Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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“A Mathematical Problem in Verse,” ca. 1793-1796
Banneker's poetic brain-teaser showcasing his brilliance in math and wit in verse
Supporting Document
George Washington’s Farewell Address, 1796
Washington’s warning against political divisions and foreign entanglements
Key Document
Petition to Protect Freed Slaves, 1797
Petition advocating the protection of freed Black people living in Philadelphia
Supporting Document
Philip Hamilton Writes Home from College, 1797
Letter detailing his college experience and a surprise gift from his grandfather
Supporting Document
Letter from Patty Gipson to Her Husband, 1797
An enslaved woman’s letter urgently requesting money to prevent her from being sold
Supporting Document
Paul Revere Recalls His Midnight Ride, ca. 1798
The story of the “midnight ride” written two decades after the event
Supporting Document
John Jay on the Quasi-War with France, 1798
A letter advising the US to avoid war with France despite the XYZ Affair
Supporting Document
An Act for the Gradual Abolition of Slavery, New York State, 1799
A law for manumission of enslaved people at twenty-five (women) and twenty-eight (men) that passed the New York legislature
Supporting Document
Rules for Philip Hamilton, 1800
A study schedule that Alexander Hamilton wrote for his oldest son, who was training to be a lawyer
Supporting Document
“A Poem on the Death of General Washington,” 1800
A verse from a poem praising Washington's decision to free people he had enslaved
Supporting Document
“Jefferson is in every view less dangerous than Burr,” 1800
Hamilton’s support of Jefferson over Burr in the contested election of 1800—one factor in Burr’s 1804 challenge
Supporting Document
Presidential Election of 1800
A fierce contest between John Adams, Charles Pinckney, Thomas Jefferson, and Aaron Burr that was marked by party polarization and scandal—testing the peaceful transfer of power
Event