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L'Enfant, Pierre Charles (1754-1825) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03109 Author/Creator: L'Enfant, Pierre Charles (1754-1825) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 March 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19.2 cm.

Summary of Content: Expresses his hope that Knox will accept the appointment of Secretary at War. If so, hopes to serve under Knox as an engineer for military posts on the western frontier. Requests that Knox recommend him as such to Congress.

Background Information: L'Enfant was an architect and urban planner who served as a military engineer in the American Revolution.

Full Transcript: [draft]
new york - March 12th - 1785

Sir

permit me to Express to you the Satisfaction I feel at your appointment to be Minister at War, an appointment which I ...sincerely hope it may be convenient for you to accept being Convinced that no other persons could so properly be intrusted [sic] with the management of the important business of that department -
having in the course of January last addressed congress on the subjects of the posts on the frontier and solicited the appointment of Engineer on the new Establishment I flater myself that you will aprove [sic] of it, and be favorable to my aspiring after an appointement respecting which Congress have not as yet [entered] in any determination the memorials which I have presented [them], having from the reports of the [comunity] to whom it [was] reffered, been ordered to lay on the table, [as] your nomination to the war department having at that time been mentioned I have not solicited its being retaken in to consideration [waithing] [2] till your arrival at thy place which I hope will influence Congress to Enter in proper measure respecting their peace Establishment
not doubting of your indulgence towards me I remain confident of your being disposed to gratifie my wishes by delivering me from a very disgreable state of suspense and Enabling me to devote my time entirely under your directions.
I have the honor
to be
Sir
your most obedient
& humble servant
L. Enfant
[written at the bottom of page one: Honorable
Major General Knox.
Minister & Secretary at War.]
[docket]
from Major LEnfant
1785 -See More

People: L'Enfant, Pierre Charles, 1754-1825
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: FranceRevolutionary War GeneralArchitectureGovernment and CivicsMilitary HistoryFrontiers and ExplorationFortificationOffice SeekerContinental CongressCongress

Sub Era: Creating a New Government

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