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.

Ellery, William (1727-1820) to George Wanton Ellery

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02300.09 Author/Creator: Ellery, William (1727-1820) Place Written: Newport, Rhode Island Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 May 1804 Pagination: 2 p. 21 x 17 cm Order a Copy

Written to his son at Captain Barney's School in Wickford, Rhode Island. Advises George that perseverance is necessary to succeeding in studies, and that education lays the "foundation for future reputation and usefulness." Is sorry to hear of the derangement with Benjamin Reynolds. Tells him of the unexpected deaths of two members of the same family. Advises George to read his Bible, and to go to church both forenoon and afternoon on Sundays. A Member of the Continental Congress from 1776 until 1785, William Ellery was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. He was Collector of the Port of Newport from 1790 until 1820.

Ellery, William, fl. 1802-1806

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