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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.

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01764 Author/Creator: Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806 Place Written: Vails Gate, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 December 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 23.4 x 17.7 cm. Order a Copy

Sarcastic letter written by Major General Gates to Major General Knox. Says "Chess is intirely at a Stand here; I have many challenges, but no Troops to Act; when a convenient Opportunity Offers, I shall be Obliged to you for the peices that are wanting." Goes on to say "prepare your Great Guns to Mow down Ruffians, for the politicians of the House say, we are to have a plentiful Crop next Summer." Letter has what appears to be water damage at the fold. It has faded Knox's docket. Written from Knox's headquarters at John Ellison's mansion.

Gates, Horatio, 1727-1806
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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