Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Clement Biddle
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01287 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 11 November 1781 Pagination: 4 p. ; 23 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Thanks him and Mrs. Biddle for their kindness to Mrs. Knox and their young daughter while in Philadelphia. Comments that Biddle's knowledge of his orders during the siege will excuse his inability to write frequently. Stresses his interest in ensuring that American battalions are filled with troops. Describes the recent illness and death of Mr. Custis, George Washington's stepson, while he was at camp with Washington as an aide. Mentions that General and Mrs. Washington were present for his "last gasp." He is waiting for General and Mrs. Washington and Mrs. Custis to arrive, but "Mrs. Knox seems inclined to go to Philadelphia to lye-in, but we cannot determine on the matter untill Mrs. Washington arrives." Asks Biddle to inquire into lodgings in Philadelphia for Mrs. Knox for three months, and stresses his desire to make her comfortable, regardless of price. Mentions Nathanael Greene and Tilghman, possibly Tench Tilghman, George Washington's aide-de-camp. Struck note on the left side of first page.
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