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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 #: GLC02437.09387 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 8 June 1783 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 32.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Washington answers a question from Knox. States that under a resolution of Congress of 23 April 1783, musicians are not entitled to take firearms home with them on furlough or disbandment. Notes that they should be allowed to take their drums & fife. Docketed by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Head Quarters June 8th
1783
Dear Sir

In answer to the question which has been proposed, whether the Music are entitled to fire Arms, under the Resolution of Congress of the 23d of April, I am to give it as my opinion they are not; but that they should be allowed to take their Drums & Fifes, which is the mode that has been adopted respecting the Music who have been furloughed from this Cantonment -
I am Dear Sir
With great regard
Your Most Obedt Servt
Go: Washington

Major Genl. Knox
[docket]
From
His Exly Gen Washington
8 June 1783.

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

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