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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.

Bailey, Gamaliel (1807-1859) to unknown

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC08956 Author/Creator: Bailey, Gamaliel (1807-1859) Place Written: Washington, D.C. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 October 1858 Pagination: 3 p. ; 25 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Request for help in keeping the Abolitionist newspaper National Era in business. Competition has greatly reduced the papers circulation, and it is in danger of folding. Will not take charity or aid from Congress, so only greater circulation can save the paper. Asks the recipient, addressed simply as "My dear sir" to support the paper by renewing their subscription and encouraging others to subscribe. Gives a history of the newspaper and explain why it should be saved. The letter appears to be intended for all the subscribers of the newspaper. It is possible that copies were printed or written in another hand, and sent to the subscribers.

Gamaliedl Bailey, an abolitionist and publisher, edited the National Era from 1847 until his death. Harriet Beecher Stowe's "Uncle Tom's Cabin" first appeared in there.

Bailey, Gamaliel, 1807-1859

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