Converted to EAD3 : Encoded Archival Description (EAD), Version 3 : Release: 1.1.1 : Release Date: 2019-12-16. Validating against latest version of schema.
Contact information: http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.mss/mss.contact
Catalog Record: https://lccn.loc.gov/mm81022657
Collection material in English
The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the LC Catalog. They are grouped by name of person or organization, by subject or location, and by occupation and listed alphabetically.
The papers of Elbridge Gerry, statesman, were acquired by the Library through gift and purchase from 1903 to 1997.
The papers of Elbridge Gerry were arranged and described in 1983 by Audrey Walker. Additional material received was incorporated into the collection in 1996 by Margaret McAleer. Material received in 1997 was processed as an addition in 2019 by Laney Stevenson.
A calendar prepared in 1960 listing Gerry's correspondence in his papers and in those of some of his contemporaries is available in the Manuscript Division.
Additional papers of Elbridge Gerry are located in the New York Public Library, Massachusetts Historical Society, and the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.
A microfilm edition of the Elbridge Gerry Papers at the Massachusetts Historical Society is available for use in the Manuscript Division's reading room. Official correspondence relating to the XYZ mission to France can be found in the archives of the United States and France. The Manuscript Division has in its collection of French reproductions photocopies of the originals held by the Ministère des Affaires Etrangères.
The status of copyright in the unpublished writings of Elbridge Gerry is governed by the Copyright Law of the United States (Title 17, U.S.C.).
The papers of Elbridge Gerry are open to research. Researchers are advised to contact the Manuscript Reading Room prior to visiting. Many collections are stored off-site and advance notice is needed to retrieve these items for research use.
A microfilm edition of part of these papers is available on two reels. Consult a reference librarian in the Manuscript Division concerning availability for purchase or interlibrary loan.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Container or reel number, Elbridge Gerry Papers, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.
The papers of
The collection is illustrative of all phases of Gerry's public career, touching on his
membership in the
Reproductions for the period
1817-1836 are typewritten copies of originals in the Gerry Estates Collection
transcribed for the biography of Gerry written by his son-in-law,
Correspondents in the Gerry Papers include
Documents added to the
collection in 1996 consist largely of letters, including copies and drafts, written by
Gerry between 1774 and 1814. They cover a wide variety of subjects including partisan
politics, patronage appointments, commercial treaties, the War of 1812, and family
matters. There are several communications from Gerry while governor to the
The collection is arranged in four series:
Letters received and copies of letters sent.
Arranged chronologically.
Accounts, biographical data, correspondence, memoranda, and newspaper clippings.
Arranged by type of material.
Photostatic and typewritten copies of documents owned by others. Includes correspondence, certificates, committee reports, and notes.
Arranged by location of originals and chronologically therein.
Correspondence and related documents, some with typed transcripts.
Arranged chronologically.