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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.

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819 to Alexander Irvine

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.023.08 Author/Creator: Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819 Place Written: Staten Island, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: November 29, 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; Height: 24 cm, Width: 18 cm Order a Copy

Charles Irvine writes to his brother in Aberdeen, Scotland that he was so hurried in his last letter he forgot to mention his promotion in rank which he is happy about. States that he has written to Mr. Moir to get his affairs in order. Discusses his financial state for a bit and his need for credit. States Colonel McLeroth has offered to write on his behalf to help him get credit. Comments that Alexander must have heard of General Cornwallis's fall and says they do not know what the consequences will be. Expects reinforcements if Britain intends to keep the colonies. Gives his love to family and friends. Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia on October 19, 1781. Charles Irvine was a soldier in the British army during the Revolutionary War.

Irvine, Charles, 1756-1819
Irvine, Alexander, 1754-1844
Cornwallis, Charles Cornwallis, Marquis, 1738-1805

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