Knox, William, 1756-1795 to Henry Knox
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC02437.06321 Author/Creator: Knox, William, 1756-1795 Place Written: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Type: Autograph letter signed Date: January 24, 1795 Pagination: 7 p. : docket ; Height: 31.7 cm, Width: 19.1 cm Order a Copy
Discusses building a store in the Eastern lands. Notes the establishment would be created to serve the people and to add to "their happiness, ease, & comfort." Describes the traits and qualities the person in charge of the project should possess. Writes, "A young Quaker of good talent or other plain person… possessing honest & virtue principles a good accountant & understanding business..." Also discusses in great length Knox's time as a public servant and where his next place of residence should be. Advises Knox to keep his children close until they marry and suggests which schools Henry [Jackson Knox] should attend. Also warns Knox about the public view of Knox's spending habits and borrowing. Comments Knox made the right choice in choosing to retire from public service and he should leave Philadelphia immediately. Also warns Knox not to partake in any politics against England, France, or any other powers and to always turn his back to tyranny. Discusses his finances, future job outlooks, and being indebt to Knox. Speaks of looking work and seeks Knox's advice in the area he should enter. Notes he does not have the "talents nor inclination" to acquire great wealth and asks Knox to advice him as a free man and not his brother who is indebted to Knox. Also begs Knox not to assign him the responsibility of managing Knox's large holdings in the Eastern lands. Letter has a note at the top of page five that appears to have been added later in pencil.
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