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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 Henry Jackson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10189 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 November 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 35.4 cm, Width: 23.2 cm Order a Copy

Knox gives Jackson orders regarding taking control of King's Bridge, New York as the British evacuate their troops. Informs Jackson that the first and fourth Massachusetts regiments "have been directed to march this day for King's Bridge" where they will join the Light Infantry commanded by Colonel Hull. As the senior officer, Jackson is to lead the corps which will take command "of the British posts of New York, long Island, &c." Expects the British to evacuate posts "on the north end of York Island" by 21 November, and the City 22 November. Advises Jackson that if anything happens to prevent the British from evacuating as scheduled, "you, will apply to His Excellency Governor Clinton, and make such arrangements with him, as you may mutually think proper, for taking possession of and securing the safety of the city." Watermarked

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Hull, William, 1753-1825
Clinton, George, 1739-1812

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