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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.

Lee, Charles (1731-1782) to Robert Morris

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC06645.01 Author/Creator: Lee, Charles (1731-1782) Place Written: Winter Hill, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 August 1775 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 30.5 x 19.2 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Lee as commander of the left wing of the army besieging Boston to Morris as a member of Pennsylvania Council of Safety, with special assignments to procure arms and ammunition. Written on Winter Hill, which is part of modern day Somerville, Massachusetts. Says Morris should not feel the need to apologize for offering recommendations since he has put a "load of jobbs" on Morris. Says the army is in need of medical personnel and that the talents of the draftsman Mr. Lakes are much appreciated. Can use more people like him. Reports they are in the same situation as the last time he wrote, but that everyday the American posts grow more secure and the British become more apprehensive. When something happens he will write. In postscript mentions letter that George Washington wrote to General Thomas Gage on 11 August 1775 on the maltreatment of American prisoners of war. Says he cannot send a copy without Washington's approval. Hopes his purchase in Virginia has been made. Lee was attempting to purchase an estate in Berkeley County in the Shenandoah Valley in order to bolster his American credentials in hopes of becoming commander of the army.

Lee, Charles, 1732-1782

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