Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Baron von Steuben
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.02961 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 21 February 1784 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 32 x 20 cm.
Refers to a recent letter from Steuben transmitting papers from General [Jethro] Sumner of North Carolina. Discusses matters pertaining to the Society of the Cincinnati, referring to an upcoming meeting in May at Philadelphia. Writes that many opponents of the society claim it "was formed in Europe to overturn our happy constitutions." Refers to objections raised by Aedanus Burke of South Carolina, who argues that the society is a hereditary nobility. Reports that Legislature of Massachusetts has chosen a committee to investigate associations that promote hereditary nobility.
Sumner was active after the Revolutionary War in the creation of North Carolina's chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati.
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