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.

Lear, Tobias (1762-1816) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05891 Author/Creator: Lear, Tobias (1762-1816) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 May 1793 Pagination: 1 p. ; 22.8 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy

Mentions a Frenchman who is with the Wabash Indians (not an interpreter) and who asked President Washington for a pair of boots and some stockings. Washington wants the man to be given the items if he has not received them before. Tells Knox "you should know of nothing to make it improper." Letterpress copy.

Dear Sir,
A Frenchman who [struck: among] [inserted: with] the Wabish [sic] Indians (not one of the Interpreters) requested the President that he might have a pair of boots & some Stockings given him - which the President wishes may be complied with, if he has not had them before & you should know of nothing to make it improper -
From dear sir
respectfuly & truly
Ys. T. Lear
Genl. Knox May 7t. 93

Lear, Tobias, 1762-1816
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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