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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.

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801 to Margaret Arnold

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03301 Author/Creator: Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801 Place Written: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 July 1768 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; Height: 31 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy

Writes to his wife, Peggy, in New Haven, Connecticut. Informs that he has sent her brandy, oranges, coconuts, handkerchiefs, and more from the West Indies and hopes the shipment has arrived safely. Briefly discusses his own trade. Desires to return to his family, " ... a separation from you is attended with the most Cruel Anxiety, you who are with your Friends Cannot Imagine my Impatience to leave this Savage Island & be with you & my Friends who are most Dear to me." Mentions some pending law suits. Gives love to the family. With an initialed postscript.

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Arnold, Margaret Mansfield, 1745-1775

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