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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 #: GLC02437.04547 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1790 Pagination: 8 p. : docket ; Height: 24.2 cm, Width: 18.3 cm Order a Copy

Repeats a request to Knox that "unless you appear here, in person, you never will be able to effect your wishes" regarding petitions in the Massachusetts General Court related to Knox's lands. States that the Winslows have "done every thing in their power - but they are infants in this business, & perfectly ignorant of the subject, indeed the name of Winslow is enough to damn any plan you may have in view." Reports that Governor John Hancock nominated Colonel Gabriel Johonnot as first judge to the Court of Common Pleas, and George Tyler of Deer Island as High Sheriff for Hancock County. Discusses [Nathaniel] Tracy's poor financial situation. Comments on Rhode Island's Constitutional ratifying convention: "The Rhode Island convention have adjourned by a majority of four to May next, without coming to the question, it is the general opinion they will be obstinate to the last moment - your friend Dane is at the head of a Junto of Anti's in this State, who it is believed are doing every thing in their power to embarrass and weaken the General Government." Reports that he forwarded letters from Knox to Doctor Andrew Craigie related to their friend Cobb's affairs. Discusses mutual acquaintances, including a woman who tried to commit suicide. Reports that Samuel Shaw will sail the following Thursday.

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Craigie, Andrew, 1744-1819
Dane, Nathan, 1752-1835
Hancock, John, 1737-1797
Tracy, Nathaniel, 1751-1796
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

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