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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.

Jay, John (1745-1829) to George Clinton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03709 Author/Creator: Jay, John (1745-1829) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter signed Date: 14 August 1779 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.2 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Signed by Jay as President of Congress to Clinton as the Governor of New York. Closing in Jay's hand. Circular letter. Congress is informing the country that the British are reinforcing themselves. Says 7,000 troops are coming from Europe and another 3,000 from the West Indies. Claims America's allies - mainly the French - are concerned that better preparations were not made for a vigorous campaign. Says America needs to exert itself more. Wants Clinton to comply with Congress's wish to have battalions filled and militia ready. Says forces might be called forth to operate offensively.

Jay, John, 1745-1829

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