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.

Winslow, Samuel, fl. 1781-1806 to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04259 Author/Creator: Winslow, Samuel, fl. 1781-1806 Place Written: Portland, Maine Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 June 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 19.4 cm Order a Copy

Received his last letter, which "excites in me the most grateful sensations." Did not know of any person who had a "superior Claim upon Government" office in the region than he did. Thought that all Congressional appointments would be made independently of the previous appointments given by state governments, before the new federal government had come into existence. Adds that Mr. [George] Thatcher (he spells it "Thacher"), the Congressional representative for his region, has corresponded with several merchants to find candidates for the import and export offices. Seems to suggest that local politicians and local merchants are in such good acquaintance that appointments might be handed out based on favoritism. Further, Winslow has resided only briefly in Portland, and has no mercantile concerns as such, so fears he will be deemed unsuitable. Discusses his prospects and hopes that Knox might be able to help him receive an appointment.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Winslow, Samuel, fl. 1781-1806
Thatcher, George, 1754-1824

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources