Harwood, Richard (fl. 1791-1794) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06017 Author/Creator: Harwood, Richard (fl. 1791-1794) Place Written: London, England Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 1 January 1794 Pagination: 3 p. : address ; 22.4 x 18.9 cm. Order a Copy
Makes inquiries about the value of the estate in the District of Maine. Heard its value has gone up considerably and that timber is being shipped as far away as Virginia. Believes Knox made a good profit on the lands and wants to know what Knox raised from his wife's portion of the estate. Says that it was his wife's "intention to have conveyed her share to you as proposed by Mrs. Knox, but every American we have consulted & particularly one Gentleman who has a large Estate in the same Neighbourhood say it wou'd be folly in the extreme to part with so valuable an Estate for such a trifling sum of Money as the Legacy in question as it wou'd sell for a great deal more by Auction in this Country [England]." Believes the property will only raise in value as the European War pushes people to emigrate to America. Says the newspaper of this morning predicts Maine will be an independent state, which he believes will make the lands even more valuable. Wants to know if Mrs. Knox received the watch chain sent three years before. Postscript mentions "News this morng of the Evacuation of Toulon." This letter no doubt upset Knox.
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