Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.05071 Author/Creator: Knox, William (1756-1795) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 18 July 1791 Pagination: 3 p. : address : docket ; 22.5 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
References the letter he sent Henry on 27 June. Updates Henry on his endeavors in London. Says he is still trying to sell Henry's lands even though Gouverneur Morris has been empowered by Mr. [Alexander] McComb to sell the lands. Will proceed as if Morris was not given this power until he hears otherwise from Henry. Has advertised in the Times and the Morning Herald. Will wait another fortnight to see if things develop. Declares that he is concerned about mounting debts and believes the United States government should support its consuls better. Notes Nathaniel Barrett, consul at Rouen, has resigned and returned to America. Says "I suspect nearly all those who have come out will do the same." Wants to keep the appointment for a year or two until something better comes along. Believes Knox will help him as "In all Countries under the sun, I believe it is common for persons in power to interest themselves with the Governments they serve for their near relations." Recently breakfasted with Evan Nepean and learned that George Hammond is to serve as the British minister to America. Provides Knox with Hammond's biography. Says now is a good time to talk to George Washington about making him a resident in London. References the riot in Birmingham that lasted from 14-17 July in which Joseph Priestley's "Dwelling and meeting House were among the Said destroyed." The riot began over a planned celebration of the French Revolution. Reports hearing from the French minister "that the King of France will be restored to the Situation he was in previous to the Royal flight, although the populace are of another opinion. God only knows what that Nation is to experience before it is restored to perfect tranquility..."
The Birmingham Riots: The animus that had been building against dissenters and supporters of the American and French Revolutions exploded in July 1791. Priestley and several other dissenters had arranged to have a celebratory dinner on the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, a provocative action in a country where many disapproved of the French Revolution and feared that it might spread to Britain. Fearing violence, Priestley was convinced by his friends not to attend. Rioters gathered outside the hotel during the banquet and attacked the attendees as they left. They moved on to the New Meeting and Old Meeting churches—and burned both to the ground. Priestley and his wife fled from their home; although their son William and others stayed behind to protect their property, the mob overcame them and torched Priestley's house, destroying his valuable laboratory and all of the family's belongings. Other dissenters' homes were burned in the three-day riot. Priestley spent several days hiding with friends until he was able to travel safely to London. The carefully executed attacks of the "mob" and the farcical trials of only a handful of the "leaders" convinced many at the time—and modern historians later—that the attacks were planned and condoned by local Birmingham magistrates. When George III was eventually forced to send troops to the area, he said: "I cannot but feel better pleased that Priestley is the sufferer for the doctrines he and his party have instilled, and that the people see them in their true light."
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