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.

Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04809 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 December 1790 Pagination: 4 p. ; 22.5 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy

Jackson is upset that he has not received a letter from Knox in 24 days. He blames Knox's attention "to the western expedition" led by General Josiah Harmar for this lapse in communication. Jackson does not think ordinary "militia" men are capable of such an operation, "for a different class of Men must compose your Troops-I should like to be in the staff with Rank in the line." Comments on President George Washington's speech regarding the "establishment of the Militia, and I see by the Journals of the House they have chosen a Committee on that subject." Asks for a leading role in the militia and gives his idea for how a national militia should look and how it should be divided. "Perhaps the Secretary of the Treasury may find it necessary to make such arrangements as it respects the Revenue." Talks about the Federal representatives chosen by nearby counties.

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Washington, George, 1732-1799

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