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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.

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05281 Author/Creator: Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794 Place Written: Canton, China Type: Autograph letter signed Date: December 31, 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 30.5 cm, Width: 18.9 cm Order a Copy

Discusses the positive outcome of a meeting with his creditors in Europe, specifically outlining how he was able to save his credit by selling his ship. Happily relates that his creditors are willing to lend to him again due to his honest character. Describes his financial plans, including obtaining merchandise (such as tea) to ship to India, America and Europe, and relates that he will be traveling with the merchandise being sent to Holland and England. Asks Knox to tell [Thomas] Randall to remain in New York until Shaw returns, if Randall is in New York at present. Relates that the government in Batavia has recently decided to allow Americans to trade there. Sends his love to Lucy Knox, and also includes a list of items he is sending to Knox, including dishes with Knox's initials carved on them.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Randall, Thomas, ?-1811
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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