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.

Maunsell, John (ca. 1724-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05316 Author/Creator: Maunsell, John (ca. 1724-1795) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 February 1792 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.4 x 20.7 cm. Order a Copy

Comments that he has not written to Knox in awhile. Has received a letter in the mail from [Samuel] Breck which he encloses (not present), and declares that he is "not writing to a minister, but to my friend General Knox." Hopes Knox will treat his letter as private. Discusses elections for governor and mentions former governor [George] Clinton. Comments on New York political intrigue and the ambition of men. Sends his family's regards to Mrs. Knox and their family. Relates that he is very pleased with the President's choice for the new ambassador to England (his name is not mentioned), and explains why he feels that office is important.

Though he does not mention him by name, Maunsell is likely referring to Thomas Pinckney, who was appointed the new minister to England in January of 1792. See the website of the United States Embassy in England at http://london.usembassy.gov/rcambex.html.

Maunsell, John, 1724-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809
Clinton, George, 1739-1812
Pinckney, Thomas, 1750-1828
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

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