Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC01466 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 February 1787 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 33 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Recommends a Mr. Payton for work. Mentions Payton's "great distress owing to some peculiarly unhappy circumstances in his family," and suggests there might be an available post "within the Quartermaster or Commissary[']s line" under General Lincoln's patronage. Written at the time of Shays' rebellion. Signed as Secretary of War.
…Mr. Payton...has been a reputable inhabitant of Massachusetts but is now in great distress owing to some peculiarly unhappy circumstances in his family. He has applied to me for some employment which would give him bread, but there is nothing at present in my disposal.
As the military arrangements in Massachusetts may occasion demands, for
persons in the quarter master, or commissary[']s line, he conceives that he may obtain some subordinate appointment under your patronage.
I am persuaded from my knowledge of Mr Payton, that there are duties
which he could fulfill to the satisfaction of those who should recommend, or employ
him... .
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