Blair, Samuel (1741-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01747 Author/Creator: Blair, Samuel (1741-1818) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 16 December 1782 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 23.2 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Reverend Blair to Major General Knox. Asked Colonel John Lamb to inform Knox of his impending retirement and his reasons for leaving the service. Says he would have written sooner but had problems with "the extreme weakness and disorder of my Nerves." Has recovered but says "I question much whether ever I shall be able to do effectual service to my fellow men in any line hereafter." Still praises God. Says he is leaving because "of many uncomfortable reflections during my connection with ye Army - to retain that connection therefore, when unable to do any thing, would have been such a violence up on all proper sense of dec[enc]y & propriety - that I could mistake not a moment." Wants to leave with his Knox's approbation. Says he reported his resignation to the War Office on 1 September and that General Benjamin Lincoln gave permission for him to be paid up to that date provided he get properly authenticated abstracts for that purpose. Laments the loss of Knox's son. Tries to comfort him by saying "In this case, when all else is gone or gone, we may rejoice in that sentiment of St. Paul, Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable Gift!"
Blair was a Presbyterian minister who was later the second chaplain to the U.S. House of Representatives.
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