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.

McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01737 Author/Creator: McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. ; 22.9 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Writes to ask for Knox's permission to obtain two barrels of salt pork. Explains that due to the approaching cold weather, the river will soon be impassble, so he decided to undertake some navigation while it was still possible. Approached Mr. [possibly John] Elderkin [a Quartermaster] to obtain some pork, but was told that Mr. Elderkin was not authorized to deliver pork or any salted provisions without permission from the Commandant. If McDougall had known this, he would have asked Knox himself, but he did not know this regulation until he was on his way to the boat to undertake his navigation. If Knox agrees, asks that he sign an order for two 13 ounce barrels which will accompany the present letter.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786
Elderkin, John, fl. 1782-1783

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