Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to James Sullivan
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06037 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter Date: 1 February 1794 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Apologizes for not responding to Sullivan's earlier request for information on a canal engineer from Europe who recently arrived in Philadelphia (see GLC02437.05964). Knox waited to write until the engineer, Mr. Weston, an Englishman, arrived in the city from the countryside. This still has not happened. Will ask Mr. Morris if Mr. Weston can be spared to help on Sullivan's project at the Middlesex Canal Company. Knox says he cannot speak for Weston's abilities, but that the company in Philadelphia is satisfied with his work. Tells Sullivan the project will succeed only if they have a good plan from the beginning. Recommends the abilities of Captain John Hills. Declares America needs to rely on its own citizens for projects like this. Says "Upon the morals and steadiness of our own people we may depend, while foreigners in too many instances are defective in these essentials." Will send a letter to Hills on this subject.
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