Our Collection

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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12 July 1759

Howe, Richard Howe, Earl (1726-1799)

Autograph document signed

Title: [Orders for Captain Kennedy on HMS Flamborough]

Written on the HMS Essex. Captain Howe tells Captain Kennedy, commander of the HMS Flamborough, to escort supply ships from the Downs to Spithead in England.

GLC01450.301

20 June 1776 - 30 July 1776

Howe, Richard Howe, Earl (1726-1799)

Manuscript document

Title: Official French copy of Benjamin Franklin-Richard Howe letters [in French]

First letter dated 20 June 1776, written aboard the Eagle off of Sandy Hook, New Jersey, is from Admiral Richard Howe to Benjamin Franklin. Encloses official dispatches (not present) outlining his mission of peace with the colonies. Mentions in his postscript that his brother, General William Howe, will act as a fellow peace commissioner. Franklin replies on 30 July 1776 from Philadelphia. Refuses the offers of a pardon in the case of the colonies' surrender, as outlined in the official documents referred to by Howe.

GLC01670

1776/07/

Washington, George (1732-1799)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Benjamin Franklin] re: belated peace initiatives of the Howe brothers

A cryptic but important letter written in the same month as the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, as commander in chief, in response to Franklin's letters. Possibly a draft since Washington has left the day and a name blank, but soon or shortly after July 30, when Franklin's response to Howe was delivered.

GLC01588

7 July 1778

Sullivan, John (1740-1795)

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Langdon

General Sullivan discusses the Battle of Monmouth based on information he received from Major Talbot. Referring to the 28 June 1778 battle between Generals George Washington and Henry Clinton, states "about ten in the forenoon General Washington with the Front of his Army Amounting to nearly one half his numbers came up with the Rear of the British Army Consisting of nearly one half their force which was Commanded by General Clinton ...

GLC06521

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

circa 1800

Greatbatch, W., (fl. 1800)

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Admiral Earl Howe

One undated engraving of Earl Richard Howe. Bust portrait of Howe. Notation on engraving that it was based on the original by Gainsborough.

GLC08878.0278

circa 1800

William Darton and Son

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Admiral Earl Howe

One undated engraving of Earl Richard Howe. Bust portrait of Howe. Engraving includes a brief biography of Howe.

GLC08878.0279

1 September 1835

Robinson, H., (fl. 1835)

Engraving

Title: Engraving of Admiral Earl Howe

One engraving of Earl Richard Howe dated September 1, 1835. Standing portrait of Howe.

GLC08878.0280

Showing results 1 - 8