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Carrington, Edward (1749-1810) to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04525 Author/Creator: Carrington, Edward (1749-1810) Place Written: Richmond, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 March 1790 Pagination: 2 p. : address ; 22.4 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy

Encloses his affidavit (not present) upon the circumstances of private merchant John Bank's contract with Nathanael Greene to supply the southern army with provisions in 1783. It later came to light that Banks was involved in disreputable business dealings and Greene wanted to renounce any involvement with him. Both Carrington and General Anthony Wayne were asked by Greene to provide affidavits disclaiming any financial connection between Banks and Greene. Carrington asks Knox to withdraw his old affidavit and send this new one to Congress in its place. Encloses a copy of a letter (not present) he sent to the Speaker of the House of Representatives in South Carolina concerning the contract, as well as copies of his correspondence with General Nathanael Greene.

Nathanael Green and John Banks were embroiled in financial issues which ultimately left Greene liable for debts incurred by Banks' failed mercantile firm, Hunter, Banks & Company. Greene was plagued by financial problems until his death in 1786. Catharine Greene, widow of Nathanael Greene, had a petition before Congress requesting an indemnification against debts incurred by Greene during the Revolutionary War.

Carrington, Edward, 1749-1810
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786

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