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Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03980 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 September 1788 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32 x 19.8 cm.

Summary of Content: William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, "so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision." Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William Duer; Jeremiah Wadsworth's departure for Hartford, etc. Discusses news from Europe. Mentions "...the [British] prohibition of the wheat from this Country on account of the Hessian Fly." Notes that one of Henry's cows is missing and Caesar, possibly an enslaved person or servant, has been searching for her.

Background Information: The "Caesar" Knox mentions may be Caesar Lloyd Cummings. Caesar Lloyd Cummings (d. 1792), one of six civilian employees in the War Department, was a free black man. He worked as ...the department messenger. (At least one source indicates that Cummings had served there since the Board of War's creation in 1777.) However, as he was employed by the War Department and not the Knox household, it is uncertain whether this Caesar is, indeed, Caesar Cummings.See More

People: Knox, William, 1756-1795
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Harmar, Josiah, 1753-1813
St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818
Wadsworth, Jeremiah, 1743-1804
Duer, William, 1747-1799
Flint, Royal, 1754-1797
Howell, Joseph, 1750-1798

Historical Era: The New Nation, 1783-1815

Subjects: African American HistoryRevolutionary War GeneralContinental CongressCongressGovernment and CivicsWashington, D.C.PoliticsMilitary HistoryMilitary SuppliesMilitary UniformsClothing and AccessoriesFinanceMerchants and TradeCommerceContractFrontiers and ExplorationGlobal History and US Foreign PolicyGlobal History and US Foreign PolicyAgriculture and Animal HusbandryIndentured Servant

Sub Era: Creating a New Government

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