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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.

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29 May 1784

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will leave for New York, then West Point, and will make arrangements to travel to Canada (Hull was assigned by Knox to attempt to acquire information from the Commander of British forces in North America).

GLC02437.03008

13 June 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Orders Colonel Hull to travel to Canada to ascertain precisely when Great Britain will "deliver up the posts within the teritories [sic] of the United States..." Asks Hull to learn where the British forts are located and how many men are stationed at each post. Also asks him to obtain information about British cannon and stores at each post for a possible exchange. Instructs Hull to obtain the desired information from Frederick Haldimand, who Knox calls "Commander in Chief of his Britannick Majestys forces in America."

GLC02437.03019

31 July 1784

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports his lack of success in ascertaining information from Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec. Transmits papers related to his proceedings with Haldimand (possibly GLC02437.03028). Promises to transmit a copy of the papers to the Congressional Committee of the States.

GLC02437.03034

4 March 1787

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions his new appointment in the military. Discusses a dispute involving ranks of soldiers in the state of Massachusetts. Refers to a Congressional resolution appointing him the second officer in the state. Had been under the impression that the only person in the state he had to answer to was [Henry] Jackson, but would like Knox to clarify the chain of command so that he can "regulate [his] conduct accordingly." Mentions a dispute with [William] North.

GLC02437.03481

17 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Discusses Hull's relative rank in the corps of troops directed to be raised in Massachusetts. He hopes circumstances do not lead Hull to leave the service. Mentions that he would be sorry to see Major [William] North resign. In a postscript states it was his intention to get Congress to alter the titles of field officers but has not had an opportunity yet. Noted as "private" in the upper left corner.

GLC02437.03493

9 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Colonel Howard

Knox, Secretary of War, reports that he will attend the committee at the War Office scheduled to meet 10 July 1788.

GLC02437.03931

February 14, 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Discusses a petition to put [Henry Jackson and Hull] on the federal pension list. Writes, "You will be sensible upon reflection, that the movements of all regular governments must be governed by General principles, were it otherwise disorder and confusion would ensue." The petitioners are requesting "half pay of the Brigadier General."

GLC02437.04855

February 22, 1791

Hoffman, Nicholas, 1736-1800

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he owes him "54 12/100." Assures Knox his house in New York "still stands tenantless" and hopes to have "Cole Platt to take it till May."

GLC02437.04866

21 May 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General Hull to Secretary of War Knox. Although "every wish of my heart strongly urges [Hull] again to resume the sword," he must decline Knox's appointment. Says the influence of his friends was decisive. Expresses further sentiments about the appointment and thanks Knox for the "Confidence" he has placed in him.

GLC02437.04953

2 June 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Hull to Secretary of War Knox. Mentions that the Centinel newspaper falsely reported he was appointed to the command of the Second Regiment, but that he declined it. Writes that "[i]t was not my intention that the conversation we had on the subject should have been made so public." Explains that he had sought the advice of friends, and that it became common knowledge he was being considered for the position. Called on the printer to "know by what authority it [the information] was inserted His answer was that several persons had mentioned it to him. It will be contradicted in…

GLC02437.04968

20 December 1791

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Extended letter concerning the earlier mentioned canal to be built from the Connecticut River to Boston. Describes interactions with Captain [John] Hills, the surveyor, including all of his offers to help Hills. Discusses a recent loss their troops suffered. Hopes the loss will show the importance of establishing a national defense and a proper military establishment. Both he and his wife send their regards to Knox and Mrs. Knox. In a postscript Hull asks Knox to remember his part of the country if there should be an augmentation of troops.

GLC02437.05267

6 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Marked as "Private." Briefly discusses General Brook's appointment and whether he will accept or decline.

GLC02437.05450

17 May 1792

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he only just received Knox's letter of 7 May. Was informed by General [John] Brooks that Brooks declined his appointment as a Brigadier General. As for his own appointment, since accepting would dramatically change his life, he hopes Knox will allow him to spend a bit more time making the decision. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05468

27 May 1792

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses their recent correspondence, and mentions that he has recently declined a military appointment. Recounts conversations he and Knox have had about the possibility of his appointment, as well as about the appointment of General [John] Brooks and Brooks's decision not to accept. Also discusses family reasons for declining, particularly the illness of his father-in-law.

GLC02437.05480

January 18, 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nicholas Hoffman

Will mention his application to the Secretary of the Treasury, whose department handles the purchasing of supplies. Hoffman had offered supplies the government was to send to the Six Nations (see GLC02437.06024). Will also mentions Hoffman's application if the government decides to build frigates in New York. Wants Hoffman to check on his brother William who is "labouring under a depression of Spirits" in New York. Asks that William be sent on to Philadelphia. Wants Hoffman to send an update as well.

GLC02437.06028

23 March 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Nicholas Hoffman

Requests Mr. Nicholas Hoffman purchase various types of fruit trees and provides detailed instructions on how to carefully transport them by boat. The letter has a drawing of a hand with a pointing index finger.

GLC02437.06068

3 June 1794

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recommends Mr. John Patten for a position in the army. Describes Satten as being [educated?], having easy manners, and would make a good officer. Also mentions Satten's past experience and problems.

GLC02437.06112

30 November 1794

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he sails for London in two days. Requests Knox to notify Knox's friends in London of his visit. Mentions not being opposed to public employment in Europe and states, "should any of your friends have any private negotiations in that Country, I shall be in a situation to attend to them."

GLC02437.06263