Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to David Humphreys
Order a pdf of this item here.
A high-resolution version of this object is available for registered users. LOG IN
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03389 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 December 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 31.6 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Apparently responding to GLC02437.03334. Apologizes for not writing sooner. Writes, "Brevet rank in general appears to me to be delusive and far from answering the purposes designed by it - It sours and disgusts all who are not the objects of it, and it implants in the heart of its professor a restless disposition until he obtains the emoluments and substantial benefits of his title -The progress of this presently render rank more intricate in its nature than landed property held under the various servants of the feudal system - For these and other reasons, I cannot fully accede to your ideas on the subjects of the Lt Colonels Commandant possessing the hand of Brigadiers." Provides several other ideas related to changing military grades, which he hopes to put into effect instead. Marked "private."
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.