Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06633 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Boston, Massachusetts Type: Autograph letter Date: 21 February 1796 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 33.2 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Writes to recommend several people to serve as American Commissioners to Great Britain, including a Mr. [Christopher] Gore, a Mr. [Theophilus] Parsons, and Judge [James] Sullivan, the Attorney-General of Massachusetts, "in pursuance of the late treaty" (Jay's Treaty). Was asked by friends to recommend these individuals. He and his wife send their respects to Mrs. Washington.
[draft]
Boston 21 February 1796.
[inserted - different hand: H.K. to Washington]
My dear Sir
I have been [struck: urged] [inserted: requested] by several respectable characters at this place to name for your consideration Mr Gore, of this vicinity as a suitable character [struck: as] [inserted: for] one of the Commissioners to repair to Great Britain in pursuance of the late treaty. I before took the liberty of suggesting his name upon another occasion and to express my [struck: perfect] full conviction of his fitness for [struck: public] high confidential public employment His abilities are respectable as will appear by [struck: his and] two pieces published [struck: under] [inserted: with] the Signature of Manley and The Federalist. His fortune is handsome - His manners remarkably engaging and his integrity [struck: unimpeached] [inserted: unquestionable] He has no children & therefore would [struck: I presume] I am well persuaded have no objection to the mission alluded to I have [2] also been requested to name Judge Sullivan the attorney Genl of this state [struck: as a person who might like to serve] as a Commissioner for ascertaining the boundary [struck: of] the St Croix - He has written a history of the district of Maine in which this subject is [struck: mentioned] somewhat discussed.
[struck: Knowing [struck: well] your desire [struck: for] upon all occasions of having characters [inserted: for employment] [struck: suggested to you] brought to view I have taken the liberty of naming the above gentlemen, being well persuaded that you will]
I have named these Gentlemen with [struck: the] less diffidence that I otherwise should [struck: do] [inserted: have done] were I not well [struck: informed] [inserted: knowing] of your desire of having upon all important occassions, [inserted: the names of] as many [inserted: proper] candidates [inserted: before you] as possible -
Mrs. Knox unites with me in presenting ourselves affectionately to your and Mrs. Washingtons [struck: recollection] [inserted: remembrance]
[3] Mr [strike-out] Parsons of this state have also been suggested as very suitable for One of the Commissioners, to [strike-out] [inserted: adjust matters] in United States in pursuance of the said treaty - His knowledge and talents are of the first class -
I am my dear Sir
with great respect your
Obedient Servant -
[docket]
Boston 21 Feby 1796 The President of the United States -
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