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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.

Roxburgh, Alexander, fl. 1782-1800 to William Smallwood

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06508.07 Author/Creator: Roxburgh, Alexander, fl. 1782-1800 Place Written: South Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 July 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : address Height: 34.7 cm, Width: 22 cm Order a Copy

Written at Camp Ashley Hill. Major Roxburgh updates General Smallwood on Anthony Wayne's success in evacuating in evacuating Savannah, Georgia of British troops: "The enemy have evacuated Savannah and are so distressed for shipping that the garrison are object to go from Island to Island before they can reach Charles Town. They were so reduced by desertion that 'tis thought not more than four hundred Regular troops will reach town, the Torys have all joined General Waine and have become american soldiers for the war by way of atonement for their joining the enemy." Predicts that though they are a stronger force, the British will not risk an attack on his troops. Reports "Our Army is now become very sickly the Hospitals are crowded ... " States that many of his men have a high fever, which is worsened by extreme heat, heavy rains, and thick fog in the morning. Wonders whether or not his letters are reaching his acquaintances, because he has not received correspondence from them since he joined the army.

Smallwood, William, 1732-1792
Roxburgh, Alexander, fl. 1782-1800
Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796

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