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.

Folsom, Nathaniel (1726-1790) to Artemas Ward

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01460 Author/Creator: Folsom, Nathaniel (1726-1790) Place Written: Exeter, New Hampshire Type: Letter signed Date: 24 September 1776 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 21 x 16.5 cm. Order a Copy

Signed as chairman of the Committee of Public Safety as the Exeter Committee of Safety prepares for war. Reports that one thousand men are marching towards New York to serve in Washington's army. Has sent this letter as an express to Boston to determine whether ammunition should be sent along with New Hampshire's troops.

Folsom was a Revolutionary War general, merchant, and shipowner from New Hampshire. Ward was named commander-in-chief of Massachusetts forces and was the de facto leader of the army laying siege to Boston. Although the Congress chose George Washington over him to serve as overall commander of the Continental Army, Ward became the highest ranking major general.

Folsom, Nathaniel, 1726-1790
Ward, Artemas, 1727-1800

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