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

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03728 Author/Creator: Jackson, Henry (1747-1809) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 December 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30.8 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. "The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal." Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters concerning "our friend lately with you," and states, "his going was inevitable or his young family must have been ruined." Presents [Colonel Benjamin] Hichborn's regards in a postscript. Stamped "Boston" and noted as private, with "post" written on the address leaf.

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources