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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.

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05735 Author/Creator: Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817 Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1792 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 23.5 cm, Width: 18.8 cm Order a Copy

Informs Knox that "I shall be able to bring with me everything which can be collected in this Country respecting Canals." Says he has heard that Knox is considering hiring an expensive director from England. Believes this is unnecessary as he has the fullest confidence in his own services. He has, however, developed a relationship with Mr. [James] Rumsey, the "greatest Mechanical genius in that line known in Europe." Says he will know soon if the gentleman will be able to serve them. Updates him on news from England, including the possibility of war and their upcoming congressional candidates.

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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