Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03155 Author/Creator: Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 Place Written: Chavaniac, Auvergne, France Type: Autograph letter signed Date: June 12, 1785 Pagination: 4 p. : docket ; Height: 23.2 cm, Width: 19 cm Order a Copy
Previously thought Knox's brother William had returned to America, but he recently received news that he had been confined in a house in London since January because he was "disordered in His Head." Reports William is better and "in a few weeks will be able to go out, which he very much desires." Says he wanted to go to London upon hearing the news, but thought better of it as his travels would no doubt be noticed by many and might cause unseemly news about William to get in the newspapers. He sent a trusted family member instead, who has made sure William received proper care. He hopes that William will travel to Paris after he improves. Lafayette claims he will travel to London under a false name if need be, however. Mentions arrangements of getting William to France. With these arrangements in place, he says he will travel to Berlin at some point in the next month to review the Prussian and Austrian troops. He will also visit several battlefields and hopes to be back in Paris by October. Goes on to say "I confidentially intrust to you, my dear Sir, that I am about purchasing a fine plantation in a french Colony, to make the Experiment for Enfranchising Our Negro Brethren, god grant it may Be propagated!"
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