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.

Breck, Samuel (1747-1809) 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 #: GLC02437.05167 Author/Creator: Breck, Samuel (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 25 September 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.7 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy

Sends condolences on the death of Knox's son, Marcus. Says "Pray do not be surprised if, after what I have written to you respecting Bank Stock, I should become a Citizen of Philadelphia and that only in a private Character." Laments living in Boston because of the recent high assessment of his taxes (for the coming year, he owes $1,100). Says the twenty richest people in Boston are being forced to pay for the entire expenses of the city. Claims "for eight years past my only employ has been to spend money & establish manufactures, & as I can effect the first as conveniently any where else, & the latter not requiring my personal attendance, I am determined no longer to be the sport of those envious & impolitick men." Says the assessors, along with the collector, receive 25 guineas from his tax alone before anything goes to the treasury. Has written to Mr. Deblois to procure a house for his family in Philadelphia.

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources