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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.

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00370 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 33.8 x 20.8 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses Scottish (Highlanders) attempts to "purchase Conquer'd Lands." Describes Scottish prisoners as saucy because they call the country people rebels and say they will later be able to sieze their farms. Explains news that Colonel Archibald Campbell, a British officer from Scotland who was then a prisoner, suspiciously purchased a rifle dress. Jackson holds Campbell in a high esteem. Comments on the ships whose recent capture was decribed in an earlier letter (see GLC02437.00343). Says that one of the ships will be refitted and sailed to England "to see if she cant take some East Indiaman." Reports fears that the privateer that took those ships, commanded by Captain Johnston, has been siezed by the British prisoners on board. Comments on smallpox innoculations and the local weather. Asks Knox to keep him abreast of the news, he thinks Knox's "behavi'r now will determine the fate of America."

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Campbell, Archibald, 1739-1791

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