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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.

Knox, William, 1756-1795 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04756 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 October 1790 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; Height: 32.2 cm, Width: 19.5 cm Order a Copy

William relates the details of what was nearly a shipwreck on his voyage from America to England. William will report to Knox on the political situation in Europe as soon as possible. Will see Mr. [James] Webber before W. Knox leaves London. Reports: "This much I can tell you that the British fleet is in the Channel - that 2000 guards are to march this day for Plymouth for embarkation - that Peace is restored between the Swedes & Russians - & that the Duke of Cumberland brother to the King of Eng. is dead in consequence of which every body that can buy a black coat or get credit for one is in mourning - Gen'l Maunsell tells me he has made use of your name to Mr. Pitt on the subject of American Politics as good authority. I hope you have been guarded with the communicative old Gentn."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Pitt, William, 1759-1806
Maunsell, John, 1724-1795
Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, 1745-1790

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