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.

Hay, John (1838-1905) to Mr. Nast

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02490.08 Author/Creator: Hay, John (1838-1905) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 March 1872 Pagination: 1 p. ; 20.2 x 12.7 cm. Order a Copy

Hay writes, "I was no less surprised than delighted at receiving your precious gift. I never expect men of genius to keep their promises any more than women of beauty. But I am all the more grateful, and shall leave this picture with especial pride to my brother's grand children." Possibly to Thomas Nast, the famous caricature artist.

Hay was an American statesman, author, and journalist. He served as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, and United States Secretary of State 1898-1905.

Hay, John, 1838-1905
Nast, Thomas, 1840-1902

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