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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.

Wilson, James (1742-1798) to George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06429.02 Author/Creator: Wilson, James (1742-1798) Place Written: Philadephia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 March 1782 Pagination: 2 p. 22.9 x 19 cm Order a Copy

Formal letter of contract in which Wilson, a prominent Pennsylvania attorney, agrees to let Washington's nephew read law with him. For a fee of one hundred guineas, Wilson agrees to furnish him with reading matter at his lodgings, and says that he may come into the office for information. In a few months Wilson will take him into the office.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Sir
I [loss _____] with your Excellency's letter of yesterday by your Nephew It will I assure you, give me a very particular pleasure to receive him to study Law under my Direction. But I cannot for a few Months accommodate him with a place in my office. I will supply him with the proper Books to read, during that Time in his Lodgings : And he may come to the Office to receive Information on any Subject. The Fee is one hundred Guineas.

J.

His Excellency General Washington

Verso:

I have the Honour to be with the warmest Sentiments
of Esteem,
Sir
Your Excellency's most obedient
and humble Servant
James Wilson
Philad 20th March 1782

Wilson, James, 1742-1798
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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