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.

Shippen, Thomas Lee (1765-1798) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01761 Author/Creator: Shippen, Thomas Lee (1765-1798) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 20.7 x 16.9 cm. Order a Copy

Written from "Head Quarters." Writes, "I take the liberty to address these few lines to you, to deliver the compliments and best wishes of Papa and Mamma to yourself and Mrs. Knox agreable to their desire. I also enclose a letter to you from my uncle Blair which I expected to have had the honor to deliver myself when you came to Head Quarters yesterday: Gen. Howe detained me at his quarters and made me expect that you would not leave Camp until today. The dissapointment on my part was great as it was disagreable, however I am happy to hear from the General that you enjoy a perfect state of health. I beg you to present my best respects to Mrs. Knox and a kiss to Miss Lucy, and believe me to be with every sentiment of esteem and regard your most [obedient humble servant]."

Shippen, Thomas Lee, 1765-1798
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1776-1854

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