Sayre, Stephen (1736-1818) 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 #: GLC02437.05997 Author/Creator: Sayre, Stephen (1736-1818) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 December 1793 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Claims to have communicated sensitive information to Knox and that he should let President Washington know (specifics not provided). Tells Knox of a master shipbuilder in this city (likely Philadelphia), and that Congress and the president need to know this if they plan to build ships to protect the nation after the outbreak of war in Europe. Recommends "graduate improvements" in a previous communication and assumes Knox is in agreement with him. Notes he knows that a multitude of people will oppose his scheme, but claims this is reason enough for Knox to support him early.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.