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.

Smith, J. H. (fl. 1814) to Joseph B. Varnum

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03845.17 Author/Creator: Smith, J. H. (fl. 1814) Place Written: Amherst, New Hampshire Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 March 1814 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 24.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Informs of the election of William Low as officer for state security in the town of Amherst. His election removed a British federalist who represented the town the previous year. Feels that Governor William Plumer will be elected Governor instead of Governor John T. Gilman. Adds a private note requesting Varnum not change the current Port Master, Aaron Whitney because Whitney plans to resign and will recommend Smith to the position. He seeks Varnum's support because "The Members of Congress from this State are my political opponents, which is the cause of my troubling you on the subject."

Smith was a bondsman from Amherst, NH.

Varnum, Joseph B. (Joseph Bradley), 1751-1821
Smith, J. H., fl. 1814

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