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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.

Livingston, Robert Cambridge to Robert Livingston, Jr. re: advice for a more tranquil life

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03107.03558 Author/Creator: Livingston, Robert Cambridge Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1784/09/15 Pagination: 3p. + addr. 32.7 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy

"I observe you are surrounded with difficulties which disconcert and ruffle your disposition. . . . They are incident to ev'ry undertaking of magnitude and must be expected by those conducting them till the nature and disposition of men are altered. . . . When men therefore engage in a multiplicity of momentuous undertakings they Barter their ease and tranquility for the Chance of acquireing wealth. . . . Peace tranquility and Ease, accompanied by affluence & splendor, are pleading for your acceptance on the one side; while Toil, Fatigue, Anxiety, vexation & disappointment are threatening on the other - why then hesitate for a moment in your choice!" Docketed on address leaf.

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