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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.

Langdon, John (1741-1819) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04559 Author/Creator: Langdon, John (1741-1819) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 March 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 33.3 x 20.8 cm. Order a Copy

Asks Knox for assistance in obtaining a position in the War Department. Hopes that if Knox knows of no open positions, he will write to General [Benjamin] Lincoln on his behalf. Adds that General [Henry] Jackson has done all in his power to find Langdon a job, and suggested he write to Knox.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Boston March 25th 1790
Dear General
When you was at Boston Last I had the pleasure of an Interview with you at Colo [Hichborn's] when you kindly Inquir'd into the State of my Affairs, which was then in a Very Desstressd Situation and am Sorry to add are not Since Altered for the Better, You was kind Enough, in the most Friendly manner, to Assure me of [inserted: your] Interest, in procureing me Some Birth under the New Goverment if thair is any in the war Department or any that Your Influence can Give, in doing which You will Add Greatly to the Happiness of Your Friend, & his Numerous Family, which before the Revolution knew no Want - If you know of None, Lett me further solicet your Interest, in Writing, to General Lincoln, in My Behalf. Respecting A Vacant Birth in the Customs, which is in his Gift, Owing to the Resignation of Mr Farrington an Inspector, Showing the Intimacy and Friendship that Subsist Between You, Make no Doubt Your [strikeout] Influence will have great Weight with him in procuring me that Appintment, or any Other that is at his Disposal, General Jackson has done every thing in his power [2] To procure me this Birth and Advised me to Write you on the Subject, and Flatters me with the hope that your Kindly Interposing in my favour, will Gett the wish for Boon -
Wishing you all Health
And Happiness am Dr General
Your Very Humble Servant
John Langdon
To General Knox

[address leaf]
General Henry Knox
Secretary of War
New York
[docket]
John La [text loss]
25 Mar [text loss]
answered -

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Langdon, John, 1741-1819

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