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

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03458 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 February 1787 Pagination: 4 p. ; 29.9 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on the road. Declares that he would be happy if his regiment were to remain at camp until it was full and properly organized, but would be satisfied to have any help from the state or from "influential monied men" in the form of supplies or clothing. Expects an order from Knox to be delivered by North allowing for some money, clothing and supplies for his troops. Discusses monies raised to pay for General [Benjamin] Lincoln's expedition against the Shays insurgents, and mentions that several men, including Governor [James] Bowdoin, have contributed large sums. Asks whether Congress can authorize the use of federal troops by the state forces, if the state paid them. Describes how many men he has thus far recruited, and mentions that Mr. [Stephen] Bruce has advanced supplies to him. Sends love to Lucy Knox and the children. Document has significant water damage throughout including the signature.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817
Swan, James, 1754-1830
North, William, 1755-1836
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Bowdoin, James, 1726-1790
Bruce, Stephen, fl. 1786-1801
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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