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.

Penn, John, 1741-1788 to Jethro Sumner

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04832 Author/Creator: Penn, John, 1741-1788 Place Written: Hillsborough, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 September 1780 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket Height: 32.4 cm, Width: 20.6 cm Order a Copy

Expects General William Smallwood to move westward in a few days to take command of the militia of North Carolina. Reports that in the meantime, Sumner will have command of the troops. Advises him to avoid a general action against the British as the consequences would be fatal. Instead recommends skirmishing because it will keep the British troops together, prevent plundering, and raise the spirits of the Continental troops. Informs that General Butler will join Sumner soon.

Penn, John, 1740-1788
Sumner, Jethro, 1733-1785
Smallwood, William, 1732-1792

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources