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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 Lewis Nicola

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01666 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 October 1782 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Apologizes for the difficulty Colonel Nicola is having at Fishkill, and declares that he would help instantly were it in his power. However, the teams and equipment Colonel Nicola needs can only be gotten from the Quartermaster General, so he asks Colonel Nicola to apply to the Quartermaster General directly. Comments that His Excellency [General George Washington] has not yet decided where to station the Invalids for the winter, but will know when "he makes the general arrangement of the army which will be very soon. But he appears to think constitution island a proper place for them and that they will be very competent" to do the work assigned to them there. Will let him know as soon as General Washington tells him the plan. Adds that the "Stores will all be removed from Fish Kill as soon as the army goes to winter quarters."

[draft]
[struck: Sept] West Point 19 October 1782
Dear Sir
I am truly concerned at the difficulty you sustain at Fish Kill, and were it in my power to remedy them I should do it instantly. [Struck: I will however [represent] to Colonel.] But the [want] [for forage] [and teams] can only be supplied from the QMGeneral, to whom I request to you to apply directly. I think it is probable he will releive you.
His Excellency [writes] me word that he cannot decide the station of the invalids this winter untill he makes the general arrangement of the army which will be very soon. But he appears to think constitution Island a proper place for them and that they will be very competent to the duties of it. As soon as he let me know his determination I will communicate them to you. The stores will [struck: not] [inserted: all] be removed from Fish Kill as soon as the Army goes into Winter quarters.
[I am dear sir Yor Hble Servt]
HKnox
Colonel [struck: Nichola] [inserted: Nicola] -

[docket]
To Col. Nicola
15 Octo. 1782.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Nicola, Lewis, 1717-1807
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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