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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.

Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) to John Jay

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00007 Author/Creator: Hamilton, Alexander (1757-1804) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 January 1776 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 25 x 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Writes that he meant to send this letter by the last post but missed it. Informs that a proclamation has been issued to dissolve the old assembly to elect a new one. Reports that the Tories are saying they will dominate the election but he believes the Whigs will prevail. Indicates that he would like Jay to come but that his presence is not absolutely necessary. Addressed to Jay in Philadelphia, free franked in New York.

On 2 January 1776, Royal Governor of New York William Tryon issued writs for the election of a new assembly. Hamilton was promoting his own chosen candidates for the new assembly, one of which was Jay who was elected as a member of it.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

[Draft Created by Crowdsourcing]
Dear Sir
The inclosed was intended by the last post, but I was disappointed in sending it - You will find by the papers, that a proclamation has been issued for dissolving the old Assembly; [illegible] are making out for the election of a new-
The tories seem to give out that there will be no opposition, but I suspect this is an artifice to throw the people off their guard: I doubt not however the Whig Interest will prevail - I should be glad to see you here with all convenient dispatch; though perhaps your presence may not be absolutely necessary, yet I like not to hazard any thing, or to neglect any step which may have the least tendency to ensure [obliterated] success -
I am Your most humble Servant
A Hamilton

[2]
To
John Jay Esqr.

Philadelphia

Jay, John, 1745-1829
Hamilton, Alexander, 1757-1804

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