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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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00752 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Pluckemin, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1779 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.4 x 22.1 cm. Order a Copy

Mentions the loss of a vessel and the General Arnold, a ship. Discusses his distaste for "making anything out of the public," or making a profit from public service. Notes that he will consider unspecified proposals previously mentioned by William. Mentions his wife and daughter, both named Lucy.

[draft]
Pluckemin 13th March 1779
My dear Brother
I received your favor of the 3d instant about an hour ago. I am sorry for the loss of the vessel you mention but not discourag'd - I hope the little vessel will at least make up for her - I wrote to you to try something by way of adventure in the General Arnold. She is a good Vessell and Commander which might possibly [induce?] you to strain a point. however this is only a hint. I am exceedingly anxious to effect something in these fluctating times which may make us lazy for life - You know my sentiments with regret to making any thing out of the public. I abominate the Idea. I could not at the end of the War mix with my fellow citizens with that conscious integrity the felicity of which I often anticipate.
I will fully confide the proposals [2] you make and give you answer by the next post.
Lucy is not [abed?] although we expect it every hour - little Lucy is as much of an Angel as it is possible for flesh & blood to be - The talks most of you & sends her love to you, as does your sister -
I am my dear Brother
Your affectionate
HKnox
You will see plenty of descriptions of our affairs the 18th ultimo - in the news papers -

[docket]
March 1779
From genl Knox
[text loss]

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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