King, Rufus (1755-1827) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03111 Author/Creator: King, Rufus (1755-1827) Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 14 March 1785 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 22.5 x 18.3 cm. Order a Copy
King, a Continental Congressman, attempts to persuade Knox to accept the appointment of Secretary at War. Notes that although the salary is low, there will be a possibility for an increase, or an allowance for rent and traveling expenses. Declares, "If the wishes of your particular friends, and the entire satisfaction of the states would be an inducement to your acceptance, you cannot refuse- I could not excuse myself, did I not make these observations to you; the present wasting condition of the Department requires the hand of a master; if you decline, I fear we shall be driven into an election, that will neither aid the dignity, nor preserve the interest, of the Union... I write as one citizen anxious for the public wellfare [sic], to another capable of promoting it."
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
[draft]
New York 14th. March 1785 -
Sir,
Before this comes to hand you will have received official notice of your appointment of Secretary at War; with this notice you will undoubtedly be informed that the salary is fixed at twenty four hundred and fifty Dollars - this sum is too small, but in the exisiting situation of affairs it was not practicable to obtain a larger sum - the Office is certainly a very honorable one; and the U.S. will not suffer the head of so very respectable a department to remain unsupported - the ordinance for erecting federal buildings on the Delaware, makes provision for the Secretary at War -the salary of that officer has been determined on, since the passing of the ordinance [2] relative to federal buildings; a future congress would probably be of opinion that House Rent should be allowed to the Secretary at War exclusive of his salary, until the federal buildings are completed -
Add to this, if the contingent expences of the Office, including the expence of travelling to and from the various Posts and Magazines are allowed to the Secretary, the salary would be more adequate to his support -
In fact, when congress shall be convinced by a particular statement of expenditure that the salary is insufficient, they certainly will not refuse to increase it: the present sum therefore I hope will not be an objection.
If the wishes of your particular friends, and the entire satisfaction of the states would be [3] an inducement to your assistance, you cannot refuse - I could not excuse myself, did I not make these observations to you; the present wanting condition of the Department requires the hand of a master; if you decline, I fear we shall be driven into an eleation, that will neither aid the Dignity, nor preserve the interest, of the Union.
I wish you to understand me to communicate the sentiments of an individual friend, and which carry with them no manner of public Obligation - I write as one Citizen anxious for the public wellfare, to another capable of promoting it - please to present me with respect to Mrs. Knox, and believe me to be with perfect consideration you
Obt. Servt.
Rufus King
Genl. Knox -
[docket]
from Honble Rufus King Esqr
14 March 1785
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