Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox

References his letters of 27 June and 19 July that he sent to Henry. Has not received any letters from Henry since the one marked 6 April. States he has not met with any success in selling Henry's lands, not even a single serious offer. Says his feelers in Paris have not met with any more success, noting "The Scioto business has left unfavorable impressions at Paris relative to purchases of land in America." Wants to go to Ireland next week, but needs to secure a loan to settle his debts there first. Claims his prospects are bleak. Reports "I cannot tell what will be my fate," unless circumstances change by next spring. Notes Maury, the U.S. consul at Liverpool, and Johnson, the U.S. consul at London, will resign unless they get a pay raise. Believes they deserve £400-500 a year as the British consuls in the U.S. receive £800. Spoke to Lucy Knox's sister Mrs. Harwood, who gave the detailed telling of why her husband gave "up the Debentures for £2800 to the Bankers, for him to raise money upon." Reports the debentures are not in the hands of Mr. Hartley, an attorney handling the Horwood estate. Goes on to describe the issue further. Thinks the Russians and Turks will be at peace soon. Says impressment of seamen for the British fleet is slowing down. Has heard the King of France, by order of the National Assembly, cannot be brought to trial. It is said he will be forced to accept the new constitution, which will be produced shortly, and acceded to the government it creates. Says there is continuous talk of a counter-revolution, but that it seems unlikely. Notes lots of people complain in Britain, but that despite high taxes and partial representation, no other country in Europe has as much happiness. Writes, "The happiness of France is yet to be experienced - impartially America takes the lead of all happy Governments at this moment." Would like a copy of the treaties and laws passed by the U.S. government, recently printed by [Thomas] Jefferson. Postscript dated 6 August says that he is enclosing newspapers (not included) that show "that parties continue here as strong as ever." Has received a small loan, but not enough to cover his debts. Makes references to Freire and Hammond as possible British ministers to the U.S. Hopes he can get a better job than a consul in Ireland. In reference to George Washington's travels, says "I hope the President will not be injured by the Burning Sands of Georgia and Carolina, but that he will have returned in good health to the seat of Government." Wants to know the result of the Indian expedition.