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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00436 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 32.5 x 19.1cm. Order a Copy

Briefly describes an unsuccessful "secret expedition" to obtain some artillery pieces. Seeks assistance in outfitting a ship with guns. Discusses a town meeting to choose wardens and various militia officers. Says James Otis "spoke as well as ever he did in his life." Names militia officers chosen, including William Davies, who had been Paul Revere's fellow rider on the April 18, 1776 "midnight ride." Indicates that many people think there will be no fighting in New York in the fall, but he is uncertain. Prays that Knox's "head may be cove[re]d in the day of Battle."

[draft]
"...I went in serch after some 9 Pounder's that I heard was about 50 miles from here, but they were sold last Spring. Therefore could not obtain them - The Ship is a go'g on very fast - am affraid she will waite for Gun's. The 4. and 6. pound's we shall not want - If you could procure 16 or 18 - 9 Pounders, Ship Cannon did fortyfied. I wish you would write the first opportunity or if there is any at Philadelphia or if you know of any Place where they can be Cast in one Mo or 6 weeks from this I beg you will Let me know....Last Monday we had a Town Meetting in Order to Choose Warden's and ccc At the Choice of Wardens James Otis Esqr Spoke as well as ever he did in his life - and found great fault in there Choos [2] Choose'g them, while we were in this unsettle'd State - There was a great opposition about Choose'g them - but at last the White Wigs got the better - and I dare say will be the mean's of great disturbance in the Town - The Town also made Chooise of the Field Officers of Militia of this Town and sent there names to the Generall Court to be Commisioned - Henry Bromfield Collo - Thos Dawes Leut Colo Ephraham May 1st Mayor Wm Dawes 2d Major - and Each Ward is to Choose there own Capt: etc this Looks like something but it ought to have been done 4 Mo ago - I don't know how Mr [illegible] Ruddock will like it - For he was Commision'd by the Court 2d Major - and by this Choice he is left out - The Meeting was very respectable indeed and they are determin'd that those General's shall not rule the Town any longer - By the appearance at NYork many People here thin you will have not Fight'g there this Fall I don't know what to think - if you should - I pray that your head maybe cove'd in the day of Battle - Yours HJ

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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