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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.

North, William, 1755-1836 to Major Jackson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02542.20 Author/Creator: North, William, 1755-1836 Place Written: Duanesburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 July 1813 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 25.2 cm, Width: 20.1 cm Order a Copy

Written by North in retirement in Major Jackson. Marked at address that the letter is "to be published as a private letter." Sees in the newspaper that General Hull is to be tried on the charge of treason and cowardice during the surrender of Detroit in August 1812. Says he does not believe the charges to be true. In emotional language he attacks the rumors against Hull and defends his Revolutionary War record. Is especially outraged over the rumors of compensation money the British allegedly gave Hull. Says if fear was part of the surrender, then it wasn't a selfish fear, but one based on protecting innocent civilians. Says his position as Inspector General in the Revolution gave him an opportunity to know every high ranking officer in the north and that Hull has a respectable character. Is glad the court will be made up fellow officers who will see things clearly.

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