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.

Unknown [Pen and ink drawing of General James Wilkinson]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04601.15 Author/Creator: Unknown Place Written: Mississippi Type: Sketch Date: circa 1806 Pagination: 1 art original : col. ; 18.5 x 10 cm Order a Copy

Folk art sketched portrait of Wilkinson's head and shoulders in uniform. Written underneath, "Great Willkison (sic) command Our Arms, When Missippi (sic) rolls - Nor need we fear dread Wars Alarms, While he, Our flag staff holds!!!"

Wilkinson was involved with Aaron Burr's conspiracy to attempt the secession of the western states from the Union in 1804-1806. Although involved initially, he eventually betrayed Burr and denounced him as a traitor.

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825

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