Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Gouverneur Morris
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01651 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 October 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 21.3 cm. Order a Copy
Relates a variety of information regarding (a prison cartel) meeting with the British Commissioners, General Campbell and Mr. [Andrew] Elliot [lt. gov. of British-occupied New York]. Contrasts Campbell with former British commissioner General [William] Dalrymple. Believes that Morris was "perfectly right" in his opinion that "the British Commissioners wouldn't be able to treat us with equal power." Mentions General William Heath. Knox notes the recent death of his child and illness of his wife Lucy and family
[draft]
West Point 8th October 1782
You were perfectly right in your conjectures my dear [struck: Sir] [inserted: friend] that the British commissioners would not be able to meet us with equal powers. I [struck: must] cannot conceive how any persons should [struck: conceive they should] [inserted: think] that Sir Guy Carelton could have such powers ready prepared. [Struck: The persons] General Heath and myself, on one side and Lieut Genl Campbell and Mr Elliot] on the part of [struck: Sir Guy] the Enemy and the Commissioners. Our old friend Dalrymple [struck: by his [illegible]] occasioned such a racket in New York that those Gentlemen came out under [struck: such] reserve [illegible] of caution, [struck: than they were exceeding afraid [strikeout] to cause a [strikeout] in the [most]] [inserted: which occasioned much reserve very] unlike our [struck: most] former meeting. [struck: that they were also in [illegible]] Genl Campbell, [strikeout] [inserted: altho well bred, is] the reverse of [inserted: Genl] Dalrymple, in formal intercourse his taciturnity is as great as the Spectators. [struck: but I can add that [strikeout] his his at [strikeout] respecting his abilities].
I have to apologize to you [2] for not replying to your [inserted: favor] sooner. But I have had more private affliction, in the loss of a fine child, and the [exesive] sickness [struck: of] [inserted: Mrs Knox &] the rest of my family. I hope this together with that public business I have been engaged in which has generally [deprived me] of the opportunity of the post, will be a sufficient excuse.
I beg you to present my [inserted: Mrs Knox & my] [struck: respects] compliments to Mrs & Mr Morris, and believe me to be with great [illegible]
your very Hbl Servt
HKnox
Gouverneur Morris Esqr
[docket]
To Gouvr Morris Esq
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