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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.

Pickens, Andrew (1739-1817) to Nathanael Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02498.09 Author/Creator: Pickens, Andrew (1739-1817) Place Written: Summerville, South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 July 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 22.6 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Brigadier General Pickens, the well-known partisan fighter of South Carolina, to Major General Greene as commander of the Southern Department. Due to orders from Governor John Mathews, he is now occupying ground previously occupied by General Francis Marion. Apologizes that fewer men are in the brigade than expected. Says the harvest wasn't finished and troops wanted to stay behind because a group of Tories recently marched through the area. Expects these men to filter into the camp in a few days. Written from Bacon's Bridge, in Summerville, South Carolina.

Camp Near Bacons Bridge 23d. July 1782
Dear General

In consequence of Orders from Governor Mathews I am now encamped on the ground lately occupied by Genl. Marrion. I am Sorry there is not more Men here from the Brigades but when I Marched the People had not quite finished their Harvest, and Several parties of Torrys Suddently March'd up through the country, which drew the Attention of the People considerably after them; but I expect in the course of a few days to be Join'd by Several detachement that I have Ordered, and expect are following. I have the honour to be
Dear General
Your most obedient
humble Servant
Andw: Pickens

Honble. Major General Greene

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