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Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to William Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.00750 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: Pluckemin, New Jersey Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 13 February 1779 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; 32.6 x 21 cm. Order a Copy

Explains why he has not written recently, citing "a very bad arrangement between me & the post Master." Expresses relief that he and William agree regarding an unspecified matter and a Mr. Hichborne (most sources say "Hichborn"). Refers to the "hoorid fate of the General Arnold." Notes "humanity recoils at the Idea of the distress which the poor families must sustain by the loss of their husbands, fathers, or brothers in that tremendous catastrophe" (the General Arnold, a ship, crashed on a sandbar outside of Plymouth, Massachusetts in December 1778). Knox had some investment in the ship, noting his relief that savings from the wreck will pay all expenses. Discusses British ships and the high price of goods in Philadelphia. Instructs William to pay Mr. French a sum owed by Knox. Comments on Betsey and Sally Winslow, who are staying in Pluckemin. Remarks, "You will see in the papers some... charges against Genl [Benedict] Arnold by the State of Pennsylvania- I shall be exceedingly mistaken if one of them can be proven- he has returned to Philadelphia and will I hope be able to vindicate himself from the aspersion of his enemies."

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Knox, William, 1756-1795
Arnold, Benedict, 1741-1801
Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

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