Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Benjamin Lincoln
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 #: GLC02437.04489 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 31 January 1790 Pagination: 1 p. : docket ; 31.9 x 19.7 cm. Order a Copy
Signed, "HK." Discusses his interest in training the militia and asks Lincoln for his opinion on the subject. Writes "[t]ell me Sincerely your own opinion, my dear Friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian plan? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong institution of the sort, or we shall have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike - For I am [sincerely] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army the Gloss of Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun." Docketed in Knox's hand.
New York 31 January 1790
Tell me Sincerely [inserted: your own] [struck: judgem] [inserted: opinion[s]] my dear friend, is the project of the Militia herewith enclosed an utopian [struck: affair] [inserted: plan]? If I am not acting under a delusion, as sure as we exist as a republic we must have a strong [struck: role] institution of the [struck: kind] [inserted: sort], or we [struck: must] [inserted: shall] have a standing army which I should exceedingly dislike [strikeout] - For I [struck: think] am [struck: strongly] [inserted: illegible] impressed with the opinion that under the influences of a standg army [inserted: the Gloss of] Our republic would pass away like snow before a summer Sun.
[yr affectionate]
HK
Genl Lincoln
[docket]
To Genl Lincoln
31 Jany 1790
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.