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Writes that he is unaware of a present being sent from the King of France to General George Washington; declares that Colonel Laurens received money and goods but he thought they had been purchased. Provides information about a wartime incident featuring General Washington and the Comte de Grasse (much of this section is crossed out). May have been verifying information for the Reverend Doctor Gordon's history of the war (see GLC02437.03247). See GLC02437.03258 for a legible copy of the section describing this incident.
Later copy. Apparently an excerpt of GLC02437.03257, outlining an incident between General George Washington, the Comte de Grasse, General Rochambeau, General Henry Knox, and Lord Cornwallis. Note at top of page reads, Report of Genl Knox's letter to Dr Gordon, which the Dr has transferred to his history ii 255,256. outlining General Washington's letter to Count de Grasse, 'which,' says Knox, 'by some unaccountable means has been published.' Embossed seal in the upper left corner.
Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them! Alludes to combustibles in every State, which a spark might set fire to. Notes that Virginia is (at the moment) calm, but worries over disputes regarding navigation of the Mississippi. Discusses an amendment to the existing Constitution regarding paper emissions and military certificates. Expresses sadness regarding the recent death of General Nathanael Greene. Comments on Knox's previous references to the inadequacy of the present government, and the need for a change in this regard. Predicts that Great Britain is sowing the seeds of jealousy and discontent and will improve every opportunity to foment the spirit of turbulence within the bowels of the United States. Recommends vigilance in this period of unrest. In a post script, send his and Martha's love and congratulates Knox and his wife Lucy on the birth of another child. Recently received letters from General Tupper while Tupper was in the Western country.
Writes, The insurgents who were assembled at Worcester in Massachusetts have disbanded- The people at Boston seem to be glad at this event and say it was the effect of fear- But the fact is that the insurgents effected their object, which was to prevent the Court of Common Pleas from proceeding to business. It is probable that the seizing some of the insurgents at Middlesex occasioned a greater number of them to assemble at Worcester than otherwise would have assembled merely on Account of preventing the common Pleas. Adds that it appears that the government planned to bring the insurgents to action but was prevented by uncommonly deep snow. Declares, The commotions of Massachusetts have wrought prodigious changes in the minds of men in that State respecting the Powers of Government every body says they must be strengthned, and that unless this shall be effected, there is no Security for liberty or Property. Hopes to see Washington along with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth in Philadelphia in a few days. Retained copy.
Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters can be difficult, and he has been traveling to and from Massachusetts on both public and private business, which has prevented him from writing. Argues that the political system currently in place is inadequate: The powers of Congress are utterly inadequate to preserve the balance between the respective States, and oblige them to do those things which are essential for [strikeout] their own welfare or for the general good. Believes that all states are at odds with each other, at odds with the central government, and at odds within themselves. Comments that the political machine works against the public interest, especially regarding taxes. Writes, we have arrived at that point of time, in which we are forced to see our own humiliation as a nation and that a progression in this line cannot be productive of happiness either private or public - Something is wanting - and something must [struck: be obtained] be done, or we shall be involved in all the horror of faction and civil war, without a prospect of its termination. Has reason to believe there will be war with the Indians in the frontier, and explains that more troops will be added in the region. Also adds his sadness at the recent death of General [Nathanael] Greene, and his happiness at the birth of another daughter. He and his wife send their love to Washington and his wife. Knox's retained draft.
Explains an issue with Major Pierre L'Enfant and the Society of Cincinnati. Major L'Enfant was sent to France to present Eagles to the French members of the society, at the society's expense. Was granted a sum of money for the purpose, but in his zeal to serve the society, he had more than 100 extra Eagles cast by the artist there, Mr. Francastle (goldsmith Nicolas-Jean Francastel). When he returned to America, he found that the society could not reimburse the extra expense, and the Eagles were not selling. The debt could ruin the Major, and Knox is concerned for him, as well as for the reputation of the society. Has discussed it with the Major and he would like to wait till the next society meeting, which will be in May 1787, and hopes that an inquiry will find that he was acting appropriately and help him with the debt. Would like Washington's opinion on the subject. Knox's retained draft.
Writes to Reverend Doctor William Gordon, a prominent Massachusetts minister and historian. Discusses a brigade of General Nathanael Greene's division, commanded by Brigadier General Weedon, that engaged with the British at the close of the action at Brandywine. Explains that while Colonel Walter Stevens' s regiment fought gallantly, so did many others. Adds that he has tried to obtain information for Gordon's history but has been of limited success; refers him to General Greene, whose information must be perfect on this subject. Also relates that many printers in Boston are upset to hear that he plans to print his history in England. Wishes him a happy voyage when he does set sail for England. Asks him if he can be of service once he arrives there. Mrs. Lucy Knox sends her regards to Mrs. Gordon.
Half of the signature is missing. Writes that Knox may have seen by now a review of Gordon's history of the American Revolution. Would rejoice to hear, that you have allowed it to pass muster, as contributing toward the support of the American cause, though not entitled to rank among the first defenders of it. Asks him not to hold a grudge regarding Gordon's criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati. Discusses the British Parliament and its relationship to the monarchy. Mentions Knox's subscription to Gordon's history. Presents his respects to Mrs. Knox, their children, and other friends, and asks after Knox's brother William's health.
Later copy of GLC02437.03273.
Transmits a letter (not included) and asks Knox's advice regarding the Society of the Cincinnati. Notes that all papers of the Society are in the care of the Society's Secretary General, thus he cannot answer Mr. Jefferson's questions (possibly Thomas Jefferson, who was critical of the Society). Notes that some Society members obtained badges from Major [Pierre Charles] L'Enfant's Agency. Criticizes the badges L'Enfant created, noting that L'Enfant overcharged for the badges and misused the money he received. Has not seen L'Enfant since a Society meeting in 1784.