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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 George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00929 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New Windsor, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 27 March 1781 Pagination: 5 p. : docket ; Height: 34.2 cm, Width: 21.1 cm Order a Copy

Discusses the appointment of officers in the artillery, complaining that there are no established principles for governing such appointments. "That the greatest caution should be observed in making the appointments I would humbly propose that they should originate with the Colonels of the regiments..." Also discusses promotion within the artillery. Writes, regarding "promotion of an individual State," "If your Excellency should view this matter in the same point of light I beg you would be pleas'd to make such a representation to Congress as may prevent the evils apprehende'd." Body of letter is in Knox's hand with close and signature in hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

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