Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references Lafayette's letter from February 11, 1786. He thanks Lafayette for his kindness toward his brother, William, when he was ill. Says that William has recovered and has been with him since October 1785. Hopes the recovery is permanent. Discusses the affair of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who had been sent to France in 1783 to purchase jeweled eagle badges for the members of the Society of the Cincinnati. L'Enfant returned to America in 1784 and brought back many badges purchased on credit. The price proved too high for some officers, which left L'Enfant in a bind. Goes on to say that the Society approved of L'Enfant's conduct and owed 630 dollars to him for his services in France, which Knox says was recently offered to him. L'Enfant refused the payment until the entire issue of the badges purchased on credit is cleared up with the Society. Says L'Enfant will write to Lafayette. Reports he will keep Washington informed. Knox also notes that he gave "our friend Baron Steuben" an extract from Lafayette's letter about von Steuben and also had it published. Thanks Lafayette for offering to watch over his son's education in France. Knox hopes they can exchange sons in the future. Talks of government and says "The revolution has presented us with the opportunity of [pursuing] a strong republican government - But nothing more than the opportunity[.] every home provinces, exchange in opinion But the federal government must be strengthened." Speaks of the character of the American people after the peace treaty with Britain. Reports that "The indians ... of the Ohio are troublesome to the Settlers." Believes the cause is "indiscretions on the part of the Settlers." Says there are 600 troops in the Ohio country and they are there to keep the public lands free from lawless settlers. Says there is enough western land to cancel the debt if it is sold properly. Says "The british were not [leaving] the posts this Summer." The British claim they will not leave them as they were not captured and because the Americans have not complied with treaty stipulations on refugees and debt. Knox says "I wish this was not true." Sends greetings to friends.