Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816) to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.01897 Author/Creator: Morris, Gouverneur (1752-1816) Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 7 February 1783 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 23.8 x 18.2 cm. Order a Copy
Written by Morris as the Assistant Superintendent of Finance to Major General Knox. Wants to give him an update on affairs. Says "It has given me much Pain to see the army looking wildly for a Redress of Grievances" -- a reference to the half-pay pensions the officers desired. Says that "During the War they find you useful and after a Peace they will wish to get rid of you And they will see you starve rather than pay a six Penny Tax.." Says experience has made him take this point of view. Predicts that "the best Legislature on the Continent will do Things which the worst man among them would in his private Capacity be ashamed of." Suggests that the officers should align themselves with the other creditors of the government to achieve their goal.
Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
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