Knox, Henry (1750-1806) to Nathanael Greene
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.10091 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Place Written: West Point, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 2 February 1783 Pagination: 3 p. : docket ; 35.4 x 22.7. Order a Copy
Knox, Commander at West Point, congratulates General Greene, Commander of the Southern Department. Recently received news of Greene through Major Burnet. Writes, "To say only I congratulate you on the enemys total evacuation of the Southern States, would very imperfectly express my happiness upon the occasion... you must be doubly happy, in being so fortunate as to be conscious of having done well... prominent actions, if not attended with success, are often disregarded by the people. But thank God the case is otherwise with you." Notes that he has been at West Point for five months. Comments on the death of his youngest son, a "little angel." Expresses hope in the possibility of peace with the British. Sends the compliments of another general stationed with him at West Point.
The British evacuated Charleston, South Carolina, in December 1782.
[draft]
West point 3 Feby, 1783
[struck: My dear friend]
My much loved friend . Major Burnet having Yesterday made his appearance at Kings Ferry with an intention [struck: of having to] [inserted: crossing the river to have an] interview with his Father in the vicinity of this [struck: post] place but being prevented by the ice, he contented himself with writing to his father [inserted: & at the same [illegible]] [struck: and] was so good as to send me a note, informing me that he [inserted: was immediately] [struck: soon was] to return to Carolina. I should have been so happy to have seen the major, to have made minute enquiries concerning you and Mrs Greene, but I am [strikeout] obliged to him for the note as it affords me an opportunity of writing to you which will be conveyed by his Father who goes to Newark to see him.
To say [strikeout] [inserted: only] I congratulate you on the enemys total evacuation of the Southern States, would very imperfectly express my happiness upon the occasion. I rejoice with you my dear friend infinity [sic] more than words can convey on an event that so completely and permanently secures the exalted reputation [inserted: which] you have [inserted: so] richly earned. You must be doubly happy, in being so fortunate as to be conscious of having done well, and [struck: at the same to have] your whole Country of the same opinion [2] This [struck: you are sensible] is [inserted: not] always the case. Pre[e]minent actions, if not attended with [struck: the brillancy of] success [inserted: are] often disregarded by the [struck: people] [struck: community] [inserted: people]. [strikeout] But thank God the case is otherwise with you. It is acknowledged by all [strikeout] that you have [inserted: had] innumerable difficulties to struggle with, [struck: and [strikeout] you have risen superior to them by your [strikeout] wisdom fortitude and perserverance [sic] far beyond all calculation] and that contrary to all calculation you have risen superior to them, by the aspects of your judgement [sic] fortitude and perseverance. [struck: These are the sentiments of a heart [strikeout] Yours] I hope your Country will ever preserve a lively sense of your services - where they shall neglect them, it will in my opinion be as [inserted: full] proof of their corruption.
XX I flatter myself that in the Spring we shall have the pleasure of [struck: havi] seeing you & Mrs Greene to the northward. I have been at this post [struck: three or four] [inserted: about five] months, and we have the severe affliction to lose our youngest boy. Death like a relentless [illegible] as he is, seized and forced the little angel from us with strong and resistless hand.
XX The prospects of peace seem to open [3] more and more, 'ere you will receive this you will be able to form a decided judgement [sic] what it will with his blessings visit us this year or not
General [Huntington] son who is here with me bequests his compliments to you. Mrs Knox joins with me in presenting our affectionate regards to Mrs Greene and your self - We wish you every blessing- please to present my [text loss] to Genl Wayne Gist - Morris &c &c -
Adieu [struck: my dear] HKnox
General Greene
[docket]
To Genl. Greene 3 Feby 1783
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