Lovell, James (1737-1814) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00629 Author/Creator: Lovell, James (1737-1814) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 July 1777 Pagination: 1 p. : address : docket ; 32.1 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Continental Congressman Lovell writes to Knox: "I suppose you among others have been led, from my being Chairman of the Committee on foreign applications, to dub me Patron of the whole Rank-mad Tribes. I am so far from thinking it proper to disavow that Title, under the present Circumstances of Things, that I rather confirm it by recommending to your notice the bearer, the Chevalr. Du Portail or, D'erford, as he chooses to be named." Thinks D'erford would be useful in Knox's department (artillery).
[draft]
July. 26th. 1777
Philad.a
Dear Sir
I Suppose you among other have been led, from my being Chairman of the Committee on foreign applications, to dub me Patron of the whole Rank-mad Tribe. I am so far from thinking it proper to disavow that Title, under the present Circumstances of Things, that I rather confirm it by recommending to your notice the Bearer the Cheval.r Du Portail, or, D'erford, as he chuses [sic] to be named. His Talents have such Relation to your Department that I could not refrain from thus announcing him to you, tho you have omitted to direct a a private line of friendly correspondence to me on more [text loss] occasions.
His manners will I hope, prove agreable to you. More than 14 years in the royal Corps of Engineers I think he must be an Acquisition to us in [than] Branch. I wish his Confidence in the Good Sense & Equity of the people of the United States may be of more use to him, than the the Cunning & Distrust of some of his Countrymen has proved to them. I doubt not it will as I have given an Explanation to our admirable general.
A happy Campaign, notwithstanding present appearances! We must not flinch even at [plaguing] great Trifles, allow the Expression from
your Friend & h Sert
James Lovell
[address]
General Knox of Artillery
Cheval.r Du Portail Jersies
[docket]
Letter from the Hon. James Lovell Esqr.
Philadelphia July 26 1777.
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