Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Abijah Hammond
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06242 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 November 1794 Pagination: 3 p. ; 31 x 20.4 cm. Order a Copy
Expresses his sympathy on the death of [Abijah?] Hammond's child. Notes both him and Mrs. Knox know from experience the sorrow and "agony of the soul" the death of a child brings. Writes, "But such blows while they shake our hold of the world, do not usually assist our piety. We see aged persons by the order of nature pass away, but we see no reason why the young existence should be terminated before it scarcely be realized. The more we revolve or ponder on such events the more deeply are we plunged into a chaos of perplexity, out of which, we can never emerge." Explains in great detail his ideas on religion and philosophy. Comments that these views and the passage of time has helped to restore peace to his soul.
[draft]
Philadelphia Nov r 14 1794
My dear Sir
It is with great grief that Mr Knox and myself learn the death of your dear child_ Having been repeatedly called upon [inserted: to sustain] this truly severe trial, our feelings for the affliction of you, and Mr Hammond, are the sympathies of experience, as well as of friendship. Yes, we know too well the Agony of Soul Such aloss excites, not to participate in your sorrow. [inserted: But] Such blows while they shake our hold of the world, do not usually affist our piety.
We See aged persons by the order of nature pass away, but we see no reason why the young existence should be terminated before it scarcely be realized - The more we resolve or ponder on such events the more deeply are we plunged into a chaos of perplexity, out of which; we can never emerge but by adopting and carrying into [illegible] some such ideas as the following [2] That we are involved ina System of wonders. Connected in the great chain of nature by links, if which our perceptions are not sufficiently accute [inserted: to take] either a retrospective or a prospective [inserted: view] of any other link than our own our present existence.
That the complicated Machinery of all nature, animate, and inanimate, is one organized and beautiful whole, arranged an operating harmoniously by invisible principles established by the Supreme Head of the Universe.
That our duty is to adore and acquiesce in events, which we can nether prevent nor control. Our opposition is of no avail It is the opposition of an atom to the movements of a planet_ We may inquire and destroy ourselves by the conflict; but our sorrowing will over recall the dear departed object.
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.