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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, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01185 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1781 Pagination: 4 p. + docket Order a Copy

Response to 4 September 1781 letter (GLC02437.01165). Discusses their financial situation, "which undoubtedly are in such a train as to require the strictest attention to Oeconomy." William has sold some goods to prepare for his business trip to Europe. Comments that "It would have been particularly agreeable if you could have received part of what the public are indebted to you." Mentions that the allocation of the cash from the loan John Laurens obtained from France has not been negotiated yet. Discusses the arrival of a shipment of tea, the arrival of the Amsterdam, and one of Knox's accounts. Suggests a potential real estate deal. Comments on the importance of letters of introduction/support from well known people. Hopes there is peace by spring; it will be good for business. Mentions health problems. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Laurens, John, 1754-1782

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