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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, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03985 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 September 1788 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31.8 x 19.6 cm. Order a Copy

William attests to his endeavors to keep affairs in order at the War Office while Henry is away on business. Reports that a Mr. [Joseph] Martin has been appointed by a board of officers "to command an Expedition against Chickamaga [sic] with 1000 men..." Martin noted that "the middle settlements and the Indians of the valley are disposed to Treat..." (refer to GLC02437.03982). Notes that Martin received a friendly message from "the Hangingman who succeeds the old Com Tassell." Announces that Congress voted New York to be the permanent seat of the United States Government. Relates other War Office business.

General Joseph Martin served in Lord Dunmore's War in 1774 and the American Revolution. He made a name for himself through his military command on the frontier. Virginia governor appointed Martin as an Indian agent in 1777, and he resided on the Virginia/Tennessee border. Martin also worked as a surveyor. He married a Cherokee woman and was involved in North Carolina's constitutional convention.

Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Martin, Joseph, 1740-1808

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