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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.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00517 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 10,1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 33 cm, Width: 20.9 cm Order a Copy

Has just received her letter and assures her "my heart is yours although my Country demands my poor pittance to endevor to rescue her from barbarity." Feels this barbarity, exemplified by Indians slaughtering innocents, enslaved people killing their masters, and the general desolation caused by the Hessian mercenaries is all a result of British tyranny. Chastises the "boasted humanity of these people who calls themselves the mother Country!" Repeatedly expresses his love and longing for her. Warns her to "take care of your heart" with Colonel Stewart who will deliver this letter. States that he greatly enjoys writing to her. Discusses his papers and military affairs, but significant text is lost here. Expresses joy that "my friend Harry" is finally serving his country, and wishes Gods blessing to Lucy for "you and your babe." Dated 1776 but written in 1777.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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