Our Collection

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.

Joy, George (fl. 1786-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04612 Author/Creator: Joy, George (fl. 1786-1795) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 May 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.1 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy

Informs Knox that he has tried calling on him several times, but was unable to find him at home. Writes that he wanted to recommend to Knox a friend, Captain John Foster Williams, who is applying for a position in command of a revenue cutter. Declares that Mr. [likely Alexander] Hamilton mentioned to him that Knox might be consulted in filling this position. Lists the characteristics that make Captain Williams a good fit for the position.

The United States Revenue-Marine, later renamed the United States Revenue Cutter Service, was established in August 1790 by Alexander Hamilton as Secretary of the Treasury. Armed cutter ships under this agency were charged with enforcing maritime law, particularly in regards to piracy. This agency would later join with other agencies to form the United States Coast Guard.

Joy, George, fl. 1786-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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