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.

Bourne, Sylvanus (1761-1817) 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.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04100 Author/Creator: Bourne, Sylvanus (1761-1817) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 January 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 30.4 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that a committee has convened to "agree upon the necessary provisions for the foreign Department." Would like Knox's honest opinion as to the prospect of Bourne's receiving an appointment after Knox's recommendation. Hopes in the meantime to be successful in the business world. Comments on his potential of success in business versus in public service.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources