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.

Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788 to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03293 Author/Creator: Pemberton, Robert, ?-1788 Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 August 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : Height: 31.8 cm, Width: 20.1 cm Order a Copy

Written from the "War Office," which was likely in New York City during this period. Pemberton, apparently a staff member of Knox's at the War Office, relates several matters of business for Knox while he is away in Boston. Writes that he was so pressed for time while sending the last letter, in order to complete it in time for the post, that he neglected to include copies of the "returns of military, and Quarter masters stores, at Forts Pitt, and McIntosh," so he includes them now. Also includes "Governor Griswolds discharge to the two deserters apprehended by Serjeant [sic] Webster with copy of Captain Price's letter to you," which he mentioned in the previous letter (see GLC02437.03292). Showed Mr [William] North's letter to Mr Turnbull, one of the contractors. Pointed out the poor state of the hoofs of the work animals. Mr Turnbull will be leaving for Philadelphia and once he arrives will send word westward to try to determine the cause (Mr North's letter dealt with his inspection of Forts Pitt and McIntosh). Summarizes a letter Knox received from Mr. [Joseph] Cranch (see GLC02437.03291). Mentions receipt of a letter from Mr [Samuel] Hodgdon regarding demand on him to hire wagons. Pemberton applied to the board of treasury for him. Also, relates that Congress is considering construction of a post office for Fort Pitt.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Pemberton, Robert, fl. 1775-1788
Hodgdon, Samuel, 1745-1824
North, William, 1755-1836
Cranch, Joseph, 1769-1791

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources