Knox, William, 1756-1795 to Henry Knox

Letter written by William, Major General Knox's brother, to Henry Knox. Includes a postscript written and signed by Lafayette. References the taking of Mahon, an island off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean, by the Spanish. Says Gibraltar is "closely beseiged and 'tis thought by many will fall." Mentions changes in the "English Ministry" -- Marquis of Rockingham is made First Minister and Lord Shelburne and Charles Fox are Secretaries of State. Says the Cavendishes, Duke of Richmond, Grafton, Lord Cambden, Burke, and Barre are all employed as well. Says "a sufficient time has not yet elapsed yet to develope the intentions of the new Ministry altho' 'tis thought they will be more peacibly inclined than those who have gone out." Says Admiral Barrington has been sent out with 12 ships of the line, but the destination is unknown. Says John Adams is worried about the new ministry's overtures to the Dutch, which he fears will derail his loan dealings. Says "No overtures have made their appearance for a general peace, much is said of granting American independence and continuing the War with France by the out-door people in England, but I rather expect to hear of some general terms for Peace Sooner than any of a partial nature." Says he will stay in Paris a few weeks in order to collect news. References a letter from Henry in which he gave news of a birth of a son. Says General du Portail or Lafayette (or both) will soon sail to America and wants to send epaulets and lace with them. Lafayette's note on page 4 introduces Louis de Ségur to Knox.