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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.

Blackden, Samuel (fl. 1786) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03294 Author/Creator: Blackden, Samuel (fl. 1786) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 August 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 23.5 x 19.4 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that while he hopes that peace continues in America, it is hard to be in England and not see how "ill-disposed" the people there are to American independence. Believes that most British citizens think and hope America will come back under the English government, and all the newspapers, even the small, local ones, take that position. Discusses the possibility of a second war with England and how it would be fought. Suggests that America does not have sufficient cavalry so proposes that he have equipment made for their use. Also wishes to write to Congress for appointment as consul to London or Dublin. Has appealed to friends like Colonel Wadsworth and Colonel Carrington who are not members of Congress. Asks for Knox's support in his bid for an appointment.

Samuel Blackden was an American businessman and former military officer living in England.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Blackden, Samuel, fl. 1786
Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810

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