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.

Zeigler, David (1748-1811) to James Wilkinson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05346 Author/Creator: Zeigler, David (1748-1811) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Manuscript letter Date: 11 March 1792 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 19 x 15.3 cm. Order a Copy

Marked copy; titled "Copy of Major Zeigler's letter to Lt. Col. Commandant. Wilkinson." Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Refers him to earlier letters Zeigler wrote to Wilkinson and to Henry Knox, which outline his reasons for quitting and for not obeying Wilkinson's orders. Writes, "when I found I could not serve with that Respect a Commanding Officer is entitled to, I then determined to Resign." Delivers his commission to Wilkinson and believes Wilkinson will be able to "Adopt the most spirited Measures for Advancing the Dignity & Welfare of the Troops under your Command." Adds that he would like to see, if possible, a few of the men who served under him before he leaves, but if not, he "shall go by the Way of the Wilderness."

Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825
Zeigler, David, 1748-1811
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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