Washington, George, 1732-1799 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.09430 Author/Creator: Washington, George, 1732-1799 Place Written: Mount Vernon, Virginia Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 20 September 1795 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 23.2 x 19.8 cm. Order a Copy
Recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the University of Cambridge with his tutor. Instructed Cabot to inform the boy Washington would "be to him as a friend & father," though his relationship to Lafayette was to initially remain a secret. Hopes Knox will move his family to Philadelphia for the winter. Docket indicates this letter was "the property of H. M. Hyde selected from the papers of her grandfather Gen. Knox."
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