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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.

Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799 to Benjamin Harrison

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02477 Author/Creator: Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799 Place Written: Williamsburg, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 May 1779 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 19.6 x 15.5 cm. + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 23 x 14 cm + 1 engraving ; b&w ; 17 x 11.6 cm Order a Copy

Written by Henry as Governor of Virginia to Harrison, a Declaration of Independence signer, as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Says he has enclosed a letter he received by express from Charlestown, South Carolina (not included). Wants Harrison to report it to the state assembly. Says he has held the messenger until the assembly has heard the letter's contents. Wants to be able to send him back with news of any measures the assembly passes relative to South Carolina. This letter is in reference to the raid of Charlestown by British General Augustine Prevost 11-13 May 1779. General Benjamin Lincoln marched to save the city, but South Carolina appears to be asking for help in case of further attacks. Includes seller's clippings. Two black and white bust engravings of Patrick Henry included.

Henry, Patrick, 1736-1799
Harrison, Benjamin, 1726-1791

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