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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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March 30, 1779

Kováts, Mihály, Fabricy, 1724-1779

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Edward Hand

There are multiple spellings for the Hungarian creator of this document. Signs this letter "Michael de Kowatz," but is also known as Michael Kovats de Fabricy or simply Michael Kovats. He was a Colonel in the Continental Calvary and was killed on May 11, 1779 defending Charleston, South Carolina. Letter written to Brigadier General Hand. Seems to be writing about an attack that was defended, but this is a quick translation. In postscript mentions a man named David Lewy, who seems to have delivered the letter. Kovats is celebrated as a Hungarian patriot for his service and sacrifice in the war.

GLC01450.169.03

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