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.

North, William (1755-1836) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02542.23 Author/Creator: North, William (1755-1836) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph manuscript signed Date: 12 January 1785 Pagination: 11 p. : docket ; 32 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Major North as Inspector to the Troops under the command of General Henry Knox. At this time Knox was the Secretary of War. An extremely detailed letter describing the types of uniforms U.S. troops should wear in various situations. Says "The formation of America in General, & especially that part of it, where, probably our future scene of action will lay, requires that our military dress should be as compact, comfortable & easy as possible."

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