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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.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Lucy Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00442 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 September 1776 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 33.5 cm, Width: 20.5 cm Order a Copy

Indicates that military activities in New York are disrupting the mail. Thanks her for the kindness of her last letter. Reports little activities since the retreat in the Battle of Long Island. Criticizes the promotions that have been made because the army needs "men capable of great Ideas & who are acquainted with military matters." Fears George Washington is bearing too great a load of leadership. Indicates that General Nathanael Greene is recovering from illness. Hopes General Charles Lee arrives soon. Discusses treatment of prisoners, the honor of war, and his desire to not make "war like Savages." Reinforcements are coming from the South. Expresses optimism and compares the Americans to the Romans. Shows sympathy for Lucy's difficult circumstances. Mentions his attempt to gain a business interest in a privateer. Hopes their baby's health has improved.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Lee, Charles, 1732-1782

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