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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.

Smith, William Stephens (1755-1816) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02719 Author/Creator: Smith, William Stephens (1755-1816) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 October 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.1 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the importance of letters of introduction as they also serve as character references and have the ability to increase or ruin a person's reputation. Is pleased with the attention Knox paid to Dr. Bayley after receiving Stephens letter of introduction. Goes on to defend Dr. Bayley's character against criticism by "a few designing men."

[draft]
New York 28th. Octr. 1783 -
Dear General -
As I think Gentlemen out to be particularly cautious, in giving Letters of introduction to others, so I think it a duty incumbent on the introducer to defend the Character of the introduced, as far as is in hi power and consistent with justice
The polite attention you was pleased to say to Doctor Bayley in consequence of a letter of introduction from me, I shall place on the long List of obligations which I am under to you & of which I shall always retain a grateful Sense
The aspersions cast on this Gentleman's Character by a few designing men, relative to his treatment of some Prisoners in 76 - indeed me to investigate the matter & to endeavor to make myself acquainted with the circumstances I therefore wrote a Letter to Doctor Silas Holmes lately a surgeon in our service of which the enclosed a No. 1 is a Copy - No. 2 is his answer, by which you will persevere the report referred to is with out foundation - the forwarding of these I consider a attribute due & doubt nr but your wish give them their proper weight - with great respect - I am Dear Genl.
Your obedt. Servt.
Mr. H. Knox - W. S. Smith

[docket]
Letter - from Colonel William Smith
28 October 1783.

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

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