Warren, Mercy Otis (1728-1814) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03539 Author/Creator: Warren, Mercy Otis (1728-1814) Place Written: Milton, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 May 1787 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.8 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Explains that her son, Winslow Warren, has run into financial troubles and appeals to Knox for help. The attention of either Henry or his brother William Knox is needed to resolve the situation with the creditors. Hopes he or William will attend to this matter soon. Asks his opinion on the political events of the spring of 1787, referring to the Constitutional convention to be held in Philadelphia in May. Comments on her inquiry, "But if you Sir should Judge that inquiries of this nature are not altogether consonnat [sic] to Female Genius. - then tell us the Gradations of theatrical improvment: & any thing that will do honour to the taste the understanding or the heart of a single American. - either as a writer a Hero. a statesman. or an Honest man." Believes that Knox would never think her inquiries "frivolous," and emphasizes her interest in political events, "But till further encouraged: I will check the laudable curiosity of my sex: yet not deny that a full share thereof occupies the bosom of your sincere friend." In a postscript, gives her husband, General Warren's compliments. See GLC02437.03558 for Knox's response to this letter.
[draft]
Sir Milton May 2d 1787
From your extensive acquaintance, connexion, and correspondence I am sensible you cannot wish to see a new signature to your address. Nor should I interrupt the thread of political attention; or break in on the [more] agreable moment of polite amusement: but from the habit, of friendship which for several years has subsisted between yourself & his parents: a son of mine has requested me to apply to you in a small affair relative to bussiness. This young Gentleman in common with many in these days of commercial embarassment, has had the misfortune to suffer many disappointments in the mercantile line: which has obliged him to bring his affairs to a certain point & offer an equal dividend to his creditors. and he now only waits for an answer to a letter wrote several weeks since to your Brother, on a matter no considerable moment which yet I understand cannot be negotiated with Mr. Breck without his consent.
By Mr. Breck & by all else (except in one very singular instance.) he has been treated in the most delicate & polite manner. But as it is both proper & equitable that each creditor should receive a similar proportion: the settlement of all his affairs now only remain at a stand: till Mr. Breck shall receive an intimation from mr W Knox. that he is at liberty to compound in the same manner that other Gentlemen [2] have already consented. Your goodness of dispotition [sic] without the additional motive of friendship which we have the honour to claim: I am confident would had you to wish a young person in the meridian of active life might as soon as possible be extricated from any further impediments [inserted: to] usefulness & industry. I therefore think I am certain it will not be many days before either yourself or Brother will pay the necessary attention to this request and authorize Mr. Breck to act agreable to his [illegible] & to the inclination of every other Gentleman of Generosity & Benevolence.
You will not fail to make my best compliments to Mrs Knox. Shall not we have the pleasure of seeing you both in the environs of Boston in the course of the ensuing season. In the interim your friends on milton hill would be gratifyd in knowing how the political Hemisphere opens to your eye on the important spring of '87. - But if you Sir should Judge that inquiries of this nature are not altogether consonnat [sic] to Female Genius. - then tell us the Gradations of theatrical improvment: & any thing that will do honour to the taste the understanding or the heart of a single American. - either as a writer a Hero. a statesman. or an Honest man. -
I know the amor patriae burns too strongly in your breast to consider these as frivolous inquiries. But till further encouraged: I will check the laudable curiosity of my sex: yet not deny that a full share thereof occupies the bosom of your sincere friend
& very Humble Servant
M Warren.
Of Gen.l Warrens compliments &
best wishes . General Knox &
lady may ever be assured -
Honble Genl Knox.
[docket]
From Mrs Warren
Boston 2 May
1787
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