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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 #: GLC02437.05162 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 September 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy

References Knox's letters of 8 and 11 September, which have "overwhelmed me with grief." This is in reference to the death of Knox's son, Marcus. Writes, "that so lovely, promising & amiable boy [sic] should be taken away from his Parents & friends who love & adore'd him - while the lives of thousands are spare'd who are a burthen to themselves & society, is a System that is dark & intricate, and wants an explanation, but this is out of our power & comprehension." Explains he has had frequent conversations with Isaac Winslow on the subject of purchasing his and their whole family's rights in the Waldo Patent. Reports that Winslow just returned from Portland with the power to sell the family's entire claim except for "long island." The lowest price is 4 shillings per acre with a down payment. Writes, "I have kept your name out of sight, they do not suspect I am negotiating for [you]." Promised Isaac he would give him an answer as soon as possible from New York. Wants Knox's opinion. Reports that "the whole family wants money and they are desireous [sic] to sell, and I think it may be purchased for less than 4/-"

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

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