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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.

Hand, Edward (1744-1802) to Kitty Hand

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC00189 Author/Creator: Hand, Edward (1744-1802) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 October 1780 Pagination: 2 p. ; 35 x 23 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to his wife that he hopes he can alleviate her distressing situation soon. Informs her of the treason of Benedict Arnold and the hanging of the British spy, John Andre. "A few days ago Gen Arnold detected in his views of Betraying the Garrison of West Point & its dependencies into the hands of the Enemy, deserted to them leaving Major Andre Adjt. Genl. to the British Army to pay the forfeiture that should have falen on the traitor--Andre was yesterday Hanged as a Spy." Mentions the weather being warm in July and August and states that the army is still remarkably healthy. Talks about going into winter quarters. Gives love to family members. Written from Infantry Camp Herrington.

Hand, Edward, 1744-1802
Hand, Kitty, fl. 1780
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
André, John, 1751-1780

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