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.

Dalton, Tristram (1738-1817) to Joseph B. Varnum

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03845.12 Author/Creator: Dalton, Tristram (1738-1817) Place Written: Salem, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 29 December 1813 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 24.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Informs Varnum of Mr. Swett's rejection of the position in the Office of Deputy Collector in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Sevett "thought it incompatible with his present office to undertake the business." Dalton expresses regret for not being able "to have met your wishes, and to have rendered Mr. Sevett any service." Date of letter reads "29th Decem 1813" however, docket date reads Dec. 29, 1814.

Dalton served as a member of the Massachusetts State House of Representatives from 1782-1788 and served as speaker in 1784 and 1785. He also served as U.S. Senator from 1789-1791.

Varnum, Joseph B. (Joseph Bradley), 1751-1821
Dalton, Tristram, 1738-1817
Sevett, Mr., fl. 1813

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