Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 to David Humphreys
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.03389 Author/Creator: Knox, Henry, 1750-1806 Place Written: New York, New York Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 23 December 1786 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; Height: 31.6 cm, Width: 19.8 cm Order a Copy
Apparently responding to GLC02437.03334. Apologizes for not writing sooner. Writes, "Brevet rank in general appears to me to be delusive and far from answering the purposes designed by it - It sours and disgusts all who are not the objects of it, and it implants in the heart of its professor a restless disposition until he obtains the emoluments and substantial benefits of his title -The progress of this presently render rank more intricate in its nature than landed property held under the various servants of the feudal system - For these and other reasons, I cannot fully accede to your ideas on the subjects of the Lt Colonels Commandant possessing the hand of Brigadiers." Provides several other ideas related to changing military grades, which he hopes to put into effect instead. Marked "private."
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