Our Collection

At the Institute’s core is the Gilder Lehrman Collection, one of the great archives in American history. More than 70,000 items cover five hundred years of American history, from Columbus’s 1493 letter describing the New World to soldiers’ letters from World War II and Vietnam. Explore primary sources, visit exhibitions in person or online, or bring your class on a field trip.

Advanced Search
Back to Collection Search

Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to unknown

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 #: GLC02437.09950 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: s.l. Type: Manuscript document Date: October 1793 Pagination: 4 p. ; 32.2 x 20.2 cm.

Relates the concerns of the President, George Washington, regarding the "present hostile state of Europe," and the consequences it may have for the United States. Writes, "It is acknowledged by all who reflect upon the course of human events that a just regard for its own preservation and security, is the primary duty of every independent nation." Believes that the United States is in a good position to defend itself should the need arise. States that though the President does not have legal authority to direct measures of defense, he feels that the respective states should do what they can to repair the decaying seaports and coastal defenses that have not been used since the late war. Also advises that the patriotism of individuals needs to be aroused, "to produce an arrangement on the existence of which the preservation of their lives property and liberties might eventually depend." Date added later in pencil. Docketed, "To be considered."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Washington, George, 1732-1799
The New Nation, 1783-1815
President
Government and Civics
Military History
Foreign Affairs
Global History and Civics
National Security
Patriotism
US Constitution
Law
The Early Republic

Order a CopyCitation 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.