To Benjamin Franklin from John Hancock, 27 October 1781
From John Hancock
ALS: University of Pennsylvania Library
Boston 27 Octor. 1781
Sir
I have already written to you by this Opportunity,1 the Occasion of my Troubling you again, is at the last moment of the Departure of the Frigate2 to Solicit your Notice & Civilities to Mr. William Knox, who will have the Honor of Delivering this to you,3 he is Brother to General Knox whose Abilities & Conduct in the Military Line during this Contest has Endear’d him to this Country in such a manner as to gain the Universal Esteem of all Whigs & well wishers to their Country; I am confident your good Offices will not be wanting to this Young Gentleman, & any Advice, Assistance or Civilities extended to him, I shall Esteem as a favour Confer’d upon, Dear Sir Your Faithfull & most Obedt hume servt.
John Hancock
His Excellency Docr Franklin
Notation: Govr Hancock Recommendation of Mr Knox Oct. 27. 1781
1. He may mean his letter of Oct. 28, below. One of the two may be misdated.
2. The French frigate Engageante: Cooper to BF, Oct. 27, above; Knox to BF, Nov. 19, 1781 (University of Pa. Library).
3. Apparently Knox, who had made an earlier visit to Europe (XXX, 97n), participated with his brother in the victory at Yorktown: North Callahan, Henry Knox: General Washington’s General (New York and Toronto, 1958), p. 189.