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.

Lovett, John (1761-1818) to Stephen Van Rensselaer

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 #: GLC04309.01 Author/Creator: Lovett, John (1761-1818) Place Written: Washington, D. C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1815 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 25 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Informs that the bank bill has passed. Expresses his opposition to charter of second Bank of United States being granted. Talks negatively about the methods used to get the bank bill passed. Remarks, "In these days, I find, it is a very easy thing to become Rich, but I shall die Poor - so be it - I am sickened & disgusted at what I see, & believe; but do not know." Mentions his grandmother, who raised him and told him to "Do right & fear not." Expects that William H. Crawford will be nominated for President by a Republican caucus. Written as member of Congress. Addressed to Major General Renssalaer. With small clipping pasted to left side of first page.

Lovett a United States Representative from New York. Renssalaer served in the New York state assembly and senate. He was a major general in the state militia during the War of 1812. Crawford was a Senator from Georgia and was later appointed Secretary of War by President James Madison in August 1815.

Lovett, John, 1761-1818
Van Rensselaer, Stephen, 1764-1839
Crawford, William Harris, 1772-1834

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources