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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.

Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01544 Author/Creator: Nicolas, Lewis, 1717-1807 Place Written: Fishkill, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 August 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket Height: 22.5 cm, Width: 17.5 cm Order a Copy

Mentions that he went to "the Point" [possibly West Point] the day before to pay his respects and inform Knox about the movement of the Invalids between Fishkill and West Point. Also writes, "My further intention was to request your permission to remain here a short time with my family 'till I can have a place prepared for its reception, subject to attend when ever my presence is necessary, which I flatter myself you will be so kind as to grant." Comments that he was unable to find any building in West Point that would be large enough to accommodate his large family, so he is hoping the Quartermaster General will allow some of the damaged barracks to be repaired, so his family can live there. Apologizes, finally, for not returning to the post that day or asking permission before delaying at Fishkill.

Nicola, Lewis, 1717-1807
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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