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Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to John Adams and Benjamin Franklin

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02805 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 November 1783 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 22.3 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy

First part, addressed to Benjamin Franklin, introduces a gentleman, Jeremiah Platt, "who has just returned from a long exile of seven years, in which period he has in every instance approved himself a ... upright citizen of the republick ... " The second part, addressed to John Adams, also serves as an introduction to the same gentleman.

[draft]
New York 28th Novr 1783
Sir
I take the liberty to introduce to your civilities and acquaintance Jeremiah Platt a gentleman this City, who has just returned from a long exile of seven years, in which period he has in every instance approved himself a zealous and upright citizen of the republick, an warm assertor of its liberties and every ready to contribute his full proportion for its defence. Any attentions which you may have an opportunity of assisting him & Mrs Platt who accompanies him will be gratefully acknowd by me.
[2] In this auspicious moment America has the opportunity of rising to greatness and empire - The troops whi[ch] have long been hostile to the liberty we have been seeking at length are withdrawing from a country too stubborn to be conquered, & whose independence & sovereignty we acknowledged, and confirmed by Solemn treaties. If in this happy conjunction of affairs we should possess true wisdom & unbiased Justice our national Character will be Completely formed, and presently will experience the good effects of their fathers virtues. Mr Platt will be able to give you the details of politics in America which will render it unnecessary on my part. I cannot conclude without expressing my earnest wishes [3] that you enjoy the felicity which you have so astutely endeavored to obtain for others, and that you may return to America to receive the ineffable pleasure arising from the gratitude of a free & enlightened people.
I have the honor to be
Sir with perfect respect
Your most obedient
Humble servant
HKnox
His Excellency Benja Franklin Eqrr.
[docket #1]
To his Excellency Doct Franklin
28 Novr 1783
[docket #2]
To his Excellency Doctor
Franklin

[4] Sir
This may be delivered to you by Jeremiah Platt Esqr of this city who is going to Europe. If you should have an opportunity I beg you now to afford him your attention and protection, which you may do with the confidence of his being a steady assertor of the liberties of his Country, during the state of the War. He will be able to give you a state of affairs which may be satisfactory to you. I have the pleasure two days ago to forward by a safe conveyance to Mrs Adams two letters from you which came by Colonel Ogden.
I am Sir
with great respect
Your most obedient
and most humble
Sevt HKnox
Jno Adams Esqr

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
Adams, John, 1735-1826
Platt, Jeremiah, fl. 1785

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