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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 Lucy Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01231 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Yorktown, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 October 1781 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket Order a Copy

Responds to his wife's letter chastising him for not writing (see GLC02437.01230). Reports that he is well and comments on the siege of Yorktown. Mentions that they stormed the British works with little loss the night before. Hopes to end the operation in 10-12 days.

[draft]
Trenches before York 16 October 1781
My love
I have only one moment to write by an express which Colonel Humphreys informs me is just going from Head quarters to inform the best beloved of my soul that I am well & have been perfectly so - The [inserted: night before] last we stormed the enemies two advanced works with very little loss - the fate of the enemy draws nigh - I hope in ten or 12 days, we shall with the blessing of heaven terminate it - I shall take care of Your Harry for [2] Your sake - I shall send William to you tomorrow or next day at furthest when I shall be more particular
I am my beloved
Your truly affectionate
HKnox
Mrs Knox

[address leaf]
Mrs Knox
Mount Vernon
to the care of Colonel Hendricks
at Alexandria
[docket]
Henry Knox
12 Octr. 1781

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

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