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.

Gerry, James T. (1797-1854) to Elbridge T. Gerry

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09099.08 Author/Creator: Gerry, James T. (1797-1854) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 February 1853 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Gives advice to his young nephew and relates stories from his travels at sea. Encourages Elbridge to read and learn in coming years to "lay a foundation which will influence all your future prospects." Describes the city of Pensacola, which he is not fond of, and its weather. Mentions his encounters with yellow fever, and inquires how the holidays went in New York.

James T. Gerry was a United States Naval Captain. He was the son of Elbridge Gerry, the fifth Vice President of the United States.
Elbridge T. Gerry founded the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and worked on various other humanitarian causes. He was the grandson of Elbridge Gerry, the fifth Vice President of the United States.

Gerry, James Thompson, 1797-1854
Gerry, Elbridge Thomas, 1837-1927

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources