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.

Wilkinson, James (1757-1825) to Clement Biddle

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05354 Author/Creator: Wilkinson, James (1757-1825) Place Written: Cincinnati, Ohio Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 March 1792 Pagination: 6 p. : address : docket ; 30.3 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his last letter, which suggests that General [Arthur] St. Clair might not continue in command of the army much longer. This fills him with anxiety. Discusses possible ramifications of the appointment of a new commander. Comments on the difficult situation he has found himself in, between Major [David] Zeigler and Colonel [Samuel] Hodgdon. Explains in some detail the interpersonal conflict among his officers. Comments on the downfall of General [Josiah] Harmar due to his "unfortunate propensity to drink."

Biddle, Clement, 1740-1814
Wilkinson, James, 1757-1825
Zeigler, David, 1748-1811
Hodgdon, Samuel, 1745-1824
Harmar, Josiah, 1753-1813
St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

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