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

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03627 Author/Creator: Parsons, Samuel Holden (1737-1789) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 July 1787 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.6 x 19.1 cm. Order a Copy

Asks Knox whether or not there is a post established near the Pittsburgh area since he will be travelling there soon. Mentions that their "State Society" (likely referring to the Society of Cincinnati) have made provisions to pay their portion of the sum owed to Major [Pierre] L' Enfant. Noted as written in Middletown.

[draft]
Middletown 30th July 1787
Dear Sir
By a Letter from an Officer in the Western Army, of Apl. last, I find a Detachment of the troops were then at Pitsburgh, and were going up the Allegany River [to] establish a Post. As I have views in that Country which will probably lead me there in the coming fall And which will be materially affected by knowing the Post occupied by the Troops, you will do me a particular kindness by informing me wither a Post is establish Northward of Fort Pitt & at what Place -
I am solicitous to know the issue of the application of the Ohio Company for the Purchase of Lands in the Western Country I have not heard a word from Mr. Cutler or Majr. Sergeant - I have the pleasure to inform you that our State Society have made privision for discharging their Proportion of Sums to be paid Majr. L' Enfant - your Friendships I trust I may hope for in the Appointment in the West Country
I am Dr. Sr.
With great Esteem
Yr Obed Servt.
Saml H. Parsons
Genl Knox

[docket]
Genl Parsons
30 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Parsons, Samuel Holden, 1737-1789
L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources