Our Collection

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 Thomas Fitzsimons

Order a pdf of this item here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10292 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: February 11, 1794 Pagination: 10 p. : Height: 39.9 cm, Width: 26 cm Order a Copy

Per the request of a House Committee, Knox submits, "an Estimate of the probable Expences which would be incurred in securing the SeaPorts, that have been enumerated, from insult or surprize." States that the batteries and redoubts, in order to keep expenses down, should be made of dirt as opposed to masonry. Mentions other positive aspects of using dirt. Suggests stone or wood for places where earth cannot be used. Continues with other suggestions for strengthening areas and lists estimated expenses for some 20 major coastal cities. Pages 1-2 comprise Knox's cover letter; pages 3-10 comprise the estimate. Noted as being from the War Department. Sewn binding. Watermarked "Edmeads & Pinn."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Fitzsimons, Thomas, 1741-1811

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources