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At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

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Showing results 1 - 18

circa 1778

Johnston, Francis (1749-1815)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Persifor Frazer

Discusses American troop movements, including those of General Gates and Comte d'Estaing. Asks Frazer to send Andrew, since he is in need of a good waiter.

GLC01450.457.11

10 July 1778

Hosmer, Titus (1736-1780)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Richard Law

Relays news that the Compte d' Estaing had set sail with a fleet for Delaware or Chesapeake Bay and that a British fleet has set out to intercept them. Today they were informed that d'Estaing arrived near Maryland three days earlier and set off for Sandy Hook. Notes that war had been declared in Paris against England and French troops were in transit toward America. Comments on the recent passage of the Articles of Confederation in Congress.

GLC01069

16 July 1778

Lee, Richard Henry (1732-1794)

Document signed

Title: A list of provisions to be furnished by the commisary for the use of the French squadron under the command of Vice Admiral d'Estaing

List of provisions to be provided by the "Marine Committee" to the "French Squadron" commanded by Admiral d'Estaing. Lists amount needed. Items include bread, salt pork, hog heads & feet, salt fish, cheese, peas, beans, rice, beer, and vinegar. States one third of these provisions must be received immediately, and the rest whenever d'Estaing desires.

GLC02471.26

4 August 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Discusses previous correspondence between the two, noting he always acknowledges letters received from William. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Relates that his wife and daughter, both named Lucy, are with him in White Plains. Notes that Admiral Lord Richard Howe, in Sandy Hook, New Jersey "lays... with his small fleet ardently wishing for such a reinforcement as may enable him to look Monsr.

GLC02437.00717

13 August 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Chastises William, his brother, for not writing more frequently. Mentions a military operation planned against Newport to take place in conjunction with the arrival of a French fleet led by the Comte D'Estaing. Instructs William to inform [James] Bowdoin's family that John Temple, British Consul General, has arrived at New York. Reports that a fire in New York City has destroyed between 80 and 100 houses. Encloses some letters for Colonel Sears in Newport.

GLC02437.00718

17 August 1778

Borda, Jean Charles de (1733-1799)

Note signed

Title: [Orders for French Ships] [in French]

Translation reads: "In consequence of the orders of the Count D'Estaing, the ship Provence will send to the Protector Ship 'Canot' which from the fleet at 'Bombs of Thunder' or else the one which was sent by the General to him." Written on board the Languedoc. Numbered "No. 73."

GLC01450.213

23 August 1778

Sullivan, John (1740-1795)

Letter signed

Title: to William Whipple

Requests Whipple's opinion on the best course of action regarding the siege of Newport now that "The Count De Estaing...abandoned us in the present Enterprise and opened the Harbour for...Reinforcements." Believes the British have only 6,000 men, while the American forces number "8,174. Rank & File exclusive of 628...Artillery Men." Asks Whipple whether he thinks it best to continue the siege without French naval support and risk the British reinforcing their position by sea, or to attack immediately with what seems a superior force, or to withdraw at once.

GLC04845

23 August 1778

Crane, John (1744-1805)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Sullivan

Expresses surprise at the news that "Count D'Estaing has abandoned us in the present Enterprise." At Sullivan's request gives his opinion on the situation, saying he feels the siege of Newport is not worth continuing without the French fleet, since he expects British reinforcements soon. Instead suggests an immediate attack, for which he details his strategy. Opposes a retreat but in case "the General Council be of a different opinion" he lays out a plan for retreat as well. General Sullivan posed this question to a number of officers.

GLC03232

24 August 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Acknowledges receipt of a letter William wrote 14 August 1778. Notes that his wife Lucy would also reply to William, but Shaw has not provided her with pens (possibly referring to his aide-de-camp, Samuel Shaw). Refers to a naval battle near Newport, Rhode Island between the fleets of the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe.

