Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Elbridge Gerry
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03353 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 26 November 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.6 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Almost identical in content to GLC02437.03352, which is a later copy of this letter. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is. Indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects. Mr. Osgood & myself, will keep this object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our utmost interest on the occasion. In respect to any vacancy under my direction, I shall consider it, at the refusal of your brother." Adds that he and Mrs. Knox send their love to Mrs. Gerry and her sister. Reports that since [Rufus] King has gone to Hartford, no New England members are present in Congress. Notes that there are not a sufficient number of members from the respective states to form a Congress.
[draft]
New York Novr 26. 1786
My dear Sir
I received your favor of the which I have delayed answering until now, in hopes of learning of some vacancies in the public offices here. Our common friend Mr Osgood has also been enquiring with the same view, but there are none at present.
My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is - indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects - Mr Osgood & myself will keep this [strikeout] object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our utmost interest on the occasion - In respect to any vacancy, under my direction I shall consider it, at the refusal of your brother [strikeout]
[struck: I am very apprehensive that unless the [monied] men of Massachusetts] Mrs Knox joins with me in passing our respectable compliments to Mrs Gerry & [strikeout] and her amicable sister -
I am my dear sir
With the [strikeout] [inserted: greatest respect]
Attachment & obliged [strikeout]
Most obedient servt
H Knox
The honorable
Elbridge Gerry Esqr
[2] Mr King has gone to Hartford so that there is not now at this place a single [member] [inserted: of Congress] from New England [strikeout] [struck: Instead there are] [inserted: Nor are there] not a sufficient number of [strikeout] Members [strikeout] from the respective states to form a Congress, [struck: nor is there any probability of that] but it is expected there will be soon -
[docket]
To the Honl Elbridge Gerry Esqr
at Boston -
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