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 #: GLC02437.01239 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 October 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Order a Copy

Has not heard from his brother in almost six weeks. News of the operation against Yorktown from General George Washington included the destruction of three of Lord Cornwallis redoubts and a formal demand for surrender, along with Cornwallis' rejection of it. Speculates that defeating Cornwallis will not be easy for the Allied Army, but "Fall he must." Rumors of unsuccessful British activity against General Nathanael Greene near Charleston. Offers high praise for Greene as a potential successor for Washington. Mentions the deaths of 300 soldiers and officers among Colonel William Washington's cavalry. Also mentions the success of General John Stark at Skenesboro. Discusses his plans to travel to Europe on business on a French frigate. Joshua Loring will take over his bookstore. Mentions selling some books and making other preparations for departure.

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Stark, John, 1728-1822

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources