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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.

Tracy, John (fl. 1789) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04231 Author/Creator: Tracy, John (fl. 1789) Place Written: Newburyport, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 June 1789 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 32.2 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Asks for Knox's help in keeping his friend, General [Jonathan] Titcomb, in office. Writes that General Titcomb led a militia force in the previous war and never received any compensation, and also lost his fortune after the war. His only method of supporting himself is through a position in the naval office at Newburyport. Is unsure whether the government in New York will be in charge of hiring for this position, but hopes that Knox will recommend that Titcomb stay in office. Suggests that he ask Mr. [possibly Tristram] Dalton, Mr. [possibly Rufus] King and Mr. [possibly Elbridge] Gerry about Titcomb's character. Also discusses another friend, Mr. Stephen Cross, who asked Tracy to inquire about Knox's land holdings in Maine, and the possibility of purchasing lands on which he resides (on the "Brigadeer Islands in Penobscot").

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795
Titcomb, Jonathan, 1728-1817
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814
King, Rufus, 1755-1827
Dalton, Tristram, 1738-1817
Cross, Stephen, fl. 1789

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