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, Henry, 1750-1806 to Marquis de Lafayette

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03196 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: September 17, 1785 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 33.3 cm, Width: 20 cm Order a Copy

References Lafayette's letters of May and June 1785. Says "I had the unhappiness previous to the receipt of your benevolent letter of June to be fully informed of my Brothers insanity." Goes on to say he recovered his health and reason. Says he has proof of this through William's letters and reports from other friends. Reports that William is now in London and will soon sail for Boston. In reference to Lafayette's assistance, tells him to moderate his kindness or he will be oppressed by his goodness. He would like to send his son, Harry, to France to study under Lafayette, but says the boy is too young now. Says Harry will be ready in 3 or 5 years. Hopes Lafayette is enjoying his tour of Europe. Wants a report of the troops he sees in the different countries he visits. Sends greetings to Colonel Gouvion.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Gouvion, Jean Baptiste, 1747-1792

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources