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.

Jay, John (1745-1829) to William North

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02528.03 Author/Creator: Jay, John (1745-1829) Place Written: Bedford, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 October 1803 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 20.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Jay in retirement to North, a former brigadier general and U.S. Senator working on his farm. Says he received North's letter of 22 September 1803 which stated Mr. Verplank would not authorize North to pay the creditors of Mr. DuBois's estate from the sale of his land. North had requested Jay's advice on how to proceed. Jay says he cannot form a proper judgment having not seen the papers concerning the trust. Says he should submit the matter to "two of our most eminent Counsellors at Law, and steadily and strictly follow their advice."

Jay, John, 1745-1829

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