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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.

Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03720 Author/Creator: Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 December 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.1 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston, Massachusetts.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

[draft]
Charles Town Decr 4 1787
D Sir
The acc.t of the temper of Pennsylvania & Connecticut contained in your last was truly pleasing - I wish I could represent the good disposition of this State in as strong colours - but that cannot be done - Mr Gerrys Letter has done infinite mischeif - I am not to this moment [convinced] but M.r King & I ought to have answered it - however I do not dispair - but am rather encouraged than other ways by the elections that have taken place. The disposition of Boston & indeed the whole of the Seaboard is right - that if the Country is divided will turn the scale - I have recd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News papers. But it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause -
[2] do write me all the encouraging news you can - Doctor Franklin favoured me with some observations he made just before he put his name to the Constitution - I have had it published - it has had a wonderfull [sic] effect - inclosed is two Letters which I will thank you to deliver - that to Mr Pintard so that I can have an [struck: return] answer by the return of the post if possible. please to make my best respects to Mr.s Knox & Family to Mr King & M Gardoqui & believe me to be sincerely Yours - N Gorham

Poor Spear
hangd himself
last night

[docket]
Mr Gorham
4 Decr 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

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