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.

Clayton, John M. (John Middleton) (1796-1856) to Zachary Taylor

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 #: GLC02505.08 Author/Creator: Clayton, John M. (John Middleton) (1796-1856) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 August 1849 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Secretary of State Clayton writes to the out-of-town Taylor that armed ships are heading towards Cuba. The Cabinet has drawn up a proclamation and he advises Taylor to expedite the signing of the document. Adds that Captain Hunter should be sent to the Chesapeake to monitor the movement against Cuba from Baltimore. Postscript says that the proclamation is enclosed (not included). Imprint on back reads "Satin."

In 1849 Narciso Lopez, a former Cuban provincial governor, attempted to raise an army to invade Cuba and wrest it from Spain. The Proclamation of President Taylor (August 1849) forbid supposed movements in the United States to aid the Cubans in overthrowing their government.

Clayton, John Middleton, 1796-1856
Taylor, Zachary, 1784-1850

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources