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.

Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) to Custom Officers

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08993.01 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: 18 December 1790 Pagination: 1 p. ; 23.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Discussing Dycas's Hydrometer, a device to be used for assessing the proof of alcohol and spirits for taxation. The Hydrometer is enclosed, as well as intructions on its use. Discusses the use of the Hydrometer, the reasons for its neccesity, and the use of a simpler device as a substitute. Circular letter sent to numerous customs officers.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

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