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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 Andrew Billings

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02199 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 June 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.2 x 21.4 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Major General Knox to Captain Major Billings. Says that General Washington directed him to forward two cannons to Billings to be engraved in a similar fashion to the cannon done for Count De Rochambeau (see GLC02437.02198). These cannons are for Count De Grasse and reports that the inscription to be engraved will be sent from headquarters. Would like to know how long it will take. Hastily written postscript asks that the design for Rochambeau's cannons be sent if he still has them as it will be necessary to make some alterations to the emblems and coat of arms.

[draft]
West point 28 January 1783
[struck: The Cos]
His Excellency the Commander in cheif has directed me to forward to you his cannon to be engraved in a similar manner to those which you executed for the Count de Rochambeau. These are for the Count de Grasse. The inscription will be sent to you from headquarters. [Inserted: I suppose the ornaments will be the same.] We shall be glad to know how long before [struck: we shall be] you can have them finished. You will please to receipt to Capt Buchannan for them.
I am sir
your humble servant
HKnox
[West]
To Major Billings
If you have the design for General Rochambeaus cannon please to return it by Capt Buchannan [as] it will be necessary to make some alterations in the emblems and coat of arms.

[docket]
To [struck: Capt] Major Billings
28 June 1783

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