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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.

Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) to Jacob Thompson

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06637 Author/Creator: Arnold, Benedict (1741-1801) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 December 1778 Pagination: 2 p. : address : free frank ; 22.5 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy

Updates Thompson on family news. States that his sister has told him that Fitch has not paid his debt yet and advises Thompson to consult a lawyer to recover the money owed. Asks him what price he can get for selling his house. Hopes to see Thompson next spring if his army service does not take him to the field. Gives love to the rest of the family. Addressed to Thompson as a merchant in New Haven, Connecticut. Free franked by Arnold.

Philadelphia Decr. 10th. 1778
Dear Sir
Last week I had the pleasure of hearing by a Letter from Sister Polly that you and all the Family were well,- My little Boys arived safe here last week, & are very well. - Brother Giles & Saml. are both gone to the Soward I have not heard from them since they left us. -
My Sister writes mr Fitch has not paid his Note, I am greatly surprised He [struck: should] has paid no more attention to his word of honor, as the money due was lent him, [insert: If] He does not pay It on receit [sic] of this Letter, you will please to give his Note into the hands of a Lawyer with Directions to Attach his Property for Security & recover the Money as soon as possible: the other Debts put Into
[2] Your hands, if not paid you will please to sue,- I wish you to write me if you think my House [struck: &c] would sell & [strikeout] what price It would Fetch, I have some thoughts disposing of it- I Expect to have the pleasure seeing you next Spring, if the Service does not require my taking the Field~ please to present by best & affectionate respects to Mrs. Thompson, & all the Family & believe me most Sincerely & affectionately
Dr Sir
Your Obed Hble Servt.
B Arnold
Mr Jacob Thompson

[address leaf]
Mr. Jacob Thompson
Merchant
(B Arnold fee) New Haven

Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Thompson, Jacob, fl. 1778

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