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.

Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808 to unknown

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04784 Author/Creator: Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808 Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 November 1790 Pagination: 1 p. : Height: 29.2 cm, Width: 18.1 cm Order a Copy

Discusses the "truly alarming" situation going on in the Virginia back country. Reports the deaths of several people at Martin Station in Powell's Valley. Believes the news that he is no longer the Indian agent there has caused these problems. He had thought about erecting a "station on the bank of the Cumberland river for the security of travellers" with the support of Congress. Martin would buy one hundred acres of land from the Cherokees. Notes that the ford of the river is, by treaty, the line between the United States and the Cherokees. Suggests a trade post and garrison to ensure security, "as it is well known that the Indians seldom or never strike where they have any trade."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources