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.

Trumbull, Jonathan (1710-1785) to Esek Hopkins

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02511.01 Author/Creator: Trumbull, Jonathan (1710-1785) Place Written: Lebanon, Connecticut Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 October 1776 Pagination: 1 p. ; 24.5 x 18 cm. Order a Copy

Trumbull, Governor of Connecticut, informs Commodore Hopkins, Commander in Chief of the Continental Navy, of a letter he previously transmitted discussing naval operations. States that he recently received letters from Generals George Washington and Lincoln (possibly Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that he requested Reverend Thaddeus Burr to complete a more lengthy letter to Hopkins, (Trumbull does not have time). States "Am putting everything forward in the best manner- please to promote the forwarding The Whaleboats- and give Me intelligence as you see fit."

The Continental Congress censured Hopkins in August 1776 after he failed to follow congressional orders, requiring him to appear before the naval committee. Initially acquitted, subsequent offenses led to his suspension and dismissal.

Hopkins, Esek, 1718-1802
Trumbull, Jonathan, 1710-1785
Lincoln, Benjamin, 1733-1810
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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