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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.

Adams, John (1735-1826) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00208 Author/Creator: Adams, John (1735-1826) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 November 1775 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 21 cm. x 16.5 cm. Order a Copy

In response to Knox seeking a commission as colonel, Adams writes that he is "rejoiced to learn that you have at last determined to take a more important share than you have done hitherto in the conduct of our military matters." Explains that he has been impressed with Knox's military knowledge and has been making his name known among the members of the Continental Congress in Philadelphia. Reports that he is lobbying for Knox to receive the commission he seeks, and believes he will. Wants Knox to keep him informed about everything that is happening in the camp. Adams wants "to know the Name, Rank and Character of every officer in the Army--I mean every honest and able one." Wants to know about skillful engineers in the army. Asks what books on the military arts are in Harvard's library, and which are the best.

Philadelphia Novr 11. 1775
Dr Sir
I had the Pleasure of a Letter from you a few days ago and was rejoiced to learn that you have at last determined to take a more important share than you have done hitherto in the Conduct of our military Matters. I have been impressed with an Opinion of your Knowledge and Abilities in the military Way for several years; and of late have endeavored, both at Carrys at Watertown and at Philadelphia, by mentioning your Name and Character, to make you more known, and consequently in a better Way for Promotion -

It was a sincere opinion of your Merit and Qualifications, which prompted me to act this Part and therefore I am very [struck: glad] [inserted: happy] to be able to inform you, that I believe you will very soon be provided for according to your Wishes, at [2] least you may depend upon this that nothing in my power shall be wanting to effect it.

It is of vast Importance, my dear Sir, that I should be minutely informed of every Thing which passes at the Camp, while I hold a Place in the Great Council of America: and Therefore I must by the Favour of you to write me as often as you can by Safe Conveyances. - I want to know The Name, Rank and Character of every officer in the Army - I mean every honest and able one - But more especially of every officer, who is best acquainted with the Theory and Practice of Fortification and Gunnery. - What is comprehend'd within the Term Engineer? and whether it includes Skill both in Fortification and Gunnery - and what Skillfull Engineers you have in the Army and whether any of them and who have seen service & when and where
I am Sir your very humble
Sert
John Adams -
I want to know if there is a compleat set of Books upon the military Act in all its Branches in the Library of Harvard Colledge, and what Books are the best upon those subjects.

Adams, John, 1735-1826
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

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