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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.

Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03174 Author/Creator: Shaw, Samuel (1754-1794) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 August 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 23.9 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy

Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards "Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will be a strong proof of your perseverance." References a letter he sent Knox on 1 August, saying that it was "written in the bitterness of my soul, and what is worse, a bitterness which still continues"; he is having problems settling his father's estate, and is resigned that the outcome will not benefit himself or any of his siblings. Relates some information about a navigation act regarding the British, and hopes Congress will exercise its powers. Finally, discusses a dispute between the towns of Boston and Roxbury, Massachusetts, that has been occurring over the last two weeks, regarding enforcement of an act prohibiting people from riding out on Sundays. Recounts the way the lawyer, Mr. Benjamin Hickbourn [most sources say "Hichborn"] resolved the dispute with Judge Boardman of Roxbury.

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

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