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.

Doughty, John, 1754-1826 to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03108 Author/Creator: Doughty, John, 1754-1826 Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1785 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 33.5 x 21.1 cm. Order a Copy

Major Doughty, commander at West Point, transmits returns of troops and stores (returns not included). Doughty is extremely upset because he hopes to remain in the military as an artillerist, but recently heard that Congress plans to discharge the troops presently in service. Writes, "If this measure takes place, which it is probable will be the case, instead of continuing my military pursuits, I am fearful I shall be thrown upon the wide world without a profession, or a capital to create one..." Asks Knox, who was recently offered the position of Secretary at War, to procure him an office which "may place me in a respectable station in Life..."

Doughty, John, 1754-1826
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources