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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.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10168 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 October 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; Height: 35.4 cm, Width: 23.6 cm Order a Copy

Informs General George Washington that he "shall set to work to procure...wood for the Garrison who will probably return here During the winter." Suggests someone whose term of service will soon expire to be in charge of receiving the discharges. Estimates more than five hundred such men on the returns, but states that they are unlikely to get more than three hundred and fifty working men. They have found a place where the wood may be easily attained. "The men will bring it to the foot of the mountain, and from thence it will be transported by teams if they can be procured." Goes on to discuss discharges and promotions. Encloses returns of the troops and clothing. States that the men need clothing as they only have uniforms and other clothing from last spring. Watermarked with three fleur-de-lis in a crest and a crown over lettering. Knox's retained draft.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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