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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.

Forsyth, John (1780-1841) to William S. Holabird

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05636.19 Author/Creator: Forsyth, John (1780-1841) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Letter signed Date: 17 January 1840 Pagination: 2 p. ; 25 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Fearing that his letter of 12 January had not reached Holabird, Forsyth reiterates President Van Buren's instructions regarding the Amistad. Writes "... I have to acquaint you with the desire of the President that you take the necessary measures to carry the case by appeal to the Circuit Court, both on that branch of the decision which relates to the negroes, and that which grants salvage on the vessel and the goods found on board. That part which concerns the slave Antonio is not to be disturbed, and instructions will be forwarded to you designating the parties to whom he is to be delivered up..." Discusses the division and possible sale of the vessel and cargo.

Forsyth was Secretary of State 1834-1841. Holabird was District Attorney for the State of Connecticut during the Amistad trial.

Forsyth, John, 1780-1841
Holabird, William S., 1794-1855
Van Buren, Martin, 1782-1862

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