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.

Hills, John (fl. 1771-1796) 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 #: GLC02437.05022 Author/Creator: Hills, John (fl. 1771-1796) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 June 1791 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.9 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Hills as a surveyor examining ground for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Hopes Knox does not think he was neglecting him, but he has been 10-15 miles off the Post Road and has been unable to send a message. Says he found the "Head of Chihabi" and that it is a noble water that runs two ways and empties into the Swinaporet River. Continued his route into Holden, Massachusetts and followed it by way of the "Half way river" that runs through Worcester, Massachusetts. Continued down the "Half way river" by way of Stone House Mountain as far as the Boston Road. Says he will proceed by way of the "Half way river" towards Ward or Sutton. Claims he if meets "with as much success after my departure I believe our object will be accomplished." Written from the "Jones Tavern on the Boston Road near Dorcester."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Hills, John, fl. 1771-1796

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources