Our Collection

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.

King, Rufus (1755-1827) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06216 Author/Creator: King, Rufus (1755-1827) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 October 1794 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Mentions he will inform Knox if an unnamed gentleman accepts the ensigncy Knox has offered him. Also mentions he has not had time to read the publication made by the Yazoo company or the time to look into the complaints involving the company. King is likely referring to events leading up to or part of the Yazoo Land scandal. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Dear Sir,
I have taken measures to be informed whether Mr. will accept the Ensigncy, which you have been so obliging as to offer him, and expect to have it in my power in a few days to inform you of his decision. I have had no time even to read with attention the publication made by the Yazoo Company, much less to collect the authorities opposed to their claims. I have some very loose notes in reference to the question, made some time since, which shall be at your service when we meet in the mean Time believe me to be
Your affectionate friend,
Rufus King
New York 2d. Octr. 1794

[address leaf]
General Knox
Philadelphia
[docket]
[struck: Ge] The hon Rufus King
2d Octr 1794

King, Rufus, 1755-1827
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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