

Dear Harriett,
I have recd your letter, with the Testimonials in favor G.H. Paige; & have seen the Sec. of War again, on the subjects. I have filed the papers, & have placed with them a strong & earnest letter of my own; so that, whether I shall be dead or alive, when March comes, the young man may get his appointments - He must [2] must say nothing about "June" - but get it when he can.
We are all pretty well in the midst of a freezing rain. Cheer up your husband & keep him in health & spirits - Give my love to the children - What can I send Willey, to make him remember his uncle?
Yrs affectionately
D.W.

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852
Paige, Harriette Story, 1806-1863
Davis, Jefferson, 1808-1889
Paige, G. H., fl. 1842

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