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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 #: GLC02437.04666 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809 Place Written: Portland, Maine Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 August 1790 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 22.7 cm, Width: 18.7 cm Order a Copy

Discusses his arrival in Portland en route to Burnt Coat Island. He is traveling with his "friend Ben" [possibly Benjamin Hichborn], and expects that they will return to Boston in ten to twelve days. Mentions his hope that a General [John] Glover will receive "the appointment of Collector for the port of Marblehead." Also touches on international issues: "I wish from my soul for a Spanish War, I think it would put a new face on the affairs of this Country." Also provides information on Knox's extended family, and reports that Knox's cousin Samuel Winslow wants Knox to inspect parts of the Waldo patent. Also forwards an advertisement of interest to Knox (not present).

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

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