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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.

Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) to Lucy Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00543 Author/Creator: Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) Place Written: Watertown, Massachusetts Type: Manuscript letter Date: 4 March 1777 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.6 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

Later copy. Has enclosed a letter for "the heavenly Miss DeBlois," a friend of Lucy's, which he wishes Lucy to pass on to her. Has also sent a trunk of gowns to Lucy's house via Mr. Colburn, intended for Miss DeBlois. Also asks Lucy to report to him about Miss DeBlois when she next sees her. A newspaper clipping, the obituary of one of Arnold's sons, is attached to the document. The copy was made around 1855.

Elizabeth DeBlois was the daughter of a prominent loyalist, and a friend of Lucy Knox.

58a
General Arnold to Mrs Knox "at Boston"

The original of this letter was left with me by Capt Thatcher in 1855, & he writes Oct 25 '56 for its return. The letter is wholly in Arnold's hand writing, and is as follows
viz

Watertown 4 March 1777
Dear Madam
I have taken the liberty of inclosing a letter for the heavenly Miss Deblois which by the favor of your delivery with the trunk of yours & which Mrs Colbum promised me, to send to your house, I hope she will make no objections against receiving them. I make no doubt you will soon have the pleasure ( ) seeing the charming Mrs Emerry, and have it in your power to give me some favourable intelligence. I shall remain under the most anxious suspense until I have the favor of a line from you, who, if I may judge, will from your own experience conceive the fond anxiety, the glowing hopes and chilling fears that alternately possess the breast of
Dear Madam
Your Obedt & most Humble Servt
Mrs Knox B Arnold

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
DeBlois, Elizabeth, 1761-1843

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