Historical Research Library
Discover the people, events, and key documents that shaped the Founding Era.
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Philip Schuyler Orders an Attack on the Onondagas, 1779
Orders to attack Indigenous people on the frontier, where many had sided with the British
Supporting Document
Petition against Taxation without Representation for Free Black Men, 1780
A protest by Black businessmen who paid taxes but could not vote
Supporting Document
Thomas Paine Writes to General Greene about Benedict Arnold and John Andre, 1780
A report on the conspiracy to turn West Point over to the British
Supporting Document
Washington Appoints General Nathanael Greene to the Southern Army, 1780
Washington’s decision to replace Gen. Horatio Gates with Greene after a major loss
Supporting Document
A Letter from George Washington’s Spymaster, 1780
A coded letter about the Culper Spy Ring’s fears about their dangerous mission
Supporting Document
Lafayette Recommends Hamilton for Advancement, 1780
Lafayette’s report on his letter of recommendation for Hamilton
Supporting Document
Alexander Hamilton Woos Elizabeth Schuyler in a Letter to Her Sister Peggy, 1780
A letter highlighting courtship of Elizabeth during his time as Washington’s aide-de-camp in Morristown
Supporting Document
Alexander Hamilton’s Love Letter to Elizabeth Schuyler, 1780
A letter that intertwines love and statesmanship
Supporting Document
George Washington to Lord Cornwallis on Terms of Surrender, 1781
A letter from the commander in chief expressing willingness to consider terms to end the Battle of Yorktown
Supporting Document
Articles of Confederation Ratified, 1781
The first attempt at establishing the relationship—a “firm league of friendship”—between the thirteen colonies
Key Document
Knox Announces the Surrender at Yorktown, 1781
A letter anticipating “a glorious moment”—General Cornwallis’s surrender
Supporting Document
Nathanael Greene on the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, 1781
Reflection on the mixed results of the Battle of Guilford Courthouse
Supporting Document