Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Francois Jean, marquis de Chastellux
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01366 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 March 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Writes that it would ill suit "the gratitude of my heart were I to omit writing a line to you by so good an opportunity as his Excellency the Minister of France." Hopes that he is happy with how the campaigns are proceeding and hopes the next campaign will be the last one. Wishes they might see each other in the next campaign, and sends his regards to General Rochambeau.
Chastellux was a Major General and senior member of Rochambeau's staff. He was also a writer and academic. During the war, his title was François Jean de Beauvoir, Chevalier de Chastellux, but upon his brother's death in 1784, his title became François Jean, Marquis de Chastellux. The Duc de la Luzerne was the French minister to the United States at that time.
[draft]
Philadelphia 9th March 1782.
My dear General
It would but ill suit the sensations of my mind or the gratitude of my heart were I to omit writing a line to you by so good an opportunity as his Excellency the Minister of France. I hope you have passed an happy Winter after the fatigues of the Campaign and are sufficiently [recruited] to begin another which I earnestly [struck: hope] [inserted: pray] may terminate as fortunately as the last. The impressions which I have of your friendship and politeness are so strong as to last for life. I therefore wish most ardently that I may have the honor & pleasure to serve [with] [2] you the ensuing [struck: campaign] summer, But in any [circumstances] I [inserted: shall] preserve a lively desire to [struck: render] be remember'd with similar sentiments by you. I beg you would do me the honor [struck: to remember] me [inserted: to present my sincere respect and attachment] to the good General Rocham[beau] [inserted: & [strikeout] compliments] Genl [Pommrel] Count de [Gasture], and the Gentlemen of your family,
I am Dear Genl
with the highest respect
and attachment
Your affectionate
Humble Servt
HKnox
Genl Chastelux
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