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.

Breck, Samuel (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04727 Author/Creator: Breck, Samuel (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 September 1790 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23.9 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy

Breck is pleased with people Secretary of War Knox introduced to him (perhaps the two men Knox introduced to Breck in GLC02437.04722). Informs Knox that they "express themselves much satisfied with our part of America." For Breck this is important "as it tends to cultivate a good understanding between the Citizens of each State and to cement that Union so necessary to the Happiness of our Country." Breck talks about the government paying for the manufacturing of cutters, and wishes the Secretary of the Treasury to know about the new sail cloth manufacturer in Boston. The purpose is the "employment to the Poor and to render our Country less dependent on Foreigners for that article..." Breck thinks Knox will be interested in this venture because of Knox's "zeal in promoting everything that gives consequence to our Country." Breck recommends Captain Lyde to command one of the cutters to be built in Boston.

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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