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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 #: GLC02437.01207 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 October 1781 Pagination: 4 p. + docket Order a Copy

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure. Comments on the dearth of letters from Lucy to him and others in Boston. Mentions news of family and friends. Reports that local merchants are going to give a dinner for the Marquis de Gergerous.

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Grasse, François Joseph Paul de Grasse, comte de, 1722-1788
Graves, Thomas, 1725-1802

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