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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Catharine Greene

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04962 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 May 1791 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.6 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Catharine Greene, General Nathanael Greene's widow. Expresses chagrin at their lack of communication. Feels bad for not sending along the packages he now encloses for three months (not present). Wishes to know about her prospects and happiness. Reports that he has heard from "Colo. [Alexander] & Mrs. Hamilton" that Mrs. Greene's children were doing well at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia 27th May 1791
My dear Madam
I am not a little chagrined at myself and at you We have not interchanged a letter since your departure I plead guilty. Shall I hope for excuse. To add to my criminality I have detained the enclosed packages in my possession for more than three months. I intended to send them by every opportunity but every opportunity escaped me
I do not learn that any of your other friends have been more [favored] that myself [2] will you [strikeout] [inserted: condescend] to make signs of existence and let me know where you are and what are your intentions and prospects? For Be assured that it [struck: was] will give me high pleasure to hear that [light], health and [strikeout] happiness of all sorts are completely in your possession.
Your amiable children were well a few days ago at Bethlehem and well contented - Colo. & Mrs Hamilton saw them there.
I am my Dear Madam
Your sincere friend
HKnox
Mrs C Greene

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Greene, Catharine Littlefield, 1755-1814

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