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.

Watkins, Tobias (1780-1855) to Aaron Hobart

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06313.04.193 Author/Creator: Watkins, Tobias (1780-1855) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 November 1822 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Desires to be appointed to the now vacant position of Clerk of the House of Representatives. The office of the Clerk is filled by a vote among the Representatives, and Watkins was requesting Hobart's vote. Details his credentials, having been a public servant for nearly twenty years. Also notes that he has eight children to support, and is therefore in need of the position. Hopes for Hobart's support. Watkins was not elected as Clerk.

Tobias Watkins was a notable doctor who published a number of writings, and also served as auditor of the United States treasury from 1824 through 1829.

Hobart, Aaron, 1787-1858
Watkins, Tobias, 1780-1855

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