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.

Washington, George (1732-1799) to Alexander McDougall and and Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02380 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Newburgh, New York Type: Letter signed Date: 3 September 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy

Written jointly to General McDougall and General Henry Knox. Washington names them commissioners to meet with the commissioners of Sir Guy Carleton, the commander of British forces in America, to settle issues with prisoners of war. Mentions enclosed resolutions of Congress, which are not included here. Asks them to make their preparations early. Is waiting for letters from Congress before he gives them instructions and sets up a meeting place. Sends along report of previous commissioners to help them prepare, which are not included here. Partial tears in document where folds are. Folio pages are separated.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Head Quarters 3d. Septemr 1782-
Gentlemen
I have concluded to name you on the part of the United States, as Commissioners, to meet those of Sir Guy Carleton, for the purpose of settling a general Cartel of Business & etc - agreeable to the inclosed Resolutions of Congress. -
I have therefore to desire you Gentlemen to undertake this Business - and if any previous preparation is necessary, that you will be pleased to attend to it as early as possible; - as I wait only for a reply to some Queries put to Congress before I make out your Instructions, and appoint the Time & place of the Meeting, which [2] are to be announced from me to Sir Guy Carleton. -
The proceedings & report of the late Commissioners are sent you by this Conveyance, and are at your Service by way of preparation, or in Course of transacting the Business. -

I am Gentlemen
Your most Obedient Servt
Go: Washington
Majors Genl McDougal and Knox

[docket] Genl Washingtons of 3d Sepr 1782 to Self & Genl Knox 133 (copied WWH)

Washington, George, 1732-1799

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