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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.

Stevens, Ebenezer (1751-1823) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00291 Author/Creator: Stevens, Ebenezer (1751-1823) Place Written: Surrel, Canada Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 May 1776 Pagination: 2p.+addr. 26 cm. x 19.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes Knox to update him on activities reinforcing the siege of Quebec. Discusses orders to congregate at the town of Surrel, about 135 miles outside of Quebec. Mentions that since the Americans had been driven from the Plains of Abraham, it was unknown where they would make their attack. Comments on the location of various generals and assures Knox that all "are in Good Health & Spirits." Informs Knox that only one man failed on the march and was sent back to Charlestown, Massachusetts. Stevens was a captain in Knox's artillery regiment. He earlier reported on his mission to assist the invasion of Canada on 7 April 1776 (see GLC02437.00270).

[draft]
Hond Sir
This may Inform You that I with the Companies, under my Command and ordinance and Stores under my Care Arived safe at the Town of Trois Reviere the 7th Instant and there Recd. Orders to Retire as Far Back as the Town of Surrell (45 Leagues from Quebec) when the whole Reinforcements are to make a halt as fast as they Arive untill further orders Our people Being Drove from the Planes of Abram and it is not yet known Where they will be Able to make it stand at any place Between this and that - Genl Thom Remains at Point De Chambo (30 Leagues Below here) with some of the Army - Genl: Woodtkee and Genl: Wooster Remain and take Command at this Place - the Companies Both officers and men are in Good Health and spirits. We Left One of my men of my men at Charlestown No. 4. Sick, But I have heard since that he is on his way to Quebec - which is the Only Man that Failed On the March - I have Nothing New to Relate to you But what you will hear Before the Arival of this Letter -
[2] the Gentlemen officers send their Joint Compliments to Your Honour and the other Gentlemen Field officers who may Enquire after them - Excuze the many Blotts and Blurs As I have But Just time to write.
I am Sir with Great Respect
You Honour Most Obedient Humble
Servant
Ebenezer Stevens Cap
of Artillery

Stevens, Ebenezer, 1751-1823
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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