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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01744 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 14 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. ; 23 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy

Later copy. Writes that Major Villefrance, who will deliver the letter, hopes to receive a promotion. He has not been promoted since he joined the service in 1777. Writes that he has been very successful as Commanding Engineer and is highly talented. He hopes to secure a promotion in order to help him advance in the French service. Writes, "I am persuaded his claims of long service, unremitting attention to duty, and conspicuous talents will ensure the success of his request, unless it should be barred by some rigid principles independent of his professional character. I take the liberty to recommend him to you as a good man."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Villefranche, Jean-Louis-Ambroise de Genton, chevalier de, 1747-1784

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