Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828 to Henry Knox

Written by Peirce to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 8 October. Consoles Knox on the death of his boy. Says "Alas Deaths Shafts fly thick. no less than five of my little ones have fallen by his relentless hand." Mentions a small box he wants to send and asks if Colonel Brooks has room on one of his wagons. Tells him "At present I cannot think of any other method to accomplish the desires of the Gentleman you mention, than for his brother to petition the Governor & Council, or the Genl Court, if that will not do it." Says the gentleman called on him about it and after a discussion with some other people, believes that petitioning is the best route to go. Says a Mr. Burgis, son in law to Mr. Dickinson of London, has arrived from Amsterdam and wants to naturalize as a citizen of Massachusetts. Burgis tried to better his status by becoming a "Burgher of Amsterdam" before leaving, but he believes he will be asked to leave the Commonwealth in a few days nonetheless. Does not know the progress on the committee deciding on officer's pensions. Asks "What think you of the paper War between Mr. Sullivan & Mr. Temple? those things have a very bad effect, where the most perfect Union ought to Subsist." Congratulates him on his command of West Point. Postscript asks that an enclosed letter (not included here) be passed along to his brother who is with his regiment.