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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.

Duer, William, 1747-1799 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05134 Author/Creator: Duer, William, 1747-1799 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 August 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 22.7 cm, Width: 18.8 cm Order a Copy

Reports that this letter will be delivered by Madame de la Val and Mr. de la Roche who will communicate provisional articles "I have Enterd into with them for commencing a French Establishment on the Lands we have purchased." Says the present state of France ought not to be neglected "and while the Climate of the Tract we have purchased may not be so Congenial to the French, as the Scots." Believes the Scots will become large purchasers of land in their tract and "All that is necessary is to give a Reputation to the Affair in the first Instance." Believes the purchase in question will provide the reputation they desire. Will write more fully on the purchase in another letter. Wants to give facilities and advantages to the first purchasers. While it might be expensive, Duer thinks it is worth it. If Knox approves he will get a loan to pay for it. Has not thought of the Scioto purchase other than to worry about "covering my Disbursements."

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