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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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04386 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 October 1789 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 24.3 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses the education of the son of a mutual friend [possibly named Sumner or Summer], whose legitimacy is suspect. Writes, "I am afraid whether I have any thing in writing that acknowledges him as his Son & that he ment [sic] to consider him as such with respect to his property." Forwards a letter from Dr. [William] Eustis concerning his desire to "have the charge of the Invalids" in Massachusetts (not present). Speaks highly of Eustis's integrity, and suggests Knox may want to appeal to Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton on Eustis's behalf, as Hamilton will be making the appointment. Mentions balls and parties being held in the area, and wishes that Knox's daughter Lucy was in Boston to attend it. Adds, "I believe I drank too much wine yesterday, as I have a most severe headache this day - I can hardly see the paper on which I am writing." Includes "post" written on the address leaf. A note on the address leaf declares that the enclosure from Dr. Eustis had been given instead to Dr. [Andrew] Craigie to pass along to Knox.

Andrew Craigie was the first Apothecary General of the United States.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

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