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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 #: GLC02437.03521 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 April 1787 Pagination: 5 p. : Height: 29.7 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for funds for this purpose. Mentions that John Hancock, his wife, and a Mrs. Jeffery are leaving tomorrow for New York. Informs that the Society of the Cincinnati of Massachusetts held a meeting and have chosen seven delegates including, General Knox, General Putnam, Henry Jackson, General Cobb, Major Rice, Major North, and Doctor Eustis. Of these, three will form a delegation; Knox, North, and Eustis. Has incorporated a tax for the Society of Cincinnati members to cover the costs of the delegation. Ends by pleading, "I pray you Harry keep my Regiment alive, I rest all on you..."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

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