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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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to James Sullivan

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03473 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 28 February 1787 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses an upcoming convention (the Constitutional Convention) in Philadelphia. "The late approbation of Congress of a Convention to be held at Philadelphia in May next will it is presumed remove all objections as to its legality. - If men of truly great minds should compose the Majority of the convention something of importance may be effected. But if a number of trifling Characters get together we shall only be deluded instead of being benefited." Noted in the docket as a copy.

[draft]
[inserted in different hand: To Jas Sullivan]
New York 28th February 1787
My dear Sir
I have figured the assignment which you wrote on the bonds of Dorch and others, which you enclosed to me on the 8th. Ultimo, and now enclose them to you, and hope you will receive them safe.
The late approbation of Congress of a Convention to be held at Philadelphia in May were to will it is presumed remove all objections as to its legality - If men of truly great minds should compose the Majority of the convention something of importance may be effected. But if a number of trifling characters get together we shall only be deluded instead of being benefited -
I am dear sir
With great respect
Your Mst Obt Humble Servants
H Knox
James Sullivan Esqr.

[docket]
Copy of Letter to James
Sullivan Esqr. Boston
New York 28 Feby 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Sullivan, James, 1744-1808

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