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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04939 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 May 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Received Knox's letter of 2 May 1791. Thanks Knox for his "promise respecting the appointment of Marshall." Jackson believes that another, unrelated "Mr. Jackson" will try to hold on to that appointment along with the other appointment he holds. Says, "I have no fears in this head as the President will not approbate so great an impropriety as one man holding two Offices under the government." Goes on to discuss the issue of government appointments and the problem with choosing some men and leaving others out. Explains that "were the Deputies appointed by the President, they would have some claim upon his patronage, but in the present case they have none." Knox is the only person that Jackson trusts with his request. Jackson would like to visit Knox but his mother would be "greatly distressed."

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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