Our Collection

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.

Hiwell, John (d. 1788) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01340 Author/Creator: Hiwell, John (d. 1788) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 January 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 33.5 x 21.5 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Hiwell as Inspector and Superintendant of Music to ask for more drums and fifes for the musicians. Reminds Knox that the previous summer there were not enough fifes for the musicians to perform their duty, and that the winter season is the best time for the musicians to practice. Wishes also for a small store of articles to serve as replacements in case any instruments are damaged. John Ruddock, the Commissary for West Point, was ordered by General William Heath into New England to procure supplies, but was not able to acquire them, Hiwell supposes, because of want of money.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Hiwell, John, ?-1788
Heath, William, 1737-1814
Ruddock, John, fl. 1779-1796

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