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.

Williams, Joseph (1753-1819) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02935 Author/Creator: Williams, Joseph (1753-1819) Place Written: Springfield, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 January 1784 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 31.7 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

When Williams recently arrived at Springfield, he found the arsenal unoccupied by troops. Reports on the present situation at Springfield. Discusses the plan for the issue of rations. Complains that the allowance of firewood "is very insufficient, for this season of the year- many people here, have expressd there fear, that there wood & fences, will fall a sacrifise..." Reports that the barracks are well prepared, and requests extra straw.

After the Revolutionary War, Williams was retained in Colonel Henry Jackson’s Continental regiment, serving November 1783 - 20 June 1784. During Shays's Rebellion, he commanded the arsenal at Springfield.

Williams, Joseph, 1753-1819
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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