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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.

Lee, Charles, 1731-1782 to William Petty, Earl of Shelburne

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06302 Author/Creator: Lee, Charles, 1731-1782 Place Written: Camp near Villa Velha, Portugal Type: Autograph letter signed Date: October 11, 1762 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; Height: 34.5 cm, Width: 22 cm Order a Copy

Written by Colonel Lee as an officer under General John Burgoyne in Portugal to the William Petty, Earl of Shelburne (Lee writes "Shelbourne" on address), as aide-de-camp to King George III. Says he is honored Shelburne could possibly take in an interest in his affairs. Reports that he led a party that forded the Tagus River and surprised a body of troops. Their cannons were spiked and ammunition burned. Asks Shelburne to support Count La Lippe's recommendation of Lee to the Ministry. Praises Count La Lippe's leadership in the field.

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