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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.

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart (1749-1826) to James Dundas

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02549.23 Author/Creator: Dundas, David, Sir, Bart (1749-1826) Place Written: Richmond (London), England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 July 1782 Pagination: 5 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes in detail about his father's arrival and their activities. Indicates that "We are in hourly expectation of hearing something of Importance from Lord Howe." Explains that six ships have been sent to Howe to make a fleet of thirty and discusses related naval matters. Comments on their brother Ralph's difficulty getting a naval post. Comments on correspondence (and the lack of it) from their brother George and James Robertson. Notes that he can give no news of politics because it is difficulty to come by, quipping that "Self Interest is the secret spring to modern patriotism." Asks James to visit.

Sir David Dundas, 1st Bart of Richmond, was a doctor who was appointed Sargent Surgeon to King George III in 1791.
James Dundas was a lawyer in Edinburgh, Scotland, and David's younger brother.

Dundas, David, Sir, Bart, 1749-1826
Dundas, James, 1752-1831

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