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.

Brett, Piercy (fl. 1788-1792) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04647 Author/Creator: Brett, Piercy (fl. 1788-1792) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 July 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.9 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Relates that General [John] Maunsell arrived after a sixteen day passage from Halifax, and he will give Knox an account of his voyage after he has rested. Writes, "Ever since the beginning of May last we have been in daily expectation of a war with Spain; in consequence of which we have made vigorous exertions to be prepared for that event..." Reports that a fleet commanded by Admiral Barrington sailed several days prior, and there is still much uncertainty whether war will be declared or not. Notes that it is to the advantage of the British "that France is not in a capacity of assisting the Spaniards..."

Brett, P., fl. 1790
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Barrington, Samuel, 1729-1800
Maunsell, John, 1724-1795

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