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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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4 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Writes that he believes, from Smith's recent letter, that he would like information on the likelihood of the result. Suggests that certain principles "must dictate a different arrangement from the one you contemplated." Trusts that Smith will act with the utmost propriety. (May be alluding to Smith's upcoming departure from America; see GLC02437.05251.)

GLC02437.05253

7 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Thanks him for his recent letter, and writes that he is "much obliged by the intelligence it contained." Declares that he is satisfied with the arrangement, and believes he has "discharged faithfully the duty I owed my Country, my friends and myself." Adds that Knox's communications to him will always be held in confidence. (See GLC02437.05251 and GLC02437.05253 for related information.)

GLC02437.05255

19 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Asks to borrow $5000 for ninety days, per Smith's offer in a previous letter. Will provide a note endorsed by either Mr. [William] Duer or Captain [Thomas] Randall in which he promises to follow specific terms of repayment. Begs his prompt attention to the matter, and hopes to be able to secure the amount by the following Saturday.

GLC02437.05264

25 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Stagg

Received his communication of the previous evening. Discusses a financial settlement Stagg is looking to obtain.

GLC02437.05274

21 March 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received Knox's recent letter, and is happy to assure him that "the deranged state of affairs in this city" does not affect him or "interfere with my proposed excursion." Adds that his views, of course, "are not military." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05367

3 April 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written and signed in text in third person. Writes that Smith has received a query from John Moore of Peterborough, New Hampshire, regarding the purchase of lands in Peterborough. Would like to know Knox's terms for the purchase. Date taken from docket.

GLC02437.05393

8 October 1792

Sterrett, Rebbeca, 1771-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for his assistance in obtaining an appointment for her husband, Mr. Samuel Sterett, in the office of Collector for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. Explains and apologizes that her husband cannot ask personally. States that should he receive this appointment, he will resign as a member of Congress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05648

13 November 1793

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says "Citizen Genet is disposed to leave me in the lurch, relative to the accoutrements provided for his nation, indeed if he was to take them, I know not how he is to pay for them he has offered me Bills on France, but they will not answer." Asks Knox for assistance and to take the items at a fair value for public service. They are cartridge boxes with belts and sword belts with bayonet scabbards. Says they are fit for service and ready for transport.

GLC02437.05972

22 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Smith

Letterpress copy. References Smith's letter of 13 November. Was busy in Germantown and did not have a chance to reply until now. Says the war supplies Smith mentions will be wanted, but not until after Congress has made an appropriation for the next year (see GLC02437.05972). Asks that samples be sent.

GLC02437.05979

February 12, 1794

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for Joshua John Moore, a gentleman from England. Says "he will explain to you his pursuits & if any door is open in the eastern world relative to your Lands (he being a Surveyor) where he can serve you or your friends, I doubt not you will permit him to serve himself."

GLC02437.06045

16 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relays information he received from General [Anthony] Wayne, Colonel [Thomas] Butler, and Major [Isaac] Craig. Notes Butler reports the outposts are amply supplied with provisions and assures the officers and men have made great exertion putting the fort (possibly Fort Fayette) in order. Notes there have been recent successes in France (possibly referring to the French Revolution). The events taken place at the fort are likely related to the Whiskey Rebellion.

GLC02437.06171

16 August 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Stagg [incomplete]

Informs Stagg he will set sail tomorrow for St. George, Maine. Requests Stagg to relay a message to General [Henry] Jackson regarding instructions to the port along with the recent appointments made. A portion of the letter is missing.

GLC02437.06173

23 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the results of the general meeting of the "Excise Rioters" on the frontier of Pennsylvania has not taken place yet. Notes he has not received any news from [Thomas] Butler and very little from [Isaac] Craig. Craig informs him he received the president's proclamation but believes it will be treated with contempt. Reports on the progress of each state's militia build-up. Notes all militias will be ready except for Pennsylvania's. Also reports on the status of the artillery. Notes he included an extract of a letter from General [Charles?] Scott and a letter from Colonel Sergent.

GLC02437.06182

30 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the progress of the militia build-up in various states (likely part of the Whiskey Rebellion). Notes the affairs in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania remain doubtful. Informs Knox of the death of a gentleman. Refers to a proclamation by Governor Henry Lee of Virginia. Relays a rumor that "Virginia would not take a very active part, in suppressing the riotous proceedings of the Whiskey folks in Pennsylvania." Letter has a watermark.

GLC02437.06191

6 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the results from the general meeting at Redstone in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania have not come back yet. Encloses newspapers (not included) that notes Governor [John Graves] Simcoe's "singular conduct." Reports on the progress of the militia and the preparations for field service (most likely part of the Whiskey Rebellion). Discusses a letter he just received from General [Anthony] Wayne, dated August 27, 1794, which describes Wayne's victories in the Northwest (Battle of Fallen Timber, August 20, 1794). Notes the Indians are "considerably agitated in consequence of the conduct of…

GLC02437.06194

11 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports the militia has been ordered to march immediately. Notes Pennsylvania did not make their quota. Describes a "firm and energetic" speech the governor of Pennsylvania gave to all the officers. Writes, "The seeds of sedition are scattered over the State - Inflamatory [sic] pieces, published in handbills, reprobating the conduct of the Executive of the United States towards the insurgents as it respects coercive measure."

GLC02437.06202

15 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the commissioners have returned but a decision has not been reached. Notes that the "deluded people, it appears, are bent on destruction." Mentions more citizens are stepping forth and enrolling in the militia. Also notes the governor's address in Pennsylvania had some affect; the cavalry, artillery, and infantry have all offered their services. Reports on the progress of the other states' militias (likely referring to the Whiskey Rebellion). Mentions he has not heard word from General Anthony Wayne. Notes Colonel Timothy Pickering has gone to the Treaty (Treaty of Canandaigua…

GLC02437.06208

2 October 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph note signed

Title: to Henry Knox

A note informing Knox he has enclosed this morning's paper which contains the official account of General [Anthony] Wayne's success (likely referring to Wayne's victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on 20 August 1794). "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06214

13 December 1794

Smith, William, fl. 1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Alexander Stevenson. States he is a "young man" looking for an appointment in the Artillery. Notes he has never met the young man but believes he is from a "hardy breed." Describes Stevenson's age, physical condition, and notes his family fought in the late [Revolutionary] War.

GLC02437.06273

December 21, 1794

Smith, William, fl. 1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the "total destruction" of his father's property that took place during the war (possibly the Revolutionary War). Notes the entire family looks to him for support. Comments he is "determined to bear the pressure & the flight like a man." Mentions his brother, Colonel John Smith, will be leaving for Europe on Wednesday. Asks Knox to send his brother's commission, which he was entitled to before his resignation from the service, to them. Notes the commission will be used as a passport and voucher of his brother's citizenship. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06279

February 3, 1795

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for two men, a Mr. Guillenard and a Mr. Blackstone, who have been having a hard time entering society in Philadelphia, even though "their talents and character entitle them to." Asks Knox to "use your influence to relieve Mr Guillenard from any unfavourable situation, that the tongue of slander or the Eye of Envy may have maliciously place him in."

GLC02437.06340