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.

Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03328 Author/Creator: Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789) Place Written: Middletown, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 6 November 1786 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 30.2 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Written from Middletown, likely in Connecticut, as the postal stamp near the address reads "New Haven." Encloses a copy of Shays' circular letter (not present). Has heard from a friend that several towns have met to discuss the letter, and some have voted to send their arms and military stores to the insurgents. The town of Westfield opposed the vote, but only by two or three men. Has also heard that the insurgents are practicing military maneuvers, and that they are being paid daily. Was told that there has been some agitation in Vermont as well. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Parsons, Samuel Holden, 1737-1789
Shays, Daniel, 1747-1825
Newberry, Roger, fl. 1786
Shepard, William, 1737-1817
Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

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