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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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19 June 1777

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibly appointment of French officer Philippe Tronson du Coudray in charge of artillery (Knox's post). Writes "...I think the circumstance of having a foreign officer, who neither speaks our language nor can possibly be acquainted with our manners & customs with his being a foreigner must be a sufficient counterballance for every other inconvenience in not confirming his appointment to the Artillery." Expects Henry to leave the military if du Coudray receives the appointment. Will try to procure lemon juice for Henry. Promises, "I shall suspend my entring the Service…

GLC02437.00615

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I have great hopes in the cause- of this Campaign that we shall do something clever..." Refers to Silas Deane and the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery: "the Congress ... have resolved that Mr Dean has exceeded his Commission and that they cannot satisfy his treaty with Mr. DeCoudier..."

GLC02437.00616

21 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Replies to an earlier request from Colonel Jackson to enlist Hessians from a captured British ship: "I have not mentioned to the General your request to be permitted to enlist some of [the Hessians], it is so repugnant to the good of the service and your own reputation..." Discusses General William Howe's recent movements, and General John Sullivan's Continental force in Princeton, New Jersey. Is confused by the movements of the British. Assumed they intended to march to Philadelphia, but they instead fortified their position at Middlebrook, New Jersey. Notes…

GLC02437.00617

29 June 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Written at Camp Middlebrook. Knox writes, "Pity it is that lovers so exceedingly attached to each other as we are should be separated by the horrors of War." Discusses Lord Sterling's movement at Amboy (Perth Amboy, New Jersey) and Westfield, New Jersey. Expects the British to attack on the North River (the Hudson).

GLC02437.00618

30 June 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Opens with, "Did my Harry let the 23rd of this month pass by unnoticed or did it occur to his mind that it was the anniversary of his wedding day..." Reflects upon her happiness when they were first married, and states, "instead of spending our lives together- how far and how long have we been asunder-" Refers to the possible appointment of Phillipe du Coudray at the head of Continental artillery. Notes that Billy, Knox's brother William, wishes to enter the army.

GLC02437.00619

1 July 1777

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Hancock

Knox writes to Hancock, President of Continental Congress. Asks if [Phillippe] du Coudray has been appointed to command the artillery. Declares, "I wish to know of Congress whether this information be true, if it is, I beg the favor of a permission to Retire, and that a proper certificate for that purpose be sent me immediately."

GLC02437.00620

14 July 1777

Gray, James, fl. 1777

Letter

Title: to Theodore Parsons

Later copy. Reports on the Continental evacuation of Ticonderoga: "As to the particulars of the retreat of the Army, I am not at present able to communicate,- thus much as to myself I can say, that I have lost all my Baggage of every kind except what I have now on, which is the condition every one is in who left Ticonderoga-" Expects British General John Burgoyne to advance on Albany. Also expects reinforcement of 3,000 men from General [John] Sullivan. Reports that his force, at Fort Edward, consists of 10,000 men. Gives an account of his retreat from Skeensboro (present day Whitehall,…

GLC02437.00623

17 July 1777

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife Lucy writes, "... I am resolved nothing shall prevent my coming to you early in September but your positive refusal, in which case, I will try to be as indifferent as I shall then think you are." Reports that Knox's brother William is on his way to join Henry in New Jersey. Worries that Knox will "fall into the usual error of absent lovers- that indifference will take place of that refined affection, which you have entertained for me..." From a family letter, Lucy learned that Thomas Flucker, her father, "enjoys his three hundred a year as Secretary of the province." Asks…

GLC02437.00625

6 April 1864

Woolsey, Melancthon B., 1817-1874

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to John B. Marchand

Letter enclosing papers [no longer present] regarding "Information obtained from four rebel deserters" and other reports. Written on board the U.S.S. Princess Royal, commanded by Woolsey off Sabine Pass, Texas during the blockading of Confederate ports in that area. Woolsey commanded the "Princess Royal" in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron. After the war, he commanded the Navy Field at Pensacola, where he died from yellow fever.

GLC02680.28

9 February 1864

Jenkins, Thornton A., 1811-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John B. Marchand

Requesting various information pertaining to Marchand's ship, including coal, draft, and speed of the ship. Written on board the U.S.S. Richmond.

GLC02680.30

9 February 1864

Jenkins, Thornton A., 1811-1893

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John B. Marchand

Ordering Marchand to move his boat to replace a departing ship in the blockade. Written on board the U.S.S. Richmond during the Union blockade of Mobile Bay.

GLC02680.31

December 31, 1873

Hieskell, H.M., fl. 1873

Printed document signed

Title: [Pay slip for John B. Marchand]

Printed note stating a pay check has been enclosed for three hundred eighteen dollars and thirty cents. From the Office of Pay Director, Navy Yard, Philadelphia. The amount and date are filled in by hand.

GLC02680.34