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.

Cruger, Henry (1739-1827) to Peter van Schaack

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04776 Author/Creator: Cruger, Henry (1739-1827) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 30 November 1783 Pagination: 1 p. ; 30.5 x 20.6 cm. Order a Copy

Reports American occupation of New York City. Decribes the conditions and mixed sentiments in the city after the British evacuation. Feels that the peaceable citizens are a result of the successful leadership of Governor George Clinton, who is second only to George Washington. Assures van Schaack that the government has a plan and it will lead New York and the United States to greatness.

Van Schaack and Cruger were brothers-in-law.

Cruger, Henry, 1739-1827
Van Schaack, Peter, 1747-1832

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