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Henry Knox to Nathanael Greene, 15 February 1784
Manuscript letter
Dorchester near Boston 15 Feby 1784
answered
I have apologies innumerable to make, for not having written you since my arrival here, but of the whole catalogue a [dimunition] of affection is not of the number. It was my hope that some particular matters, which I have with this Government, would have been adjusted insuch time as to have admitted of my going to Newport for the sole purpose of gratifying those affections for you that will ever be my happiness to entertain. I am now rather apprehensive that I shall not be able to go by reason of the tedious [favours?] of business. But if it is possible you shall see me. If you & Mrs Greene could make it convenient to come this way, you will ([?] [?]) find a people who will rejoice to shew you how much they respect & esteem you. Indeed our friend [the] [General?] [inserted above: “and you”] absorb the whole praise of the republick.
I hope you are deeply interested in our Society of the Cincinnati. [Burkes] pamphlett has [crossed out or accidental line through: “created”] here, and as far as I can [l-?], throughout the new New England States created jealousies of our infant
institution
Gen Greene.
[p. 2] institution. Jealousies unwaranted by the conduct of the Army, or their Finances. Perhaps among you carolinians the matter may be different owing to the inequality of Fortune. Whatever may be the fears of the honest part of the community, they will subside, when experience of the officers in the capacity of citizens shall have more matured their judgements.
I intended to have had your Cannon, engraved at West point, and engaged an artist, to execute the emblems, and inscriptions, but unfortunately upon examination we found, all the cannon there were engraved already. I have written since I came here to Mr Hodgdon at Philadelphia to have two of these, at that place engraved with the enclosed inscription, which I hope will be agreeable to you. He will let me know his progress on the business, which I will communicate to you.
I have taken a house at Dorchester about 5/[?] miles from the town, where my Lucy and I shall be happy indeed to receive you and Mrs Greene. This but forty minutes ride from the town, and free from its tumult, and bustle. As you are a kind of light dragoon
You would
[p. 3] you would commonly [ride] it in twenty minutes. Mrs K and myself present our perfect respect & affection to Mrs Greene. and I am my Dear friend
Your truly affectionate
HKnox
Inscription for the Cannon.
“Taken from the Britons and presented to
Major General Greene
by order of Congress, as an illustrious monument, of their high Sense of his military talents, successfully displayed in the conduct of the Southern Army, amidst complicated difficulties, and dangers, and against an enemy greatly superior in numbers. Octr 1783.”
[p. 4] General Knox
Feb 15th 1784
Answered
[In a different hand: -167 – X]
[In pencil: Longfellow]
answered
I have apologies innumerable to make, for not having written you since my arrival here, but of the whole catalogue a [dimunition] of affection is not of the number. It was my hope that some particular matters, which I have with this Government, would have been adjusted insuch time as to have admitted of my going to Newport for the sole purpose of gratifying those affections for you that will ever be my happiness to entertain. I am now rather apprehensive that I shall not be able to go by reason of the tedious [favours?] of business. But if it is possible you shall see me. If you & Mrs Greene could make it convenient to come this way, you will ([?] [?]) find a people who will rejoice to shew you how much they respect & esteem you. Indeed our friend [the] [General?] [inserted above: “and you”] absorb the whole praise of the republick.
I hope you are deeply interested in our Society of the Cincinnati. [Burkes] pamphlett has [crossed out or accidental line through: “created”] here, and as far as I can [l-?], throughout the new New England States created jealousies of our infant
institution
Gen Greene.
[p. 2] institution. Jealousies unwaranted by the conduct of the Army, or their Finances. Perhaps among you carolinians the matter may be different owing to the inequality of Fortune. Whatever may be the fears of the honest part of the community, they will subside, when experience of the officers in the capacity of citizens shall have more matured their judgements.
I intended to have had your Cannon, engraved at West point, and engaged an artist, to execute the emblems, and inscriptions, but unfortunately upon examination we found, all the cannon there were engraved already. I have written since I came here to Mr Hodgdon at Philadelphia to have two of these, at that place engraved with the enclosed inscription, which I hope will be agreeable to you. He will let me know his progress on the business, which I will communicate to you.
I have taken a house at Dorchester about 5/[?] miles from the town, where my Lucy and I shall be happy indeed to receive you and Mrs Greene. This but forty minutes ride from the town, and free from its tumult, and bustle. As you are a kind of light dragoon
You would
[p. 3] you would commonly [ride] it in twenty minutes. Mrs K and myself present our perfect respect & affection to Mrs Greene. and I am my Dear friend
Your truly affectionate
HKnox
Inscription for the Cannon.
“Taken from the Britons and presented to
Major General Greene
by order of Congress, as an illustrious monument, of their high Sense of his military talents, successfully displayed in the conduct of the Southern Army, amidst complicated difficulties, and dangers, and against an enemy greatly superior in numbers. Octr 1783.”
[p. 4] General Knox
Feb 15th 1784
Answered
[In a different hand: -167 – X]
[In pencil: Longfellow]
Archives Number: 1002/9.3-097#001
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Collected Materials (1002/009), (LONG-SeriesName)
, Miscellaneous Famous People (1002/009.003), (LONG-SubseriesName)
, Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Letter to Nathanael Greene, February 1784 (1002/009.003-097), (LONG-FileUnitName)
, Miscellaneous Famous People (1002/009.003), (LONG-SubseriesName)
, Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Letter to Nathanael Greene, February 1784 (1002/009.003-097), (LONG-FileUnitName)
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Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Code: LONG
Longfellow House - Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site, Middlesex County, Massachusetts
Latitude: 42.3769989013672, Longitude: -71.1264038085938
Latitude: 42.3769989013672, Longitude: -71.1264038085938
Title: Finding Aid to the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Dana (1881-1950) Papers, 1744-1972 (bulk dated: 1850-1950)
URL: https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/archives.htm#HWLD
URL: https://www.nps.gov/long/learn/historyculture/archives.htm#HWLD
2023/10/31
02/15/1784
Manuscript letter in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Dana Papers, Series IX. Collected Materials, C. Miscellaneous Famous People. (1002/9.3-097#001)
Organization: Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: LONG_archives@nps.gov
Address: 105 Brattle Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
Email: LONG_archives@nps.gov
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Wednesday, February 21, 2024 12:00:18 AM
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