Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00761 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Pluckemin, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 May 1779 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 24.4 x 18.5 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses happiness in hearing of the arrival of the Joseph, a ship. Wishes William could have sailed earlier, on the General Arnold (referring to a voyage William plans regarding a business venture in Amsterdam). Instructs him to be careful when buying bills of exchange, and not to buy from foreigners without a "good Indorser an Inhabitant of America." Intends to procure letters of introduction for William from the Marquis de Lafayette, John Adams, Baron von Steuben, and Baron Johann De Kalb. Urges William to travel directly to Holland, arguing that unnecessary stops elsewhere are costly and dangerous. Writes, "It would be needless for me to urge you to make your Capital as great as possible that is buy as many Bills as you can. I wish it was in my power to add to them. But I fear it is not." Notes that the Winslow sisters will travel [to Boston] by phaeton. Remarks on his wife's illness.
[draft]
Pluckemin, New Jersey May 18th 1779
my dear Brother
I received your favor of the 6th instant[.] I am happy to hear of the arrival of the Brigr Joseph. I most heartily wish you had been ready to have gone in the Brigr Genl Arnold upon all the accounts you mention. I think at any rate you ought to go in an arm'd vessell. pray take care of who you buy your bills of Exchge and that you do it of no person being a foreigner without a good Indorser an Inhabitant of America.
If it is not possible for you to go in the General Arnold you had better [2] go find other arm'd vessell to go to Holland - I confess I do not much like you going by the way of France - It will cost much more money as if you land at Nantes you will have 7 or 800 miles to Amsterdam -
I will Endevor to procure you Letters of Baron de Kalb and Baron de Steuben and will myself give you letters to the Marquis La Fayette, and Mr John Adams,
Mr Austin who is in Company with Mr Newman has just arrivd from St Eustatia he found innumerable difficulties in getting a vessell for America from Amsterdam and indeed could not procure one at last but was obligd to go with his goods to Eustatia where he was obligd to leave [3] them as the Island was surrounded by cruisers - Therefore every motive will urge your going in vessell directly to Amsterdam. - as this stroke will be of so much importance to our future Comfort you will most certainly Insure your prime cost of the Goods in the place you ship them from.
It would be needless for me to urge you to make your Capital as great as possible that is buy as many Bills as you can. I wish it was in my power to add to them. But I fear it is not - I shall send Miss Winslow & her sister in the phaeton with two ordinary Horses, and [4] all the overflow which you will see [illegible] will pay the Expense of her Journey you will apply the remainder to the purpose you wish - The Phaeton is as good as new and considering all circumstances must fetch a great nominal sum -
I am sorry that I cannot inform you my Lucy is better esentially - But her disorder (an [illegible] Jaundice occupied by billious obstructions) is so shattering and various that I cannot form any Judgement.
I will write you as soon as I can but agree with you that no time is to be lost -
I am Dear William
Your Affectionate Brother
HKnox
Mr William Knox
[docket]
Gen Knox to his
Bro. Wm.
Pluckemin
May/79
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