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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.

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03450 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: February 11, 1787 Pagination: 6 p. : Height: 32.1 cm, Width: 19.7 cm Order a Copy

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that this endeavor will jeopardize his ability to recruit for his own regiment, because he cannot afford to offer as much money up front as the government can. Reports that a large balance is owed to Mr. Stephen Bruce for the materials he supplied to the regiments, and Jackson cannot provide him any of the money. Visited Mr. [Stephen] Higginson for help, but Mr. Higginson told him there was no money to be spared for Jackson's regiment, though he will do his best to help him. Mentions that he does not know whether Knox or the Governor will order his regiment to Springfield, but insists that they must be properly clothed and paid before they march. Discusses how best to organize the men on the march, and mentions the status of the recruitment of artillery officers. Also mentions that Mr. Bruce would like to contract with Mr. [Robert] Morris or Mr. [Jeremiah] Wadsworth for supplying troops. Sends his love to Lucy and the Knox children.

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Swan, James, 1754-1830
Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828
Bruce, Stephen, fl. 1786-1801
Morris, Robert, 1734-1806
Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804
Shays, Daniel, 1747-1825

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