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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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00636 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 13 August 1777 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 22.7 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy

Predicts that British General William Howe intends to sail for the North River (the Hudson) to connect with [General John Burgoyne's] army: "The North River is, & must be their object- I think the whole of Genl Howe's conduct, must show his weakness- therefore a Junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine [sic]..." Reports that a ship, the Hero, arrived in Boston to acquire crew, and will sail 14 or 15 August. Notes that the brevity of this letter results from an extremely painful headache.

[draft]
Boston Augt 13 1777
my dear Harry
yours of the 30th July came to hand last Even:g by post for which I thank you [toyo] Enemys come'g to N:England I dont think they [havey.e] least intention The North River is & must be their object - I think the whole of Genl How's conduct, must show his weakness - therefore a junction of the two Armies, is what he will try for & all he can expect this campaine I pray God he may not be able to Effect it - but be confuse'd in all his undertakings - We have no new's - Yesterday the Ship Hero from Newbury Post arriv'd here to [take] [2] in some of her hands - tomorrow or next day - she will sail on her Cruise - which hope will be successfull - I am very unwell with a [constant] pain in my head thefore hope you'll excuse my being so short - may health & happyness ever attend you & yours - your
Friend

[address leaf]
To
Brig: General Knox
At
Gen:l Washington's
Head Quart'ers

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Howe, William, 1729-1814
Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792
Burgoyne, John, 1722-1792

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