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.

Caspar (fl. 1849) to his parents

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05527.02 Author/Creator: Caspar (fl. 1849) Place Written: Guadalajara, Mexico Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 May 1849 Pagination: 4 p. ; 27.1 x 21.2 cm. Order a Copy

Describes his overland route through Mexico and how he was swindled by Captain Innes, the expedition leader who ran out of money and had his charges pay his way. Relays the entire story of Innes' desertion and return to the travelers. Reports that he was elected the guide after Innes left permanently. Discusses the food and customs of the common people.

Caspar may have come from Vermont, as content refers to Burlington.

Caspar, fl. 1849

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