Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01361 Author/Creator: Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 4 March 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 18.1 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Peirce to Brigadier General Knox. Peirce seems to be sending along information on lands that Knox has an interest in in Massachusetts (including Maine). Says he could not get "ye petition" brought forward this session. Says the Committee for the Sale of Absentee Estates in Cumberland County has told a court that the estate of Mr. F (possibly Henry's father-in-law, Flucker) has been rendered insolvent. Says the estate will be sold quickly. Says there is worry that creditors will have to pay taxes on abandoned land, even though it is not theirs. Says he has tried to get a decision this session on whether the creditors will take the lands or if government agents will receive possession. Says Lincoln County has not made any moves on the abandoned estate issue. Tells Knox that non-resident lands are now being taxed. Says "It is the oppinion of yr friends of that Governmt will not allow any thing to Mrs. K ... till the debts are first paid." Says he saw an advertisement for William Knox, Henry's brother, to pay taxes on lands in Washington County or the lands will be sold to pay them in April. Thinks it best for William to pay and says he will see the representative of the town where the lands are. Says "you have undoubtedly seen the paper war between the G____ & Mr. A_____[,] the first does not gain ground in popularity, & the other loses ground fast." "Favd by Genl Lincoln" written on address leaf.
Joseph Peirce was the eldest son of Isaac Peirce and a Boston merchant. His three younger brothers all fought in the Revolution, and though he was unable to due to poor health, he was able to assist the Patriotic cause through his influence and financial backing. He was also a great friend of Knox and assisted him in handling Knox's properites in Maine.
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