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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.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to unknown

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09950 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: October 1793 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.2 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Relates the concerns of the President, George Washington, regarding the "present hostile state of Europe," and the consequences it may have for the United States. Writes, "It is acknowledged by all who reflect upon the course of human events that a just regard for its own preservation and security, is the primary duty of every independent nation." Believes that the United States is in a good position to defend itself should the need arise. States that though the President does not have legal authority to direct measures of defense, he feels that the respective states should do what they can to repair the decaying seaports and coastal defenses that have not been used since the late war. Also advises that the patriotism of individuals needs to be aroused, "to produce an arrangement on the existence of which the preservation of their lives property and liberties might eventually depend." Date added later in pencil. Docketed, "To be considered."

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

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