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, Gerrit (1797-1874) to Edward Cornelius Delavan, Esquire

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.38 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Place Written: Peterboro, New York Type: Printed letter Date: 22 August 1855 Pagination: 4 p. 31.6 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy

Smith writes to Delavan, a temperance leader. Discusses his views on the government's power to educate the people in relation to slavery and alcohol. Expresses his opinion that the government should regulate alcohol consumption.

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
Delavan, Edward Cornelius, 1793-1871

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