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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.

Knox, Hugh (1727-1790) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00161 Author/Creator: Knox, Hugh (1727-1790) Place Written: St. Croix, Virgin Islands Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 July 1774 Pagination: 2p. addr. +docket. 19.9 cm. x 16 cm. Order a Copy

Asks Henry to help him acquire subscribers for his new publication, which will be printed in New York shortly, possibly referring to "Moral and religious miscellany; or, Sixty-one aphoretical essays, on some of the most important Christian doctrines and virtues." Commenting on the recent passage of the Boston Port Bill, Hugh speculates that it must be damaging to "literary, as well as Mercantile matters." If the proposal is acceptable, he asks that Henry send word to a bookseller in New York named Samuel Loudon. Also asks Henry to respond to him when convenient. Henry was recommended to Hugh by Thomas Fletcher of St. Croix. Hugh Knox was a clergyman.

[draft]
Dear Sir
Our worthy friend Mr. Thos: Fletcher [illegible] on this Island, was Kind Enough to recommend you to me, as a Gentleman, who by your Character, influence and friendly disposition might more readily and Effectually assist me, than most people in your City, in promoting a Subscription for printing a small work of mine, about soon to be printed in New York, if Encouragemt is Given. A Sameness of name, is also another Indearment. I heartily Condole with you on the disagreeable Circumstances into which the late measures of Governmt. have thrown you; which must have an unfriendly aspect on literary, as well as Mercantile matters.
If the proposal has any success with you, Be Kind Enough to transmit it, (as also another which Mr. Fletcher sends to a Clergyman of your City) under your Cover, Directed to Mr. Samuel Loudon, ship-handler, and Bookseller in New-York and I'll order the Subscrib'd for books to be Sent you by him.
[2] A line from you, when Convenient, in answer to this, and the Cultivation of a better acquaintance, will be extreamly [sic] agreeable to,
Dear Sir.
Your Obedient Servant
Hugh Knox

Knox, Hugh, fl. 1727-1790
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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