Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to George Washington
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03273 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 June 1786 Pagination: 6 p. : docket ; Height: 32 cm, Width: 20.3 cm Order a Copy
Explains an issue with Major Pierre L'Enfant and the Society of Cincinnati. Major L'Enfant was sent to France to present Eagles to the French members of the society, at the society's expense. Was granted a sum of money for the purpose, but in his zeal to serve the society, he had more than 100 extra Eagles cast by the artist there, Mr. Francastle (goldsmith Nicolas-Jean Francastel). When he returned to America, he found that the society could not reimburse the extra expense, and the Eagles were not selling. The debt could ruin the Major, and Knox is concerned for him, as well as for the reputation of the society. Has discussed it with the Major and he would like to wait till the next society meeting, which will be in May 1787, and hopes that an inquiry will find that he was acting appropriately and help him with the debt. Would like Washington's opinion on the subject. Knox's retained draft.
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