Hull, William (1753-1825) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.04968 Author/Creator: Hull, William (1753-1825) Place Written: Newton, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 June 1791 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 30.2 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Hull to Secretary of War Knox. Mentions that the Centinel newspaper falsely reported he was appointed to the command of the Second Regiment, but that he declined it. Writes that "[i]t was not my intention that the conversation we had on the subject should have been made so public." Explains that he had sought the advice of friends, and that it became common knowledge he was being considered for the position. Called on the printer to "know by what authority it [the information] was inserted His answer was that several persons had mentioned it to him. It will be contradicted in the next paper, and the public will be informed, that the Paragraph was published without any authority." Adds that he feels "mortified" firstly because there was no truth in the story, and secondly because "it would be painfull to me to have it supposed, that so important & honorable a station would not be eagerly embraced by any gentleman in our country, who should be deemed qualified for it." See GLC02437.04953 for Hull's earlier letter. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.
[draft excerpt]
It was not my intention that the conversation we had on the subject should have been made so public as I find it has been - It was a subject of so much importance, as it respected me, that I thought it my duty to advise with some of my Friends, before I [strikeout] made a final decition - By this means, it has become known to many, that I was thought of to command the Regt -
As soon as I was informed of the Paragraph, I called on the Printer, to know by what authority it was inserted - His answer was that several persons had mentioned it to him. It will be contradicted in the next paper, and the public will be informed, that the Paragraph was published without any authority -
I feel mortified in this Business, because, In the first place, [strikeout] there was no foundation [2] in truth for the Information, as I never had the appointment, and in the second place, it would be painfull to me to have it supposed, that so important & honorable a station would not be eagerly embraced by any gentleman in our country, who should be deemed qualified for it -
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