Washington, George (1732-1799) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09426 Author/Creator: Washington, George (1732-1799) Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 24 September 1792 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 22.6 x 18.8 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. [George] Hammond (the first British envoy to the United States), Mr. [John] Penn (former colonial governor), and Andrew Allen (former colonial attorney general; Washington mistakenly writes Andrew Hamilton). Asks how Allen is being treated "by the Officers of the state Government (particularly the Govr) _ Mr. Morris &ca?" (likely referring to Governor Thomas Mifflin and U.S. Senator Robert Morris), noting that Allen is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is scarcely able to walk. Intends to leave Mount Vernon for Philadelphia on 8 or 9 October 1792. In a post script, notes that Hammond and Mr. Smith have arrived at Mount Vernon. Docketed in Knox's hand. See GLC02437.05631 for Knox's reply.
Research shows that Washington meant to write "Andrew Allen" rather than "Andrew Hamilton." Local newspapers confirm the arrival of Allen along with the others mentioned in this letter, and Knox's reply of 29 September 1792 (see GLC02437.05631) discusses him by the name Andrew Allen.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Mount Vernon Sept.r 24 - 92
My dear Sir,
(Private)
I thank you for the information contained in your private letters of the 16.th & 18.th inst.t From the contents of the last, it is probable Mr. Hammond will be here today, or tomorrow before Noon. -
I perceive by the Papers that Mr. Penn & lady are arrived, and with them, Mr. Andrew Hamilton & family. - What, pray, has been the reception of the last mentioned Gentleman by the Officers of the state Government (particularly the Govr) - Mr. Morris &cw? - I wish to be pretty accurately informed of this before my arrival; because, as he is considered as one of the obnoxious characters of the State of Pennsylvania, a little circumspection on the part of the President of the U. States may be necessary.
I hope Mrs. Knox & your family were well when you last heard from them. - My poor Nephew though a little better [2] is scarcely able to walk - If he should recover strength enough to bear the ride it is recommended to him to spend the Winter in the lower parts of the State where the weather is more temperate than it is at Mount Vernon. - But the chances are much against this. -
I still hold to my resolution of leaving this for Philadelphia about the 8.th or 9.th of next month, if the situation of my family & servants does not absolutely prevent it; for, never since I have lived at this place has the remitting fever been so prevalent as it has this year
Sincerely & Affectionately
I am always Yours
Go: Washington
PS.
Since writing the foregoing, Messrs. Hammond & Smiths are arrived at this place
Gen Knox
[address]
(Private)
General Knox
Philadelphia
[docket]
The President of the
US 24th Sept 1792
Original -
No. 18 -
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