Henry Knox to Thomas Jefferson welcoming him to the office of President and complimenting him on his desire for less partisanship - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.07513
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0145] January-May 1801
Title	Henry Knox to Thomas Jefferson welcoming him to the office of President and complimenting him on his desire for less partisanship
Date	16 March 1801
Author	Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Recipient	Jefferson, Thomas
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	A cordial letter welcoming Jefferson to office, and expressing approval of Jefferson's inauguration speech. Appreciates Jefferson's appeal for less partisanship as a means for "cementing more closely our union." Remarks upon the fact that he supported [John] Adams but nevertheless maintains a resepect for and attachment to Jefferson. Signed by Knox with initials.
Subjects	President Election Politics Government and Civics Inaugural Address
People	Knox, Henry (1750-1806) Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Adams, John (1735-1826)
Place written	Boston, Massachusetts
Theme	The Presidency; Government & Politics
Sub-collection	The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright	The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module	Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Transcript	Show/hide Download PDF [draft] Boston 16 March 1801 My dear Sir Even if the sincerity and cordiality which dictate this note should fail of giving it any value in yr estimation, yet the consciousness of having performed an impulse of duty will afford me some gratification I cannot refrain from expressing to you, the heart felt satisfaction I have experienced in perusing your address to the public on the 4th of the present month The just manner in which you appreciate the motives of the two parties which have divided the opinions and which sometimes have seemed to threaten to divide the territory and government of the country, and the strong incitement, that you display for cementing more closely our union, the essence of our prosperity evince conspicuously at one view your intelligence patriotism and Magnanimity. I rejoice at the early occasion you have taken to give publicity to your sentiments, which in their operation cannot but produce the just support of all true Americans [2] Although my local situation, has prevented any activity in the late contest for the election of a President Yet I was in favor of the continuance of Mr Adams, having always possessed an high opinion of his integrity, learning and love of his country. I mention this circumstance with freedom in order to guard against the possibility of an idea arising in yr mind that this letter is dictated by motives of duplicity which my soul abhors. The respect and attachment however that I have ever entertained for you enhanced by yr acquaintance and confidence have never been in the least impaired on. The great extent of our Country[,] the different manners of the respective parts, claim forcibly the superintendence and direction of an enlarged mind to consolidate their interests and affections; and if you should happily effect this much to the desired object, the imperishable fame will be attached to your character - [3] I hope sincerely that you may experience more satisfaction and less perplexity in the exercise of the high duties committeed to you, than you seem to anticipate and when you chuse to retire that you may receive richly merited approbation similar to that bestowed by a grateful country on the much loved Washington I am, dear sir With respectful [illegible] Your obedient Sert HK The President of the US. [docket] Boston March 16 1801 To Thomas Jefferson President of the US.

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