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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04130 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 March 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 30.6 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Is thrilled to hear from Knox that he has recovered from his illness enough to walk about the house, and hopes to hear soon that he is perfectly well. Hopes General [George] Washington will not hesitate to accept the Presidency. Believes the vote will be unanimous in his favor, and that Mr. [John] Adams will readily accept the call of his country as well. Reports that he sold Mr. [James] Swan's "Elegant Coach" to a Colonel Smith. Writes that the sitting of the Supreme Court has prevented him from paying Knox a visit as early as he intended to because "the Colonel" cannot leave (the Colonel's identity is unclear, but might be Benjamin Hichborn). When he is at liberty to leave, they will depart. Would also like to know when the President will arrive in New York, as he would like to be there with Knox at that time. Would also like Knox to send him some New York newspapers. Discusses the illness of the Governor of Massachusetts [John Hancock]. Comments on the Waldo patent negotiations, and provides information on Isaac Winslow and Benjamin Hichborn.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Adams, John, 1735-1826
Hancock, John, 1737-1797
Swan, James, 1754-1830
Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

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