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 ; Height: 22.5 cm, Width: 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.
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