Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to William Shepard
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03421 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter Date: 21 January 1787 Pagination: 4 p. : docket; 32 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request of the Governor before Congress. Relates that as he said before, "it is entirely out of my power, to appropriate any of the public arms or stores without an order of Congress." This also applies to the sale or loan of arms or stores. He agrees in principle with Shepard and wishes he could accommodate him. However, if the insurgents "should demonstrate an intention of seizing the arsenal or any of the stores contained therein and it could not otherwise be successfully defended, I am of opinion that propriety & necessity would justify the action of taking part of the stores and ammunition for the defence of the remainder to be returned the instant the danger should subside."
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