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This collection is comprised of letters to Gideon Lee, a New York City politician, during his service in the New York State Assembly (1822-1823), as New York City mayor (1833), and in the United States House of Representatives (1835-1837). Lee's correspondents discussed local and national political issues, particularly during the Jackson administration.

This collection (0.75 linear feet) is comprised of letters to Gideon Lee, a New York City politician, during his service in the New York State Assembly (1822-1823), as New York City mayor (1833), and in the United States House of Representatives (1835-1837). Lee's correspondents discussed local and national political issues, particularly during the Jackson administration.

Lee often received letters from New York City residents, who commented on political issues such as commerce, taxation, and the city's infrastructure. Others requested Lee's assistance in securing political appointments or military commissions, and some stated their opinions on proposed bills. Many writers encouraged Lee to support particular pieces of legislation, and some late letters contain the authors' opinions on political patronage. Temperance advocate E.C. Delavan wrote to thank Lee for his donation to the cause (October 11, 1832).

During Lee's term as mayor in 1833, citizens wrote to Lee regarding matters such as gas lighting (January 17, 1833 and February 15, 1833) and public health (January 25, 1833 and June 29, 1833); a correspondent who signed himself "Justice" enclosed a newspaper article alerting Lee, then chief magistrate, to the "very many serious, and shocking abuses" of the city's government (January 10, 1834). Around 15 letters concern the Great Fire of New York City in December 1835, including eyewitness accounts (December 17, 1835 and December 21, 1835); additional letters pertain to federal legislation and financial compensation after the event. During Lee's service in Congress, his letters often focused on national political affairs, such as the Locofocos and foreign relations with countries such as France and Great Britain.

Lee also occasionally received personal letters from his daughters, Lucy Lee Ward and Laura Lee. His son, Samuel Lee, wrote about meeting President Andrew Jackson, whom he deemed an "agreeable pleasant old gentleman" (February 10, 1835). The collection also contains 2 personal letters between Gideon Lee and his first wife, Laura Buffington (June 10, 1807 and January 28, 1818); a letter from his second wife, Isabella Williamson (January 5, 1837); 2 printed letters; a printed address; and a printed invitation.

The John Cooper papers contain letters written by John Cooper, Sr., of Easton, Pennsylvania, to his son, John Cooper, Jr., in which he discussed his land and business interests and his political views.

This collection consists almost exclusively of correspondence written by John Cooper, Sr., of Easton, Pennsylvania, to his son, John Cooper, Jr., of Erwin (and later Coopers Plains), New York. Cooper's correspondence often focused on land and on business matters, and he frequently mentioned various crops he grew. Cooper also gave his son business and personal advice; on April 18, 1836, he wrote, "By this time you probably know the fate of your Dam and Saw Mill. If indeed they are swept off by the flood, as we fear, I will pay for the erection of an other [sic]." Though business was a common theme in his letters, Cooper did not shy away from expressing his anti-Jacksonian political views, despite warning his son, "I beg of you to take care what you write & how you write. Political Letters may at any rate now be dispensed with. The die is cast. The vote to the Southwest places the Administration on better ground than before & that cause is gaining ground in every direction" (August 20, 1828).

• December 5, 1829: "In about two days Andrew Jackson must come from behind the fence & I predict a confirmation of the Sentiment which I constantly communicated to you...that he is not a friend of the American System, the essence, Spirit[ual] Substance of American Independence. He can't disguise any longer at any rate."
• March 28, 1837: "There are several hundred on the poor list & receiving charity in some form. Several of them Leading Politicians. Altho no more deserving the name of Freeman than the Virginia Slaves. Indeed they are unfit for freedom & would be better off, as well as more useful, under the rule of reasonable Masters...I was something of an Abolitionist until I discovered this frightful state of things- able bodied Men & women are ashamed to work; but not to beg & even insult those whose Industry & Economy has enable them to acquire something."
• March 24, 1839: "Altho I think the claim of Maine is probably right I still think she had better proceed slowly & remember that it is a National question & no State had authority to proceed to a War without she is so Authorized to do by the National authorities. It is too much like the act of an Individual who takes the Law in his own hands... As to a war, I have no idea of it. It would be madness, except as an Ultima Ratio." [Aroostook War]
• May 17, 1840: "We have nothing new since I wrote you that I know of Tippecanoe is going ahead at a great rate & will be taken into the Presidential Chair with a great majority as Washington & Jackson had. All seem to think something must be wrong in administration in time of Peace, expending the whole revenue of the Country...With the Purse & the Sword they have nearly nullified our Republican Institutions. I think however that I see the handwriting on the Wall...Nor will we now despair of the Republic."
• March 17, 1842: "If Jackson should come to my door in the Midst of a Shower of Rain, I would not know how to ask him in; but I would furnish him an umbrella & show him the way..."