Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03659 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: Roxbury, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 September 1787 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.6 x 18.6 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses his trip to Boston, where he met with Mrs. Hancock but Governor Hancock was ill and so he did not see him. Mentions visiting other acquaintances in Boston, including Mrs. Waldo and Mrs. Butler. Writes: "Last night or rather this morning a Corvette or Royal Vessell [sic] arrived in the Harbour of Boston in forty days from Brest with orders for the fleet and the Viscount de Beaumont to repair immediately to France, in consequence of which orders have been given to the Fleet to sail tomorrow morning. - This has a serious appearance and produces various conjectures - the probability is that Hostilities are commenced or expected soon to commence with the powers in the different interests of Holland." Noted as written in Roxbury, which is now a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.
[draft]
Belle Vue Roxbury
Tuesday Eveng. Sept.r 11th. 1787.
I arrived my dear Friend last evening in the Town of Boston, very well - I called this day on His Exelency, and saw Mrs. Hancock but he was not visible having been very unwell for several days, and particularly so this morng. consequently nothing done. - Dined to day with Mrs. Waldo by request of Major Erving - drank Tea at this hospitable seat with Mrs. Butler and daughters who left Newport at the same hour I did on Saturday morng. they quit Boston on Monday next.
Last night or rather this morning a Corvette or Royal Vessell arrived in the Harbour of Boston in forty days [2] from Brest with orders for the fleet under the Viscount de Beaumont to repair immediately to France, in consequence of which orders have been given to the Fleet to sail tomorrow morning. - This has a serious appearance and produces various conjectures - the probability is that Hostilities are commenced or expected to commence with the powers in the different interests of Holland.
Yours & my friend Genl. Jackson passes the night here and as usual appears happy in affording me every attention. My Love to all at home.
Yours Affectionately
W Knox
Pray write [me] enclosed to
Genl. J, and particularize any
service I can be off to you in making enquires &c -
[address leaf]
Major General Knox
Secretary at War
New York.
[docket]
1787
Wm Knox: 11 Septr
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