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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03197 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 September 1785 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32.2 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that he has received Knox's last letter. Reports that he has heard from a friend of Henry's brother William Knox, in London, that William should be arriving in America any day. Discusses matters of finance: "As the Bank is now calling in the whole of the monies due to them, the new money has become of equal value to gold & silver." Declares that he feels he must sell Henry's notes in order to pay what they owe to the bank, though he regrets the sacrifice Knox will have to make for this. Reports on the financial trouble of other firms. Mentions that Mrs. Swan has received a letter that Knox sent to her husband, Mr. Swan. As Mr. Swan is away, Mrs. Swan acknowledges receipt and sends her love to Mrs. Lucy Knox. Ends the letter affectionately: "My best regards to Lucy & your dear little family. I miss you very much. I want you here my dear Harry I want a friend that I can rely on, not a dog to love me. I hope it will be so orderd, that some time or other we shall meet again & live near each other untill the great Trump shall blow & then I am certain we never shall separate."

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824
Knox, William, 1756-1795

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources