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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.

Noyes, John (1740-1784) to Mary Noyes

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01450.056.08 Author/Creator: Noyes, John (1740-1784) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 17 July 1776 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31 x 20 cm. Order a Copy

Writes his wife in Newbury, Massachusetts about how much he misses her and how he thinks about her all the time. Relays that the British sent a truce flag but that the colonies have declared independency. He believe George Washington would be glad if the British attacked New York. States that he sent a letter with five dollars in it but she did not say whether or not she received it. Reports that every regiment is ready in case they get called to battle. He has sent 14 dollars in this letter and 18 dollars by the post. Discusses the grace of God and the power of religion for a bit. Says they will go to the city in a few days. Sends love to the children, friends, and family. Washington refused a truce flag and letter delivered from Lord Richard Howe on 14 July 1776. The letter concerned a meeting about Admiral Howe's offer of reconciliation but the offer becomes only a pardon for those who would return their loyalty to the King. Noyes was a soldier in the Continental army during the Revolutionary War.

Noyes, John, 1740-1784
Noyes, Mary, 1746-1825

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