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.

Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03777 Author/Creator: Gorham, Nathaniel (1738-1796) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 January 1788 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 23.6 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Gorham discusses the progress of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Writes, "Wisdom & patience were never more necessary than at the present time- some of our People are so opposed that there seems to be no means of convincing them... we cannot gain the question without some recommendatory amendments- with them I presume we shall have a small majority." Relates that [Rufus] King, also at the convention, sends his regards. Signed with initials.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Gorham was a delegate to the Massachusetts convention which ratified the Federal Constitution in February 1788.

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
King, Rufus, 1755-1827

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