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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.

Clinton, George (1739-1812) [Appointment of Ensign Stephen Griffin]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.623.01 Author/Creator: Clinton, George (1739-1812) Place Written: s.l. Type: Letter signed Date: 30 September [1780] Pagination: 2 p. ; 16.3 x 21.6 cm Order a Copy

Partially printed document signed by Clinton and his secretary Robert Benson. On verso is a note signed by David Humphreys, aide-de-camp of George Washington. The Council of Appointment approved the appointment of Stephen Griffin as ensign in the 4th Continental Regiment. He is to take over command of a company. The note on verso, dated from New Windsor, New York on 2 April 1781, says that General George Washington has given permission for Griffin to resign his commission. It appears that this document was signed by Clinton so Griffin could have official proof of his service after resigning, but that could not be proven. Also includes print of Clinton in uniform that appears to have been made in 1863. [Appointment year calculated based on document phrasing "in the 5th year of independence" of the state.]

Clinton, George, 1739-1812

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