Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Joseph Mandrillon
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03566 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Manuscript letter Date: 4 June 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 21.6 x 18.4 cm. Order a Copy
Informs Mandrillon that the Society of the Cincinnati cannot accept him as a member. Adds that the Society, as an institution, is "too young to assume so much importance to appoint a gentleman of your abilities their historiographer..." Letter is in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's secretary at the War Department. Also signed by Pemberton for Knox.
[draft]
New York June 4th 1787
Sir
I am directed by the General Meeting of the Cincinnati held in Philadelphia in the month of May last to acknowledge the receipt of your letter to the President and your memorial to the Society of the 24th October 1786 which were read and considered.
The Society, Sir, are highly indebted for your favorable sentiments of their institution and they regret that it is inconsistent with their rules to associate you among their members
They consider their institution too young to assume so much importance to appoint a gentleman of your abilities their historiographer but although they are constrained to decline the measure yet they entertain a proper sense of your kind offer on the occasion [2]
The Society consider the United States obliged to you for the affection zeal and talents with which you have espoused and maintained the cause of America and they hope and believe that the conduct of this country will establish such a character as to justify fully the favorable opinion of its advocates
I have the honor to be
Sir
With very great respect
Your most obedient
Humble servant
H Knox
Mr. Joseph Mandrillon
Merchant Member of the
Philosophical Society of
Philadelphia Holland
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.