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| Field name | Value |
|---|---|
| Collection Reference Number | GLC02437.01288 |
| From Archive Folder | The Henry Knox Papers [0035] November 1781 |
| Title | Henry Knox to Benjamin Lincoln reporting the death of Martha Washington's son |
| Date | 12 November 1781 |
| Author | Knox, Henry (1750-1806) |
| Recipient | Lincoln, Benjamin |
| Document Type | Correspondence |
| Content Description | Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to "pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome." Reports from Mount Vernon that Martha Washington's son, "Mr. Custis," has died. Says there is a pallor of sadness in the Washington home and that "You who know the tender feelings of a father in their extreme can form some idea of the affliction which must at this moment overcome Mrs Washington & the General." Says they are expected back at Mount Vernon in a day or two, when he will decide to stay with his wife "until the moment of her difficulty shall be over," probably in reference to her pregnancy. Says he heard Lincoln was named Minister of War by Congress, but advises him not to give up his military rank. Wants a reform of the army and the purging of "an host of useless Officers Who disgust the Country at home and deprive the Officers in the field of the proper advantages." |
| Subjects | Children and Family Revolutionary War Revolutionary War General Classical World and Ancient Civilization Continental Army Military History Battle (Siege, Surrender) of Yorktown Surrender President First Battle of Bull Run (Manassas) First Lady Death Mount Vernon Health and Medical Women's History Marriage Government and Civics Continental Congress Congress |
| Place written | Mount Vernon, Virginia |
| Theme | The American Revolution; Women in American History; Children & Family; The Presidency; Government & Politics; Health & Medicine |
| Sub-collection | The Henry Knox Papers |
| Copyright | The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History |
| Module | Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859 |