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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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04835 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 January 1791 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Writes, "General Harmar's letter of the 23d of November as publish'd in the papers, has relieved the minds of many, and the people are now less severe in the observations on his conduct." Says Captain John Hobby has written him seeking an appointment in the new militia. Believes Hobby is "one of the best of Officers, and is a Man of activity & integrity, and will do honor to any appointment." Also mentions John Tracy's desire for an appointment. From what he knows, Tracy is an honorable man with a good family. Acknowledges that the clamors for appointments must be challenging for Knox but it is something he must deal with as Secretary of War. Expresses his wish to be "a parent, that I might experience the same gratification" that the Brecks did when they heard how well and respected their daughter is in Philadelphia. There is a legislative meeting the following Wednesday when Jackson hopes to "establish a play house in this Town, but I am affraid whether we shall be able to effect it until some of our old Dons have taken their departure."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Harmar, Josiah, 1753-1813
Hobby, John, 1749-1802

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