Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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 #: GLC02437.09398 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript letter signed Date: 29 August 1789 Pagination: 2 p. ; 32.2 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Countersigned by Henry Knox. Instructs Knox regarding his conduct (notes that the principles imparted are to remain secret). Indicates that the Government of the United States are determined that their administration of Indian Affairs shall be directed with justice and humanity. Refers to Knox's negotiations with the Creeks. Text is obscured due to a large water stain on page two.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
These Instructions will be the governing principles of your conduct and they are to be
regarded as Secret.
But many circumstances may arise which may render some degree of modification necessary - In every event however you will please to remember - That the Government of the United States are determined that their administration of Indian Affairs shall be directed entirely by the great principles of Justice and humanity.
As soon as you shall have concluded your negociations with the Creeks, and fowarded your Messages as [2] as herein directed [text loss] this place and mak[text loss] of all your transactions [text loss] of the War Department.
Given under my hand [struck: and]
[text loss] at the City of New York
this 29:th day of August 1789
Go: Washington
By Command
of the President of the United States.
Knox -
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.