Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09321 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Manuscript document Date: 30 December 1794 Pagination: 1 p. ; 31 x 20.5 cm. Order a Copy
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for his valuable public service, as Knox is about to retire as Secretary of War. Copied from original 7 February 1854 according to note on first page.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[Draft]
No 2- Copied from the Original [inserted: & compared] Feby. 1st 1854-
Washington Philadelphia Decbr 30. 1794
Sir,
The considerations which you have often suggested to me, and are repeated in your letter of the 28th inst. - as requiring your departure from your present office are are such as to preclude the possibility of my urging your continuance in it -
This being the case, I can only wish that it was otherwise - I cannot suffer you however, to close you publick service without uniting with the satisfaction which must arise in your own mind from a conscious rectitude, my most perfect persuasion, that you have deserved well of your country - My personal knowledge of your exertions, while it authorizes me to hold this language, justifies the sincere friendship which I have ever borne for you, and which will accompany you in evry situation of life.
Being with Affectionate Regard Always Yours (sd.) G Washington
Majr. Genl Knox. Secty War -
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