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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.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09318 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript document Date: 8 September 1791 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30.5 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Later copy of a letter by Washington condoling Knox on the death of his son. Copied 3 February 1854 according to note at top of first page.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

[Draft]
No. 11 Original of this letter in hands ofGeo. A. Thatcher ofBaufon, Copied from the Original & compared
Feb'y 3d 1854-

Washington
Philadelphia September 8th 1791
My dear Sir,
I have heard of the death of you promising Son with great concern; and sincerely condole with you and Mrs. Knox on the melancholy occasion -
Parental feelings are too much alive in the moment these misfortunes happen, to admit of consolations of religion or philosophy; but I am persuaded reason will call one or both of them to your aid as soon as the keenness of your anguish is abated. -
He that gave you know, has a right to take away - His ways are wise - they are inscrutable - and irresistable -
I am ever your Sincere and Affectionate friend
(signed-) G. Washington
Maj. Genl Knox

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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