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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.

Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04428 Author/Creator: Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820) Place Written: Marietta, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 December 1789 Pagination: 2 p. ; 24 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws." Writes, "Of Indians we hear nothing - the last Intelligence which was in a Speech from the Delawares & Wyandottes to General Harmar, amounted only to Professions of Friendship..."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820
Symmes, John Cleves, 1742-1814
St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818
Harmar, Josiah, 1753-1813
Parsons, Samuel Holden, 1737-1789

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