Knox, William (1756-1795) to Henry Knox

Reports he recently met with Mr. Williamson and Mr. Wadsworth about lands in the "Gennessee Country" of upstate New York. Says farms of 300-500 acres are going for $1.50 per acre. Makes reference to lands that would eventually become Cooperstown and its environs, "those in this state in the neighbourhood of Lake Otsego, have greatly enhanced in value also." Believes the situation in Europe will lead investors to put their money into American lands. Heard several families from the English West Indies have recently bought land. Wants to know if Henry has made arrangements with General Stewart "for the other million which you mentioned, or do you intend to make any with Mr. Bingham for the same?" Says the "singular misfortune" of a Miss Coffin is the talk of the town. She was the daughter of a gentleman who sided with the British in the Revolution and has since moved to Canada. Tells Henry "this young lady has come from there [Canada] with a Captain McNamara of the British Army, who is a married man, and for whom an extraordinary attachment has induced her to take this unfortunate step, he is not less fond of her and to atone for it, promises to marry her as soon as his wife dies." Says they lately had a child. She now resides in a small house in the Bowery with her lover.