Our Collection

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.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to James Clinton

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02366 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Morristown, New Jersey Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 9 February 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Ordering Clinton to go to Albany to "assist in the command of the Northern department" under General Schuyler. Warns Clinton that there is not time for delay. "General McDougal will take the direction of matters in the Highlands when you are gone."

James Clinton was a brigadier general in the Continental Army. While most sources list his birth year as being 1733, the Library of Congress now lists 1736 as the year he was born.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Head Qrs.. Morisstown Feby 9th: 1777.
Sir
General Schuyler having requested me in the most pressing manner, to send him a General Officer to assist in the command of in the Northern department, you will, as soon as possible, after the receipt of this, repair to Albany and take his commands. As the situation of our Affairs in that Quarter, may demand your immediate aid, I should hope you will not delay going a moment longer than you can help. General McDougal [2] will take the direction of matters in the Highlands when you are gone.
I am Sir
Yr Most Obedt Servt
Go: Washington

[Docket]
(copied WWH)

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Clinton, James, 1736-1812

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