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.

Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox

Order a pdf of this item here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09349 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Manuscript letter Date: 20 September 1795 Pagination: 3 p. ; 32 x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," possibly referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the University of Cambridge with his tutor. Instructed Cabot to inform the boy Washington would "be to him as a friend & father," though his relationship to Lafayette was to initially remain a secret. Hopes Knox will move his family to Philadelphia for the winter. Copy made 6 March 1854.

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Lafayette, George Washington, 1779-1849

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources