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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 #: GLC02437.04415 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 15 November 1789 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.2 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

Informs Knox that Ben, possibly Benjamin Hichborn, and Sam Gardner, will consider Knox's unspecified proposal. Reports that Captain Thomas Vose, who was overseeing affairs on Knox's Maine lands, was in town the previous week. Vose fears that a ship sailing from the St. George River was lost at sea. Adds that Knox's coachman, William, was on board. Notes that the people who live on Knox's land are late in their payments because of Brown's petition, and they will not make any payments as long as the petition's status is uncertain in the [General] Court. Encloses a letter from William Frost (not included). Frost is trying to collect money from Knox, and Jackson plans to wait for Knox's approval before paying him. Briefly describes George Washington's recent visit to Boston: "The Presidents visit will make a lasting impression on the minds of the people in this quarter, and I can discover an alteration in the sentiments of a number who were fluctuating & uneasy previous to this event. The President must have arrived with you long before this and I am satisfied you will hear every particular that took place on his introduction to this City." Also writes, "Many here are of opinion that an Indian War is inevitable. Some have gone so far as to begin to count on their share of the plunder of South America." Sends his regards to Lucy Knox and Catharine Greene.

Writes that "an Indian War is inevitable, some have gone so far as to begin to count in their share of the plunder of South America."

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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