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.

Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816) 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.

A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN

Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01608 Author/Creator: Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 September 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy

Written by Morris as Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. A sarcastic letter expressing annoyance about Congress and their activities after receiving information on the conduct at Elizabethtown -- probably a reference to the negotiations for prisoner exchanges or for the evacuation of New York City taking place there. Says "Our Sovereign Lords the Congress have at length assented to (not approved of) our Conduct at Elizabeth town." It seems that Congress was not willing to respond harshly to General Sir Henry Clinton's letter, which expressed things the American negotiators were not pleased with. Says Congress has "been compelled to adopt our Principles," which probably means they were convinced of the propriety of responding harshly to Clinton's letter. Reports that the bearer of this letter will bring copies of the latest accounts of the enemy. Gives odds of "a Million to one" that the British General will not have power to "form Great Seals" -- probably a reference to possible stalling tactics that might be adopted by the British in the negotiations.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

[draft]
Phila:a 13 Sepr 1787.

Dear Knox
Our Sovereign Lords the Congress have at length assented to (not approved of) our Conduct at Elizabeth Town. After the abusive Letter of Sir H. Clinton, it would have seemed to [inserted: be] proper that an immediate approbation should have taken Place, even tho the matter might have been somewhat questionable. As it is, they have (unwittingly) done us the highest Honor. They have been compelled, to adopt our Principles; and if one could with Propriety scrutinize & criticize the Conduct of our Masters, we might think that they have only erred in imitating Sir Henry's talents for Bilingsgate, and in going into unnecessary forms of a Great Seal &c &c- The Bearer of this will bring you Copies of the accounts against the Enemy as far as hitherto collected. [2] I think it is a Million to one that the British Gen:l is not able to meet you with adequate Powers, I mean as to form Great Seals &c. &c- Present me to Mrs Knox-
adieu
yours
Gouvr Morris

P.S. Skinner has sent his accounts which are with the Treasury.

[docket]
From Gouverneur Morris [Eq]
13 Septr 1782

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources