Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to Henry Knox

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GLC#
GLC02437.07390-View header record
Type
Letters
Date
8 April 1800
Author/Creator
Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826
Title
to Henry Knox
Place Written
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Pagination
1 p. : address : docket : free frank Height: 25 cm, Width: 20 cm
Primary time period
The New Nation, 1783-1815
Sub-Era
Creating a New Government

Very personal letter from Vice President Thomas Jefferson. Notes that he passed along Knox's "friendly expressions" to General Gunn, possibly Senator James Gunn. Refers to a transaction, likely concerning the debate in the U.S. Senate regarding Knox's son's promotion, stating "of the transaction to which they are related I can say little, having, you know, neither ears to hear, eyes to see, or tongue to speak, but as the Senate direct me." Assures Knox the debate in the Senate was polite and respectful. Discusses Jefferson's and Knox's difference of political opinions. States that if every man had the same opinion, "every man would be an insulated being, and social relations would be dissolved. I can say with truth, and with great comfort to my own heart, that I never deserted a friend for difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in physics; for I place all these differences on a footing. but great numbers have deserted me." Jefferson expresses his sorrow for losses Knox's family has recently suffered. Free frank signed by Jefferson.

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