Williams, Jonathan (1750-1815) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01304 Author/Creator: Williams, Jonathan (1750-1815) Place Written: Nantes, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 December 1781 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Happy to receive news of Lord Cornwallis's surrender: "The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not strength enough left to manage his weapon." Discusses the perspectives of the British King and Lords of Commons and their attitudes toward the American victory. Talks about Major Franks's arrival in Nantes and his acquaintance with Knox. Wishes he could be "galloping by your Side in pursuit of an Enemy; I have not much confidence in myself, but I think Stimulated by your Example, I could not behave ill." Mentions visits from Knox's brother William, and adds he wishes "circumstances could permit me to enjoy the same pleasure with you, but I love my Country too well to desire you to be absent from it, & I have been so long planted here, that I must continue to negotiate till I can go to live in America." Asks to be remembered to Henry Jackson and sends regards to Mrs. Knox; adds, "I have a female Friend who will be glad of the acquaintance when she goes to america, & a little One who may be a playmate to one of yours."
[draft]
Nantes Decemr 14 Decemr. 1781.
My dear Friend.
I was extremely happy to receive from you an Accot of the Surrender of Lord Cornwallis more especially as [strikeout] your attention is a proof of the continuance of your Esteem which I shall ever place among what I esteem most valuable in the World. I had find a few Rockets & Filled some Paunches with good Punch a few days before you Letter arrivd, but the previous knowledge of the news does not lessen my Obligation to you for the Communication of it.
The Effect this reverse of Fortune has on the british Government is similar to what we often see in a man mad with Rage - Vengeance, Death & Destruction foams at his mouth although he has not strength enough left to [strikeout] [inserted: manage] his weapon. The Kings Speech, which I suppose you will have seen, speaks of redoubting Vigour & of [strikeout] [inserted: quenching] [strikeout] even the last Spark of Rebellion in America, [2] tho' he regrets the heavy loads he must consequently lay on his faithfull subjects. The Lords & Commons have addressed him [strikeout] with assurances of support & their Lives & Fortunes, /so often pledged,/ are to be devoted to his Service. America does not want a Lesson. She has had a severe one in the School of Experience, and she knows she must fight it out, there is not I will venture to say a political Possibility of anything voluntary on the part of England respecting our Independence, & surely we shall not be obliged to her for what she is forced to comply with. Comply she must for we are more able by our required strength & great connections to pursue the War than ever we were, and she has been regularly declining, May it continue till she is reduced to so low a state as never to be spoken of again, but as an example for other Nations to profit by! -
[3] Major Franks has passed a few days in this Town, in addition to his recommendations & personal merit he made himself particularly Welcome by the acquaintance he appeared to have with you, and I have, from hearing of your [strikeout] military merit, often wished myself to be galloping by your Side in pursuit of an Enemy; I have not much confidence in myself, but I think, stimulated by your Example, I could not behave ill.
Your Brother did me the favour to consider my House as always open to [struck: it] [inserted: him] & I hold myself obliged to him for giving me his Company in a social friendly way; I wish circumstances could permit me to enjoy the same pleasure with you, but I love my country too well to desire you to be absent from it, & I have been so long planted here, that I must continue to vegetate till I can go to live in America. Our Friend Harry Jackson I suppose you Sometimes see, pray remember me to him. I beg also my best Compliments to your Lady I [4] I have a female Friend who will be glad of her acquaintance when she goes to America, & a little One who may be a playmate to one of yours. -
I shall at all times be happy to hear of your welfare & to render you any acceptable service.
I am my dear Friend
With Sincere affection
Most truely
Yours
Jona Williams
[docket]
From Mr Jon.a Williams
Decr 81
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