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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.

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04627 Author/Creator: Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818 Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 June 1790 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 25.6 cm, Width: 20.4 cm Order a Copy

Expresses his feeling of "mortifying neglect, of being unaswer'd" after writing several letters to Knox with no reply. Discusses his suggestions for improving warships; had applied to Congress with suggestions in 1785, but Knox advised him not to pursue the issue any further until the government was more stable. Mentions his concern that American might get drawn into "the war" (perhaps fighting associated with the French Revolution) and his feeling that he will not be idle if that occurs. Discusses facts and figures related to his warship improvement ideas and mentions that Knox may obtain more information through their mutual friend [William] Duer.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

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