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 C. Delavan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04717.59 Author/Creator: Smith, Gerrit (1797-1874) Place Written: Peterboro, New York Type: Printed letter Date: 18 May 1857 Pagination: 2 p. ; 30.2 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Smith, active in the temperance movement, declines Delavan's invitation to attend an approaching meeting of the New York State Temperance Society. Delavan was a leader in the temperance movement.

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. Delavan was a leader in the temperance movement.

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874
Delavan, Edward Cornelius, 1793-1871

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