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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 Elbridge Gerry

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03353 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 November 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 31.6 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy

Almost identical in content to GLC02437.03352, which is a later copy of this letter. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is. Indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects. Mr. Osgood & myself, will keep this object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our utmost interest on the occasion. In respect to any vacancy under my direction, I shall consider it, at the refusal of your brother." Adds that he and Mrs. Knox send their love to Mrs. Gerry and her sister. Reports that since [Rufus] King has gone to Hartford, no New England members are present in Congress. Notes that there are not a sufficient number of members from the respective states to form a Congress.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
Osgood, Samuel, 1748-1813
King, Rufus, 1755-1827
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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