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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.

Sayre, Stephen (1736-1818) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03989 Author/Creator: Sayre, Stephen (1736-1818) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 October 1788 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

Describes his recent liberation from a "long & illegal confinement" and the defense of his liberty against a "malignant Villain." Warns Knox against the "growing Influence of the Law & Lawyers." Discusses his [unspecified] proposition regarding the navy. Hopes Knox will present his idea to Congress, and asks George Washington's opinion on the subject (Sayre is apparently trying to secure a contract with Congress for the navy). Defends his character and declares his resolve. Mentions [Francisco de] Miranda and refers to his "former friend" [William] Duer, who Sayre regrets is no longer responding to Sayre's letters.

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Duer, William, 1747-1799

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