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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.

Montagu-Dunk, George, Earl of Halifax (1716-1771) to Henry Fox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09054.14 Author/Creator: Montagu-Dunk, George, Earl of Halifax (1716-1771) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 March 1756 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 29.8 x 19.3 cm. Order a Copy

Written in reply to Fox's letter concerning the spy and intercepted letters. Agrees that the affair has now become a major issue, "well deserving the immediate attention of his Majesty's Servants..." Suspicious of Pennsylvania troops, as their destination is unknown by anyone. "I think appearances are Such as will not only justify, but do require his Majesty's Servants to take Every Measure of Precaution, however unpalable to Suspected Persons, that may best tend to the Security of his Majesty's Service." Notes an enclosed letter in the postscript, sent by Lord Barrington. Does not know for whom the letter is intended. Gilt edges. Scored left hand margin. Watermarked with a fleur-de-lis, V, backward C, I and VI.

Barrington was the British Secretary at War and later Treasurer of the Navy.

Halifax, George Montagu-Dunk, Earl of, 1716-1771
Fox, Henry, Baron Holland, 1705-1774
Barrington, William Wildman, 1717-1793

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