Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) to Henry Knox

High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01341 Author/Creator: McDougall, Alexander (1732-1786) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 27 January 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 21 x 17 cm. Order a Copy

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letters and apologizes for not responding more quickly. Writes, "But as I am now in arrest you and all the Army will hear from me through the channel of Mr Loudons partner. I shall not enter into a detail of the merits or demerits of the arrest, because probably you may be of the court martial, nor shall I enter on other subjects, as this is not the best conveyance I could wish." Adds that Mrs. McDougall is with him and that they send their regards to Mrs. Knox.

[draft]
West Point 27th
Dr Sir Jany 1782
I received your favor of the 12th November last - your silence was very excusable; for I know your whole time must have been engrossed with objects of more importance than corresponding with your Friends - An infinite variety of business prevented my acknowledging the receipt of your favor till now - But as I am now in arrest you and all the Army will hear from [inserted: me] throh the channel of Mr. Loudons packet. - I shall not enter into a detail of the merits or demerits of the arrest; because probably [2] because probably you may be of the Court Martial, nor shall I enter on other subjects, as this is not the best conveyance - I could - [inserted: wish] Mrs McDougall is here, and well, she desires her compliments to Mrs Knox; and I beg you to present mine to her. Beleive me to be with great truth.
Your affectionate Hble
Servant
Alex M Dougall

General Knox.

[address]
General Knox
Of the Corps of Artillery
[docket]
From General Mc Dougall
27 January 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
McDougall, Alexander, 1732-1786
Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources