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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 George Washington Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04072 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 January 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.9 cm. Order a Copy

Declares that the only news he has heard of Greene, the son of General Nathanael Greene, is from the son of Mr. [J. Hector] St. John de Crevecoeur, who is at school with Greene. Encourages him to study diligently, and reminds him of his father, General Greene, "who by the force of his own talents became so dear and so important to his Country - That you are to qualify yourself by your education to support his name, and so become the protector of your family." Reminds him to listen well to the Marquis de Lafayette, under whom he is studying. Provides him news on Greene's mother, Catharine, and brother, Nathanael. Knox's retained draft.

[draft]
N York 3 Jany 1789
My dear Washington
The only news we have of you is from Mr St John de Crev[e]coeurs son who is at your academy - His report of you on [the?] [very?] short acquaintance is much in your favor
I flatter myself that you will most industriously pursue your studies, and make your self master of the several subjects that shall be assigned you -
You will recollect that you are the son of General Greene, who by the force of his own talents became so dear and so important to his Country - That you are to qualify yourself by your education to support his name, and so become the protector of your family
[2] You will entertain the most respectful affection for the Marquis de la Fayette and [explicitly?] obey all his directions - properly [illegible] are a regard to you[r] own happiness dictate the most perfect attention [on?] this [point?]
As I beg leave to [confirm?] myself in the love of your [illegible] friends[.] I shall hope for to secure letter from your occasionaly [sic], and that you need make a channell of communication to your other friends
Your honored mother has gone to Charleston South Carolina at a [illegible] place[.] She arrived safely in the month of Novr last - previously to her departure she placed you [illegible] at Bethlehem in Pennsylvania for [illegible] education - Your Brother Nathanael is at Lebanon in Connecticut under the [3] care of Colonel Wadsworth[.]
I am my dear Washington
Your affectionate friend
HKnox
Master George Washington Greene
[docket]
3 Jany 1789
To Master George
Washington Greene
at Paris

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Greene, George Washington, 1776-1793
Greene, Catharine Littlefield, 1755-1814
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
St. John de Crevecoeur, J. Hector, 1735-1813

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