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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.

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01952 Author/Creator: Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794 Place Written: Schuylkill, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: February 25, 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : Height: 23.5 cm, Width: 19.4 cm Order a Copy

Written by Major General von Steuben to Major General Knox. Reports that "In all proba[b]ility the Peace is signed." Says "At present all our lost Battles are turned to Victories. Great Britain acknowledges our Independence, may other nations acknowledge that we are worthy to be free." Says America's first impressions are important as they will decide "whether we shall be respected as an Empire or be despised as a Banditti." Says the situation of the army and the news of peace are all that are talked about. Wants to know what will happen if Congress disperses the army without pay. Presents a plan for Knox's consideration: after peace is officially announced, wants the army to present an address to Congress that is strongly worded, "that neither Officers nor soldiers have the least doubt that there services will be recompensed." Says Washington should also take an address to Congress. Claims "This demand will shelter Congress from the unjust claims of the people." Has also reported this plan to General McDougall.

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