Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03603 Author/Creator: Fenner, Robert (fl. 1787) Place Written: Halifax, North Carolina Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 12 July 1787 Pagination: 2 p. ; 30.2 x 18.5 cm.

Summary of Content: Outlines his endeavors, as Treasurer of North Carolina's chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati, to obtain funds to "discharge Majr L'Enfant." Reports that the society members agreed wholeheartedly but adds that he has had some trouble acquiring hard money because there is currently a scarcity of it in North Carolina. Also discusses his efforts to increase attendance at society meetings, and mentions the election of delegates to the next general meeting. Mentions "the probability that the Indians have done some mischief" in the area.

Full Transcript: [draft]
North Carolina Halifax July 12th 1787
Dear Sir
The Enclosed is a letter I am directed to write as Treasurer to this State meeting of the Society of Cincinnati
I ...have the pleasure to inform you that on stating the reasons that induced the General Meeting to solicit the aid of the state meetings to make up the sum required to discharge Majr. L. Enfant I had not the least difficulty in procuring [their assent] in consequence of which I accepted the appointment of Treasurer that no delay might be made in forwarding the money to you, except the difficulty of procuring hard money their being a very small proportion of that article in this state - Tobacco at this season is also scarce; I have however sent into the Country to indeavor to procure what will be requisite to discharge that demand: feeling the utmost zeal for the honor of the Society you may depend on my exertions to satisfy every call of that nature.
Our annual meeting being thin I prevailed on them to adjourn to meet at [Tarborough] in the beginning of November (it being the time & place meeting of the next assembly of the State) and to [2] have a circular letter written to all the members requiring their attendance - I shall then be enabled to judge of the prevailing sentiments of the Society with respect to any future conjuncture, as well as the number of our members, which at present is not very well ascertain'd.
I was requested to continue in the delegation to the next general meeting - Col. Ashe is also elected, and another member that I am certain will not serve, nor do I wish him I hope I can prevail on him to resign at the meeting in Tarborough and have his place filled by one whose attachment to the society I have a better opinion of
Not a particle of news in this quarter [text loss] the probability that the Indians have done some mischief, but no certain intelligence.
Will you do me the favor to make my most respectful compliments to Mrs. Knox, and allow me to assure you that
I am with the most perfect esteem
Your very humble servant
Robert Fenner
Maj. Genl. KnoxSee More

People: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Fenner, Robert, fl. 1787

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: Society of the CincinnatiAmerican Indian HistoryRevolutionary WarRevolutionary War GeneralContinental ArmyFraternal OrganizationFinanceEconomicsCoins and CurrencyElectionMilitary History

Sub Era: Creating a New Government

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