Knox, Henry (1750-1806) George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.07342 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Thomaston, Maine Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 December 1799 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 24.4 x 20.1 cm. Order a Copy
Introduces Rufus Davenport, a Boston merchant, to Washington. Writes that he, "like myriads of others, cannot die in peace, nor live with satisfaction, until they see you, who has done so much for them and for their Country!" Briefly discusses news regarding his estate in Maine and his family. Unaware of Washington's death on 14 December 1799, Knox closes the letter "I pray fervently that your days on earth may be days of felicity without clouds sickness or sorrow." Includes a blank partial piece of paper (does not appear to have been part of this letter). Letterpress copy.
Retained, letterpress copy of GLC05544.
[draft]
[inserted in different hand: To Genl. Washington]
Thomaston St George 22. 1799.
My dear Sir
Mr. Rufus Davinsport a Boston Merchant of respectability has requsted me to introduce him to you. He like myriads of others cannot die in peace, nor live with satisfaction, until they see you, who has done so much for them and for their Country!
I am here and should be most happy in my pursuit than I have ever been were some embarrasment entirely dissipated. But this will require time & of estate with indulgence is competent and greatly more to the discharge of every cent I owe Mrs. Knox.
Mrs. Knox and Caroline are with us [2] [text loss] who are here unite with us in presenting to Mrs. Washington [strikeout] our affectionate remembrance. I may not wish you the greatest blessing but wished you a long life - because I believe for that while you continue here you are detained from a much better condition. But I pray fervently that your days on earth may be days of felicity without clouds sickness or sorrow.
Your ever affectnt
freiend
H Knox
[Esq]
General Washington
[docket]
[illegible]
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