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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 Joseph Peirce

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05047 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 2 July 1791 Pagination: 5 p. : Height: 31.6 cm, Width: 20.1 cm Order a Copy

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Peirce, his agent in Boston. References Peirce's letter of 23 June that enclosed the draft of the deeds. Reports that he had the one from Peirce copied and executed, and the one for Oliver Smith drawn upon parchment. Presumes these deeds are legally drawn, but before they are finally delivered he wants Peirce to write him his opinion of Judge [John] Sullivan and Mr. [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks this for his security, as this is a momentous affair for him and his children. Declares that he feels obliged to give "...deeds to the settlers and the persons to whom I shall sell." Tells him to have the deeds recorded in Lincoln and Hancock Counties as soon as he receives them from Smith. Wants the deed for the Welch house forwarded to him as well. Reports to Peirce that Randall has forwarded $900 to him. Mentions the sale of the [Talmont] estate and hopes it can be dealt with as soon as possible. Expresses his friendship and says he will amply compensate Peirce. Notes at the end of the letter that he just found the deed for the Welch house in his papers which he has executed and forwarded.

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