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.

Taft, William H. (1857-1930) to Gertrude Ely

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC07319 Author/Creator: Taft, William H. (1857-1930) Place Written: Washington D.C. Type: Typed letter signed Date: 22 December 1923 Pagination: 3 p. ; 26.8 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy

Notes that he shares Ely's "impatience and amusement" with the Molly Pitcher Club. Discusses attempts to alter the Volstead law and his personal opposition to prohibition. But because of his belief in popular government he must respect the law. After Taft's signature he writes by hand: "We were delighted with your visit. Come after and shake up our dry bones." Some hand written, law related notes appear on the verso of the second page. Written on stationary of the Supreme Court.

Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930
Ely, Gertrude, 1876-1970
Pitcher, Molly, 1754-1832

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