Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Nathaniel Gorham
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03391 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 24 December 1786 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 31.8 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy
Responds to a previous letter by Gorham. Writes a long letter discussing the proposal to use the arms and stores in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Shays' rebels. Declares that he has not received word from the Governor [probably James Bowdoin, of Massachusetts], but if he does, he will submit it immediately to Congress. Asks that Gorham contact the Governor and relate Knox's opinions on the subject to him, and suggests that Knox himself might write a letter to the Governor about it. Adds that Gorham's daughter is conducting herself beautifully, and is beloved by all her acquaintance.
[draft]
New York 24 Decr 1786 -
I thank you my dear Sir for your favor of the 11th instant. As the insurgents have again dispersed [struck: perhaps] [inserted: I should have supposed] the idea of taking any of the public stores at Springfield [struck: will be given up] [inserted: would have] subsided. But from some information [which] I have just received I find since that it is still entertained. I confess I think this [a] hazardous, [struck: if it] and unjustifiable experiment, at the expence of the [struck: property] [inserted: invaluable stores] of the Union, unless the approbation of Congress should be first obtained - [struck: will it not] It [struck: will] [inserted: would] set [struck: the] [inserted: an] example to the insurgents which [struck: will n] they will most assuredly follow, [struck: unless] [inserted: except] the Magazine should be protected by a guard [inserted: of [struck: that] force] which I am apprehensive [this will [afford]] to government in the upper counties would not be able or disposed to furnish, for the length of [struck: the] time, [2] that such an experiment, may render necessary It appears to me, that [struck: the measure] [inserted and struck: it], if any Misfortune should [struck: arise] [inserted: happen] to the stores in consequence of the government of Massachusetts taking any part of [struck: them], [inserted and struck: the stores] [inserted: them] that the other states would be extremely disgusted at the Measure -
I have not received any letter from the Governor on the subject but if I should it would instantly be submitted to Congress [inserted: provided, they were in session, but when this will be is uncertain, not untill [five] of the New England states [arrive]] - [struck: for myself I require any attempt] [inserted: the states taking any part] on the public stores at Springfield as [struck: extremely improper] [inserted: highly] [inserted and struck: and] [inserted: impolitic] unless it should be for [struck: their own] immediate defence [inserted: if the magazine] - In that case necsity would dictate that [struck: the] [inserted: a] post [struck: the] might be used for the [preservation] of the [struck: remainder] whole [3]
In order that there should be no mistake on this point which I esteem an important one, I pray you to see the Governor and communicate with him on the subject [struck: and] if you think [struck: necessary] [inserted: proper] you may show him this letter, but as the [struck: application] information which I have receivd must be deemed official I shall myself write to [struck: the governor] [inserted: him], and enclose [struck: him] [inserted: a copy of] a letter which I have written to the person who applied to me on [the] occasion, and I should suppose the Governor would [struck: discover] [inserted: disclose] to you [struck: the names] - his name -
Your [inserted: amiable] daughter, is [struck: what] [inserted: every thing] you and [struck: every other person] [inserted: and [her other] intimate connections] could wish - [struck: lovely, and] respected & beloved by [struck: her friends and] acquaintance
[docket]
Draft, to the honorable
N Gorham Esqr
24 Decr 1786
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