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.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Joseph Woodbridge

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06427 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Dobbs Ferry, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 5 August 1781 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket : free frank ; 28.6 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Negotiates for credit to purchase a cannon for the Continental Army. With a presentation note on page three dated 17 April 1844 from Sheldon Woodbridge to H. A. Sheldon (signed by Woodbridge).

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Head Quarters Dobbs Ferry 5th. Augt.
1781.
Sir
I have recd. your favor of the 24th. of last Month and am obliged by the offer which you have made of the Cannon saved out of the wreck of the Culloden.
Such Guns would be valuable to the Continent, but you must know our difficulties in regard to making payment. If you will however let me know your lowest price and longest Credit, I will endeavour to make a Contract with you on terms which will be certainly complied with, and in a manner which will not make you liable to loss by depreciation.
I am Sir
Yr. most obt. Servt.
Go: Washington

Joseph Woodbridge Esq:

[docket]
G Washington Esqr.
August 5th 1781

[address leaf]
On public Service
To Joseph Woodbridge Esq.r
Groton
Connecticut
Go: Washington

Washington, George, 1732-1799
Woodbridge, Joseph, 1749-1809

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