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.

U.S. Continental Congress. Thomson, Charles Extract from minutes of Congress to suppress dangerous correspondence

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04079 Author/Creator: U.S. Continental Congress. Thomson, Charles Place Written: Philadelphia Type: Autograph document signed Date: 1778/06/17 Pagination: 1 p. + docket 36.6 x 24.9 cm Order a Copy

In Congress; 17th June 1778

Whereas many letters addressed to individuals of these United States, have been lately received from England through the conveyance of the enemy, & some of them which have been under the inspection of members of Congress, are found to contain ideas insidiously calculated to divide & delude the good people of these States;
Resolved,
That it be, & it is hereby earnestly recommended to the legislative & executive authorities of the several States, to exercise the utmost care & vigilance, & take the most effectual measures to put a stop to so dangerous & criminal a correspondence -
Resolved,
That the Commander in chief, & the commanders in each & every military department be, & he & they are hereby directed to carry the measures recommended in the above resolution into the most effectual execution -
Extract from the minutes;
Cha Thomson Secy
[Docket]:
Delaware
A resolution of Congress dated the 17th of June 1778.

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources