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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.

Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09402 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Rocky Hill, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 October 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 32.8 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Mentions the return of General Benjamin Lincoln. Hopes the transition to a peacetime military establishment will commence without further delay. Does not think Congress intends to abolish the Office of Secretary at War (which Lincoln held from 1781-1783). Notes that Lincoln has helped devise a plan for making the office more economical. Intends to recommend Knox for the position of Secretary at War if Knox wishes. Comments that many members of Congress object to the terms of the peace establishment. Lincoln and Washington disagree on predicted expenses the office of Secretary at War will incur. Docketed in Knox's hand. For a duplicate of this letter, but with the addition of Washington's excerpt of a report from a congressional committee regarding the emoluments of the office of Secretary at War, see GLC02437.09403.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810

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