Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC05544 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: Thomaston, Maine Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 22 December 1799 Pagination: 2 p. : address : docket ; 24.8 x 20.3 cm. Order a Copy
Introduces Rufus Davenport, a Boston merchant, to Washington. Writes that he, "like myriads of others, cannot die in peace, nor live with satisfaction, until they see you, who has done so much for them and for their Country!" Briefly discusses news regarding his estate in Maine and his family. Unaware of Washington's death on 14 December 1799, Knox closes the letter "I pray fervently that your days on earth may be days of felicity without clouds sickness or sorrow." GLC02437.07342 is Knox's retained copy of this letter.
Notes: GLC02437.07342 is the retained copy of this document.
Thomaston St Georges River December
22 1799.
My dear Sir
Mr Rufus Davenport a Boston Merchant of respectability has requested me to introduce him to you. He like myriads of others, cannot die in peace, nor live with satisfaction, until they see you, who has done so much for them and for their Country!
I am here and should be more happy in my pursuits than I have ever been were some embarrasments entirely dissipated. But this will require time. My estate with indulgence is competent, and greatly more, to the discharge of every cent I owe. Mrs. Knox Miss Knox and Caroline are with us Henry is [2] in the navy. All who are here unite with me in presenting to Mrs. Washington and you our affectionate remembrance. I may not wish you the greatest blessing by wishing you a long life - because I believe firmly that while you continue here you are detained from a much better condition. But I pray fervently that your days on earth may be days of felicity without clouds sickness or sorrow.
Your ever affectionate
friend H Knox
General Washington
[overleaf]
Born in Boston July 1750
Died at Thomaston Oct 25th 1806 aged 56 yrs
Washington Died Dec 14. 1799
[address]
His Excellency
General Washington
Mount Vernon
[docket]
Genl. H. Knox to
General Washington
a letter of civility in
favor of R. Davenport
dated Decr. 22d. 1799
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