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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) [Instructions to officers at West Point]

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10066 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Manuscript document Date: 5 December 1782 Pagination: 4 p. ; 35.1 x 23.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide, and signed by Shaw on Knox's behalf. Covers many aspects of the defense of West Point and the need to avoid a surprise attack. Knox gives instructions pertaining to arms and ammunition, sentries, guardhouses, closing of the gates, provisions, alarms, and signals. Signed by eight officers commanding redoubts and forts in the vicinity of West Point. These men acknowledge receipt of Knox's instructions.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

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