Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04508 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 February 1790 Pagination: 2 p. ; 31.8 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Wishes Washington a happy birthday, "permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day." "I do not wish you long life as the greatest blessing, believing strongly the immortality of the mind, and that the next grade of existence will present you with joys highly superior to any attendant on the best possible situation in this."
[draft]
New-York the 11th of February 1790
(Private)
From the firmest persuasion of mind that you will receive this note with the same cordiality that it is dictated, permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day.
This effusion of an heartfelt affection, as far removed from a cold compliment, to your present political station, as the extreme effulgence of the Sun is to utter darkness, I could not bring myself <to> offer in person, well knowing my own weakness on the occasion.
May you live, and tread the small theatre of this globe, while your health and happiness, shall render life desireable [2] but no longer -
I do not wish you long life as the greatest blessing, believing Strongly the immortality of the mind, and that the next grade of existence will present you with joys highly superior to any attendant on the best possible situation in this.
I am my dear Sir
most affectionately
Your friend
H Knox
General Washington
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