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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 the Board of War and Ordnance

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01032 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 July 1781 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

Informs the Board that George Washington has directed him to delay the transport of cannon and powder to New Windsor and Kings Ferry, New York, until [8] August. Small stores are to be sent to New Windsor as soon as possible. Writes, "The Army are in great distress for drums & fifes..." Contains a note written on page three, written by Knox's aide Samuel Shaw, in which Knox requests sheepskins. Also docketed by Shaw. Written at Philipsburgh, New York (near present-day Tarrytown).

[Excerpt:]
The board may depend that I shall make no unnecessary application[.] The real exigence of the service shall be my only rule.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
United States. Continental Congress. Board of War and Ordnance
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

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