Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox
Order a pdf of this item here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09406 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 5 January 1785 Pagination: 5 p. : docket ; 30.7 x 18.7 cm. Order a Copy
Complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. Plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are valued, as Washington enjoys corresponding with those he loves. Discusses the extended navigation of United States rivers, hoping that the legislatures will agree. Proposes to employ adventurers to first navigate the rivers, and later to impose tolls as river traffic increases, noting that the enterprise will not begin at the expense of the public. Expresses satisfaction at the rise of rents in Alexandria, and relates tentative plans to build another house for the purpose of letting. Notes the differences between building with stone versus oyster shell lime and asks Knox to inquire in the Boston area about terms with contractors to supply lime. Reports that the Marquis de Lafayette is well pleased with his reception in America. Send his and Martha's love to Henry and his wife Lucy, and congratulates the Knox family on the recent birth of another child.
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.