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Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01654 Author/Creator: Peirce, Joseph (1745-1828) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 9 October 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.4 x 22 cm. Order a Copy

Discusses a variety of business concerns with Knox regarding Knox's investments with the Government, and asks for his opinion on how to handle certain matters. Mentions that he and Colonel Hatch are planning to send to Knox possessions of his brother William Knox's, which have been in the possession of Mr. [Joshua] Loring while William has been in Europe. Relates that the appraisers living on a limerock farm that Knox is interested in are having difficulty conducting their appraisal due to the presence of the enemy. Discusses the recent death of a Treasurer Gardner and the candidates who might replace him. Also mentions the arrival of a ship from Amsterdam, which carries no news of William Knox, but news that new Commissioners are close to arriving at Paris to negotiate a peace treaty, and that Gibraltar will likely fall soon.

[draft]
Boston Octr 9 1782
My dear friends,
It is long since I had the pleasure of receiving a Letter from you - In some former letter I mentioned that Government were consolidating the paper Securities due from them, and allowed 4 P Cent premium to all such as [loan'd] such securities to Government, the Interest of which to be paid in Nine months from the date and afterwards annually, a fund being established by an excise, for the punctual payment of [sd] Interest. I then suggested whether you would [chose] to have [yr] Note for £11030 (which fell due this year) renewed in that way - As no fund is established for paying [inserted: of] the [struck: Note] [leather] Notes, as some call them; I did not know but you might think [inserted: it] for yr. Advantage; if so you will advise me - No appy has been yet found to convey the few things of Mrs Knoxes to you which are in Mr Lorings possession, Colo. Hatch has told me when ever an appy offers he will send them on.
Colo. [Wheaton] who now lives on the lime Rock farms, is now up Representing from that Town, he sais, in the Eastern Country, it is extreme difficult doing any business on Account of the enemy, and is almost discouraged, but on his return is determined together with the other [app?], to [compleat] the appraising of the Estate there, and will transmit it me immediately -
[2] This day Treasurer Gardner is to be buried, he died of a putrid fever after a few days sickness - The court being now seting will proceed to the choice of another Treasurer for which office there are a Number, mention'd - Wm Phillips Esq S. A.' Otis - Bishop [Barnet] &c &c -
A ship Arriving yesterday in a [short] passage from Amsterdam - which brings stories that New Commissioners are [nearing]. a New Treaty [open'd] at Paris to negotiate a peace - The fleets all in their respective parts - the passengers in this ship say it is the [universal] oppinion that Gibraltar must fall - I have heard nothing from yr Brother by this ship - I am with the greatest respect -
Your Friend & Servant
Joseph Peirce

Major General Knox
[docket]
From Mr Joseph Peirce
[text loss]

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Loring, Joshua, 1744-1789
Knox, William, 1756-1795

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