George Washington Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Washington/05-16-02-0507

From George Washington to Henry Knox, 30 September 1794

To Henry Knox

Philadelphia Sepr 30th 1794

Dear Sir,

Under the circumstances which exist to exceed your proposed time of absence so long, is to be regretted—but hearing nothing from you for a considerable time has given alarm, lest some untoward accident may have been the cause of it.1

Having occasion sometime ago to write to Colo. Ball on business, I observed that the land of which he was possessed was reported as a favorable spot on which to establish an Arsenal & desired to know if he was disposed to part with it—He answered, that he had not entertained any thoughts of doing it—but he would take twenty or twenty five (I am not sure which) thousand dollars for the whole tract—containing I think one thousand Acres—I replied the sum, I was sure, was much more than the appropriation would allow if the land was worth it. & therefore it was needless to think more of the matter.2 Since that I have received the enclosed letter, from him to you on the subject under cover to me. Ten days ago I wrote him that when you returned, his letter should be presented, & I presumed an answer would be given—thus stands the matter.3

The other letter from General Wilkinson, enclosed for your perusal, you may think, & say what you please, respecting it.4

I am in the moment of my departure for Carlisle, where my ulterior movements will be resolved upon; this prevents me from adding more at this time than that, with sincere esteem, regard & friendship I am always Your Affectionate

Go: Washington

ADfS, DLC:GW; LB, DLC:GW.

1Knox did not return to Philadelphia until 5 October.

2See GW to Burgess Ball, 27 July and 10 Aug.; and Ball to GW, 5 August.

3The enclosed letter from Ball to Knox has not been identified. It was sent to GW with Ball’s letter of 10 Sept., to which GW replied in his letter to Ball of 25 September.

4The letter from James Wilkinson has not been identified.

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