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.

Inman, John (fl. 1786) to Smith and Wyckoff

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.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03297 Author/Creator: Inman, John (fl. 1786) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 August 1786 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.5 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to the firm of Smith and Wyckoff on behalf of himself and his brother, G.S. Inman of London. Writes, "As I apprehend I am of sound mind & memory, it becomes me on my return to this place (where I have formerly done business) to address you, and with due respect to ask for a state of the account between us." Is especially anxious of a speedy reply, as things have been done since 20 July to "distress my Person, Family, & Estate, as is usual in cases where the property may be supposd deficient, or the person exposed to the Resentment of mankind, from causes not necessary here to mention." (He is likely referring to his recent incarceration in prison for debt and mental illness; see GLC02437.03287 and .03288 ). Asks for a few days after receiving their account information to conduct his affairs, but assures them he will "not ask a discharge on delivering up my all, my Person is, & shall be, at my creditors disposal, nor shall I look on myself clear of my obligations to them untill I make up the payments twenty shillings on the pound." Asks them to keep in mind, however, how difficult trade is at present and that all sales at auction will incur heavy losses. Promises to honor all his creditors to the best of his ability.

Inman, John, fl. 1786

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources