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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to James Swan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03326 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 November 1786 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy

Very flattered by Swan's confidence in his judgment, and only wishes his judgments were up to that standard. He has not been contemplating the funds, so he cannot judge "which species of them ought to have the preference." Provides some thoughts as to the merits of each type of fund. Discusses attempts to raise money for Congress, for the government to use until the states provide money to the treasury. Relates that they need to make sure individuals who loan money to Congress feel secure that they will be repaid in a timely fashion. Discusses the functionality of their government. Finally, relates that he and his wife Lucy send their compliments to Mrs. Swan. See GLC02437.03321 for the letter from Swan to which Knox is replying.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Swan, James, 1754-1830
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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