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.

Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) 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 #: GLC02437.04983 Author/Creator: Gerry, Elbridge (1744-1814) Place Written: Cambridge, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 June 1791 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 22 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Massachusetts Congressman Gerry to Secretary of War Knox. Says he requested 26 shares in the Bank of the United States from Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Cox. Enclosed a $650 bank note "to make the first specie payment." Asks Knox to take care of the payment if something prevents Cox. Says "we are in daily expectation of the Secretary of the Treasury[,] Mr Jefferson &c, but I hear nothing of your intentions to visit Massachusetts." Postscript gives Knox permission to open his letter to Cox if he is absent.

Cambridge 10th June 1791
Dear Sir
I have requested Mr Cox Deputy Secretary of the Treasury to subscribe in my behalf twenty six shares to the Bank of the United States, & have inclosed to him a bank receipt for six hundred & fifty dollars to make the first specie payment, but if any occurrence should prevent his doing it, I must request you to receive of him the receipt which is payable to yourself as well as to him & to me this favour. we are in daily expectation of the Secretary of the Treasury Mr Jefferson &c, but I hear nothing of your intentions to visit Massachusetts - Mrs Gerry & Miss Thompson join in regards to yourself, Mrs Knox & family, & Mr Mrs & Miss [Brech] &
General Knox - be assured I am yours sincerely EGerry

P.S. If Mr Cox should be absent please to open my letter to him which you may know by my hand writing and take out the bank receipt -

[address leaf]
The Honble
General Knox
Secretary at War
at Philadelphia

[docket]
Elbridge Gerry Esqr
10th June 1791
answered the 19th June
- no copy)

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources