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, Frederick, Lord (1732-1792) to Friedrich Riedesel

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06635 Author/Creator: North, Frederick, Lord (1732-1792) Place Written: London, England Type: Letter signed Date: 16 April 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 31.3 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy

Orders Riedesel, the commander of Hessian troops in Canada, to prepare to return to Europe in accordance with the provisional peace treaty made to end the American Revolution. Written at Whitehall.

Whitehall 16. April 1783.
Sir,
The Provisional Articles of a Treaty of Peace having been agreed upon between His Majesty and the United States of America, and it being intended to abstain from all offensive Operations in Canada; I have the King's commands to acquaint you, that Instructions have been sent to Governor Haldimand, to make the necessary Preparations for your Return to Europe with the Troops of His Serene Highness the Prince of Brunswick.
The King has further commanded me to signify to you, that during your Residence in Canada, he [2] has received the most honorable Testimonie of your Merit and Services, and of the spirited Behaviour of your officers and Men.-I beg leave to add, on this Occasion, that I have peculiar Satisfaction in conveying to you this assurance of His Majesty's approbation, which it is His Royal Wish should be expressed to you in the most ample Manner.
I am, with great Truth and Regard,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble Servant
North.
Major General Reidesel.

Notes:
[bottom of page 1]: Major General Reidesel.
[left-hand margin of page 2]: Lord North

North, Frederick, 1732-1792
Riedesel, Friedrich Adolf, Freiherr von, 1738-1800

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