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.

Kersey, William (fl. 1796) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06781 Author/Creator: Kersey, William (fl. 1796) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 July 1796 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 31.8 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy

Free frank stamped as "free" and signed by William Simmons. Writes to ask for Knox's help. Knew Knox from service during the war. Explains that due to a recent act of Congress, he will be among a number of soldiers to be "deranged" [released] from the military next October. Has no skill or career to fall back on for financial support. Asks if Knox will intervene on his behalf with the President, so he will not be forced to leave the military.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Kersey, William, fl. 1796
Simmons, William, fl. 1795-1798
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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