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.

Buchanan, James (1791-1868) to Harriet Henry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05508.054 Author/Creator: Buchanan, James (1791-1868) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 April 1836 Pagination: 2 p. 25.3 x 20.2 cm Order a Copy

Buchanan writes to his sister because he is concerned for her health. He writes: "let me strongly urge you to resist the gloomy feelings & apprehensions which I fear you indulge." He asks her to submit to the will of God, but also acknowledges he is not a model Christian. Buchanan assures Harriet that should he survive her, he will comply with any requests she makes of him.

Notes: This letter doesn't match the Woodland transcription.

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