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.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09317 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Letter Date: 22 July 1791 Pagination: 1 p. ; 25.5 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy

Later copy of original. Asks Knox for his opinion on the abilities and talents of Colonel Joseph Halberstam and John Houston. Says he may consider Houston for a seat as an Associate Judge on the Surpeme Court. Washington asks for Knox opinion of these two Georgia politicians less than one month after visiting Savanah and meeting with both men. Marked "Confidential." With note along left edge "Recd from late Henry Knox Thatcher Aug 8, 1855 by mail."

Joseph Habersham had served as a member of the Continental Congress, and later served as Mayor of Savanah and United States Postmaster General.
John Houston was the Mayor of Savanah, and had previously served as the Governor of Georgia and a member of the Continental Congress.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Habersham, Joseph, 1751-1815
Houston, John, 1744-1796

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources