Lee, Henry (1756-1818) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04385 Author/Creator: Lee, Henry (1756-1818) Place Written: Stratford, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 October 1789 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 32.3 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Congratulates Knox on his recent honor (likely his appointment as Secretary of War). Asks, "whether the second revolution will produce half the good predicted by its friends and whether the eastern conspiracy in the house of representatives declared afterwards on the floor respecting the permanent seat of govt. will not prove [incontestibly] the [simplicity] of associating with them in a form of govt. where they possess a majority." Adds that it is only his desire to preserve the new government he fought hard to help create, that prevents him from arguing further. Declares, "In as many words might the member on the floor have said, spend no more time in discussing this public question, we have determined to go to - & no where else....I sincerely pray for prosperity to the federated nation, but certainly the doings of our first Congress furnish no ground for hope on this subject." Sends condolences on the death of Knox's son. Noted as private.
dear Sir
Will you permit [inserted: me] first to congratulate you on the just honor which you have received, then to ask you whether the second revolution will produce half the good predicted by its friends and whether the eastern conspiracy in the house of representatives declared afterwards on the floor respecting the permanent seat of govt. will not prove [incontestibly] the [simplicity] of associating with them in a form of govt. where they possess a majority - [Deteriorated] led to submit to any evil sooner than abandon a govt. I thought politically good & absolutely necessary, I suppress the feelings which naturally result from a review of that unparrallelled parliamentary declaration - In as many words might the member on the floor have said, spend no more time in discussing this public question, we have determined to go to - & no where else.
A pretty sentiment for an assembly of the deputys of a free nation to hear, to accede to. One power is certainly wanting to the president- viz that of [dissolving] ignorant & vicious Congresses, & [stopping] measures founded in low [2] subtilty & pregnant with public mischief by a second election.
I sincerely pray for prosperity to the federated nation, but certainly the doings of our first Congress furnish no ground for hope on this subject.
How is Mrs Knox & how your little family. We have felt with you the severe loss announced in the papers, of your son. Will you be so good as to continue the enclosed letter to Governor St. Clair & to accept Mrs Lees & my best wishes for health and happiness to you and yours - adieu.
Henry Lee
Stratford Virginia
Oct. 10th. 1789-
Genl. Knox
[docket]
Colo. Henry Lee.
Stratford Virginia
10th Octr 1789.
(Private)
answered the
18th of [struck: Oct-]
Nov-
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