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.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00615 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 June 1777 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 22.9 cm, Width: 19.2 cm Order a Copy

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 & all thot's of it till I hear from you..." In a post script, lists items he has procured for Henry: sugar, coffee, tea, etc.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Coudray, Phillippe du, 1738-1777

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources