Knox, William (1756-1795) 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.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02073 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 8 April 1783 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; 23 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who are and who ought to be most discontented are the American Refugees who from either side have apparently but little to expect." Says he has only been in London for a few days after arriving from Holland. Says he saw Lucy Knox's family -- Mrs. Fluker, Mrs. Urquhart, as well as Captain Fluker and his lady. Says they are all well, but wearing mourning clothes for Mr. Fluker who died 3 weeks before. Says they are staying on the West End of London and that Miss Fluker has married a member of the Irish Parliament who resides in Wales. Hopes to have dinner with them all in a few days. Heard the latest news of Henry from them, and is sorry to hear that their son died. Hearing that Henry's daughter Lucy is at boarding school in Philadelphia, he says he will send a few articles to her. Talked to a Mr. Longman about Henry's debt because he feared Longman would put Henry in an inconvenient position. Longman said he would not do so and trusted Henry would pay him back after the war. Says he is sending a box of jewelry worth over 108 pounds to Boston. Came into possession of it from a Mr. Kennedy, who owed him a debt. Says "Altho' the Trade is not perfectly open yet from Here to America, many Vessells are about sailing[.] some have sailed, they do not count the risque as material relying on the preliminary Articles of Peace." Hopes to leave in a month to 10 weeks after his trading affairs are in order. Describes some of his business. Says that Lafayette wrote to him in September and told him of Henry's promotion and the birth of Lafayette's daughter. Goes on to say many Boston families are in London, including Silas Deane.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.