Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01522 Author/Creator: Lincoln, Benjamin (1733-1810) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 August 1782 Pagination: 2 p. ; 33.1 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "Private." Written by Lincoln as Secretary of War to Major General Knox. Says Congress has appointed a committee to create a catalog of books they need for themselves and various departments. Wants to know what he thinks will be the fall out of the present prospects for peace will be? Says he is worried about peace terms being offered by the British and warns Knox to be on his guard. Is concerned about the impact on and reaction of people.
Philadelphia Augt. 10th: 1782
Private
My dear Sir
Congress have appointed a Committee to make out a catalogue of such books as they may need for themselves and the several departments - I wish for your opinion what author will be most necessary for the war department. -
What will be the effect of the presents propositions for peace? we certainly should be on our guard it is with us a very critical moment the people tire under the real or supposed weight of the war & will therefore be easily induced to relax or acceed to terms not so honorable as they ought to claim and insist on they should be called on [2] to persevere for that their sufferings if they do cannot be of any long continuence if they do not we may be ruined at last -
My regards to Mrs Knox & the little ones -
Believe me yours
affectionately
B Lincoln
Gen Knox
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