Our Collection

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.

Knox, William, 1756-1795 to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00425 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 August 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 32.7 cm, Width: 20.6 cm Order a Copy

Responds to his brother's news about British ships sailing up the Hudson river, reinforcements arriving for the Continental Army, and Henry's optimistic outlook on the impending battle. Relays news from the West Indies that the Dutch have refused to renew a treaty with Britain to not sell military supplies to Americans and to supply the British with Scotch regiments. Hostilities between the two are beginning. Describes naval skirmishes. Mentions that he has not received any letters from Lucy Knox. Comments on the poor treatment of Tories exiled from Boston to the country. Indicates that he has set up a correspondence with a Mr. McClure, possibly David M'Clure who formerly corresponded with Henry. Notes an upcoming meeting to discuss ridding the town of the remnants of smallpox. Has heard that 10,000 British troops landed on Long Island and shots had been heard. The Battle of Long Island began on 27 August 1776.

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
M'Clure, David, 1748-1820

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources