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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, Gerrit (1797-1874) To the voters of the Counties of Oswego and Madison

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.36 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Place Written: Peterboro, New York Type: Printed document Date: 5 November 1852 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.7 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy

Complains that he was nominated for a Congressional seat, a position he did not seek. Assures he will not resign, but will perform his duty, pursuing abolition from his position. Includes his political creed, asserting that slavery is not in the Federal Constitution, that free trade is the necessary outgrowth of human brotherhood, and that political rights encompass all persons, among other beliefs. Contains a pencil note at the top.

Smith, a politician from New York, served as a U.S. Representative from 1853-1854. He was a noted philanthropist and social reformer active in anti-slavery campaigns and women's rights.

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

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