Correspondence, 1815-1827

Series I consists of twenty-six letters written by Reuben Gilder to Isaac D. Barnard from July 1815 to August 1822. An additional letter is included that was written by Gilder's wife, Eliza M. Gilder, in April 1823. Finally, a special letter of commendation on behalf of Reuben Gilder is included that is addressed to the Senate of the United States, the letter itself consisting of three separate sub-letters.

Gilder served in the military during the War of 1812 in the Canadian theater of combat, where fighting in the Fort Niagara region eventually reached a stalemate and the British retained control of this future Canadian region. In his correspondence with his military comrade I. D. Barnard, Gilder makes frequent reference to a wide variety of noteworthy military as well as political contemporaries, in addition to lesser-known military comrades who served with him in the U. S. 14th Regiment, composed mostly of Maryland men. Gilder also makes occasional reference to the continued military conflict with Native American tribes, especially the Creeks, with whom the United States had recently been engaged in the Creek War (1813-1814). Throughout the correspondence, Gilder reveals his political leanings, which were enthusiastically "democratic" according to Revolutionary War-era standards.

Gilder also writes about a variety of personal matters, including his resignation from the military in order to pursue the life of a merchant in Baltimore, as well as his subsequent appointment as Captain of the Maryland National Guard. Several letters display Gilder's intense focus on romantic relationships and the difficulties he experienced in finding a wife. Gilder's battle with poor health is a theme reflected throughout the entire correspondence with Barnard. A letter written on August 22, 1822, represents the beginning of Gilder's attempts to receive a type of veterans' disability pension from the government and Gilder's attempts to enlist Barnard's political prestige in service of such an endeavor. The letter of Gilder's wife, Eliza Gilder, written to Barnard on April 20, 1823, on behalf of her husband, is an urgent appeal to Barnard for his assistance in the pursuit of a military disability pension.

The final document in the collection is a typed letter addressed to the Senate of the United States, the letter itself consisting of three separate sub-letters. The first sub-letter, dated December 8, 1827, was written by Reuben Gilder, who requests consideration by the U. S. Senate for the position of "Door-keeper" (today, Sergeant-at- Arms and Doorkeeper). Gilder's sub-letter also mentions that he was a war veteran who, in civilian life as a businessman, has been "unfortunate" and is "now reduced in his circumstances." There is also mention that Gilder "has a wife and family of children dependent on him for support."

The second sub-letter was written by Pennsylvania Senator Isaac D. Barnard, who gives his recommendation on behalf of Gilder for the position of Senate Doorkeeper. Barnard also provides a thoroughly detailed outline of Gilder's military service in Canada during the War of 1812. Mentioned by Barnard is Gilder's involvement in the Battles of Fort George (1813); Chrysler's Fields – Williamsburg, Upper Canada (1813); LaColle Mill, Lower Canada (1814); and Cook's Mill (Lyon's Creek), Upper Canada (1814). Notable U. S. military figures mentioned with whom Gilder was affiliated are Colonel Daniel Bissell, General William Winder, and General James Wilkinson. The final sub-letter is a brief statement of commendation on Gilder's behalf dated December 9, 1827, written by certain individuals named N. Towson and George Gibson.

Arrangement is chronological.