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.

Hawley, Joseph (1723–1788) to Elbridge Gerry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02505.23 Author/Creator: Hawley, Joseph (1723–1788) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 April 1776 Pagination: 1 p. + addr. Order a Copy

Criticizes the use of prohibited tea. Mentions sending Gerry a memento. Comments that regiments are ineffective without "a man of Judgment and Spirit" leading them. A long postscript discusses Artemas Ward's resignation (because of poor health) from his position as the commanding major general in the Continental Army in April, 1776, and his sensitivity to issues relating to liberty and property. Also mentions quartering soldiers.

Hawley, Joseph, 1723-1788
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

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