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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.

Hichborn, Benjamin (1746-1817) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05948 Author/Creator: Hichborn, Benjamin (1746-1817) Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 19 October 1793 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 23 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy

Says he sent several letters to Knox since arriving in Europe. Tells Knox he is leaving Europe sometime in the spring when his affairs are wrapped up. Mentions "there are various expectations about the part America will take in the present War, but I am fully persuaded that she will - that she must remain quite neutral." Is surprised to hear the government is quibbling on the terms of the treaty respecting the admission of prizes. Comments he is "astonished & mortified" to hear that the courts have adopted the President's Proclamation as the law of the land and have prosecuted certain individuals for entering the nation on French privateers. States he is happy the juries have not been cooperating. Says "I long to hear that the Indian War is over & that you are out of that cursed office." Expresses great respect for the French and says they are America's only ally. Is afraid that the Anglophile politicians in the government will ruin the nation. Makes reference to a plan to build a canal.

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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