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Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 to Henry Knox

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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03144 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 Place Written: Paris, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: May 11, 1785 Pagination: 2 p. : Height: 22.9 cm, Width: 18.9 cm Order a Copy

Lafayette hopes this letter finds Knox in New York arranging for his duties as Secretary of War. Rejoices in Knox's selection as "the patriot and the soldier are nobly united in your person." Says Knox can write to him as a friend or as secretary of war. Lafayette goes on to say he might be a "useful tool in some expeditions," but that he should keep quiet about it. Says he had a chance to write John Jay a few words on "the affair of Longchamps, a journey I intend taking to be back in October, and a whale oil proposal, in consequence of what you told me at Boston, which is all what I could obtain this year." He is happy that General Nathanael Greene has sent his son to France to be educated with his own son. He hopes Knox will also send his son. Says he has been on the lookout for Knox's brother, William, but suspects he has returned to America.

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Jay, John, 1745-1829
Greene, Nathanael, 1742-1786
Knox, William, 1756-1795

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