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Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

 

Dates

  • Existence: 1744 - 1814

Biography

Elbridge Gerry was an American politician and diplomat. As a Democratic-Republican he served as the fifth vice president of the United States under President James Madison from March 1813 until his death in November 1814. The political practice of gerrymandering is named after Gerry. Elected to the Second Continental Congress, Gerry signed both the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation. He was one of three men who attended the Constitutional Convention in 1787 who refused to sign the United States Constitution because it did not then include a Bill of Rights. After its ratification he was elected to the inaugural United States Congress, where he was actively involved in drafting and passage of the Bill of Rights as an advocate of individual and state liberties.

Found in 2 Collections and/or Records:

Elbridge Gerry letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 847566.1
Mss 847566.1
Date(s): 1847-10-16
Abstract

In English.

Hall Jackson letter

 Collection
Identifier: Mss 777217
Mss 777217
Date(s): 1777-03-17
Scope and Contents

Three-page letter from Hall Jackson of Portsmouth, New Hampshire to Elbridge Gerry, commenting on Washington as commander in chief, conditions in Portsmouth, New Hampshire as a result of the war, and the arrival of a French ship from Nanted bearing arms and gunpowder for the Revolutionary Army. Postscript, date March 18, 1777.

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