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.

Cobb, David (1748-1830) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04800 Author/Creator: Cobb, David (1748-1830) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 December 1790 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.3 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

Cobb tells Secretary of War Knox that he has brought up the idea of a canal between the Charles River and the Connecticut River to several people since Knox left Boston, and the idea is growing. There needs to be a more concrete plan in order to attract investors. The "gentlemen" with whom Cobb has discussed this "are much divided in their opinions where the Canal ought to meet [the] Connecticut River." Cobb goes on to detail various plans for the canal. Cobb is convinced that this canal would be good for "the Commonwealth." Cobb says "we are still in the clouds respecting a War," and that "it is probable" that Governor John Hancock "never sees another election."

Cobb, David, 1748-1830
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources