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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.

Webber, James (fl. 1784-1797) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03071 Author/Creator: Webber, James (fl. 1784-1797) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 December 1784 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, responds to a letter from Henry Knox (GLC02437.03068). Expresses happiness at William's recovery from an episode of mental illness. Reports that William will soon sail from London to Boston. Discusses economics, commenting on the low price of good in the United States. Notes that credit for American trade is "greatly lessen'd" in England. Writes, "in confidence, I would intimate that if Mr Wm Knox extends his Trade and line of connexions, you sir, would render him an essential service by being a guarantee to some of those with whom he is connected..." Relates that when William Knox received Henry's last letter, "tears of pleasure and affection flowed plentifully from his Eyes..." Praises Knox for his service in the Revolutionary War, for "preserving us from ye very dregs of slavery."

Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795

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