Adams Papers
Documents filtered by: Period="Revolutionary War" AND Volume="Adams-06-08"
sorted by: editorial placement
Permanent link for this document:
https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/06-08-02-0134

To John Adams from Henry Knox, 10 October 1779

From Henry Knox

West Point. 10th October 1779

Dear Sir

I received your obliging favor of the 19th last month by Mr. Lowell, for which I thank you.

Mr. Gerard has been to Camp, and has return’d to Philadelphia, to embark on board of the Confederacy for France, on board of the same Ship Mr. Jay and his Family embark. Mr. Gerard made us happy, politically so I mean, by informing us of your appointment as sole Minister plenipotentiary for the purpose of negociating a peace, and that you were to embark on board the frigate le sensible for France, to reside in Paris, untill an opportunity for so desirable an event should present itself.

Heaven send you a safe passage and a speedy opportunity of exercising your abilities in bringing the War to an Isue, and presenting to your Country the object of their wishes and prayers, Peace, Liberty and Safety.

I have taken the liberty to enclose a packet for Mr. Jonathan Williams in France, in which there is a Letter for my Brother1 who I expect is in France. Should you see him previous to seeing Mr. Williams I shall be much obliged by your breaking open the packet and taking out the Letter for my brother.

I am Dear sir with the highest Respect Your most Obedient Humble servt

H Knox

RC (Adams Papers); docketed: “General Knox.”

1William Knox, who had gone to Europe earlier in 1779 (Thomas Morgan Griffiths, Major General Henry Knox and the Last Heirs to Montpelier, Monmouth, Maine, 1965, p. 8–9).

Index Entries