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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.

Brooks, David (1756-1838) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02462 Author/Creator: Brooks, David (1756-1838) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 September 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33.6 x 21.6 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Assistant Clothier General Brooks to Major General Knox . Requests that clothing issued to the detachment of artillery and to Captain Mills's Light Company be stored since their march northward has been postponed. Wants the clothing to remain unappropriated until it is determined if they will actual continue. Also requests an account of the 300 pairs of shoes that were delivered for the detachment of troops marching to Philadelphia under General Robert Howe.

Brooks entered the Continental Army as a lieutenant in 1776. He was captured at Fort Washington on November 16, 1776. He was a prisoner-of-war for over three years, finally being exchanged in January 1780. As a parolee, he was not allowed in combat again, so he was appointed assistant clothier general. Brooks was a member of the New York state assembly 1787-1788, 1794-1796, and 1810. He was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1797-1799.

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