GLC02437.00720

31 August 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Again chastises William for his "neglect in writing." Refers to the naval battle between the Comte D'Estaing and British General William Howe's fleet near Newport, Rhode Island. Observes that D'Estaing's departure for Boston will oblige American General John Sullivan to end his attack of Aquidneck Island. Comments that General Henry Clinton is on his way to reinforce the British at Rhode Island.

GLC02437.00721

14 September 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Asks William, his brother, for news of the location of William Howe's fleet. Apparently speaking of the British, writes "It is improper for a person in any Station to speak thus were it to be divulged but I do not believe there ever was a set of men so perfectly disqualified by a total & profound ignorance of every thing that might to constitute the Characters of Leaders of an Army to conquest- poor people they must evacuate the Continent or they will be entirely undone- I beg you not to imagine that by deprecation of their abilities I mean to exalt our own.

GLC02437.00726

28 September 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Comments, "You appear a little testy that I did not inform you the Enemy were going to Boston. Indeed I never believed it except a combination of unfortunate circumstances should impress an Idea of the kind on their minds... I think you may very freely make purchases and rely upon it that the Enemy will not come to Boston this Year- not even the tempting object of the french fleet will be a sufficient inducement.

GLC02437.00727

24 October 1778

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Knox

Written at Fredericksburgh. Location from docket. Knox informs his brother that the British sent a detachment of 7000-8000 men from New York. Predicts the men were sent to the West Indies, but "others again suppose for Carolina." Mentions a fleet of ships, possibly British, and the Comte D'Estaing. Notes, "I write you this that if there are no other Demonstrations than the ships of War-not to be alarm'd." Reports that more British may embark from New York, assuming they will travel to Europe, Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the West Indies.

GLC02437.00734

28 September 1779

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Letter

Title: to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses happiness in hearing of the British evacuation of South Carolina, which Knox attributes to Lincoln's attack on the British in the Battle of Stono Ferry, 20 June 1779, (there is evidence that the British had previous plans to evacuate the area). Informs Lincoln that some British troops are currently embarking from New York. Writes, "The Enemy as well in Europe as in America seemed to have formed some very high hopes of obtaining all South Carolina the present Campaign. The chagrin at the failure will be proportionate.

GLC02437.00783

6 November 1779

St. Clair, Arthur (1734-1818)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Reed

Discusses difficulties obtaining clothing and related supplies. Wonders where French support is, but is unconcerned. "Our patience is fairly exhausted and we begin to doubt the Existence of the Count D'Estaing his Fleet and even Georgia or Carolina. It is certainly very unaccountable but the delay that he has met with is not I believe any great misfortune to us." Has unconfirmed reports of troop movements in New York.

GLC03720

circa 1784

Godefroy, François (1743?-1819)

Print

Title: Prise de l'isle de la Grenade [in French]

Engraving of the French forces at Grenada, with text below explaining the scene.

GLC07282.02

13 November 1789

Eustis, William (1753-1825)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a gentleman from Boston who is attempting to obtain the position of commissary of pensioners. Asks whether the appointment to that post is granted from the state or the Continent. Relates a request from the Marquis La Gallissonnière, possibly Augustin-Félix-Elisabeth Barrin, asking Knox for a diploma to give to Louis Antoine Thomassin, Comte de Peynier [also spelled Peinier], Governor of Saint-Domingue and member of the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.04414

13 December 1789

Knox, Henry (1750-1806)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Eustis

Relates that he delayed responding to Eustis's previous correspondence in hopes that Congress would decide upon an arrangement for paying the invalids (refer to GLC02437.04414 and GLC02437.04386). If someone is specially appointed to the post of paying the invalids, and Mr. [John] Lucas (commissary of pensioners) resigns, Knox thinks Eustis can easily obtain the appointment. Predicts that the Secretary of the Treasury will make the appointment with the approval of the President. Discusses Society of the Cincinnati diplomas Eustis previously requested.

GLC02437.04439

Showing results 1 - 18