Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01608 Author/Creator: Morris, Gouverneur, 1752-1816 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 September 1782 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 22.6 x 19 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Morris as Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. A sarcastic letter expressing annoyance about Congress and their activities after receiving information on the conduct at Elizabethtown -- probably a reference to the negotiations for prisoner exchanges or for the evacuation of New York City taking place there. Says "Our Sovereign Lords the Congress have at length assented to (not approved of) our Conduct at Elizabeth town." It seems that Congress was not willing to respond harshly to General Sir Henry Clinton's letter, which expressed things the American negotiators were not pleased with. Says Congress has "been compelled to adopt our Principles," which probably means they were convinced of the propriety of responding harshly to Clinton's letter. Reports that the bearer of this letter will bring copies of the latest accounts of the enemy. Gives odds of "a Million to one" that the British General will not have power to "form Great Seals" -- probably a reference to possible stalling tactics that might be adopted by the British in the negotiations.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
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