Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 85,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World through the end of the twentieth century.

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Jonathan Williams

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 #: GLC02437.07406 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 10 May 1800 Pagination: 4 p. ; 25.1 x 20.2 cm. Order a Copy

Knox explains to Williams the situation surround Henry Jackson Knox and his refusal to accept midshipman status after being refused promotion to lieutenant. Knox's son "appears to have no proper value for money, and is therefore very extravagant." Knox thought the Navy would help straighten his son out, but now Knox fears his son will be "involved in a course of errors and vices which may overwhelm him." Knox asks Williams to take him on and help Henry Jackson Knox overcome his weaknesses. Knox is afraid his son's love of gambling has left a considerable debt that Knox cannot pay. Knox prefers that his son rejoin the Navy, but if that is not possible, Knox thinks it would be best if son travel to Maine to be with his parents. Henry Jackson Knox should travel by water and not land because land travel would be more expensive and he would be too distracted by "bad company" and tempted to stray if went by land. If President Adams is still in Philadelphia and Williams thinks it is appropriate to consult him on this matter, Knox consents to allow Williams to do so.

Williams, Jonathan, 1750-1815
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, Henry Jackson, 1780-1832
Adams, John, 1735-1826

Citation Guidelines for Online Resources