Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox about politics, Knox's son, friendship, family and passes on god wishes from James Gunn - American History 1493-1945 - Adam Matthew Digital

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Field name	Value
Collection Reference Number	GLC02437.07390
From Archive Folder	The Henry Knox Papers [0142] January-April 1800
Title	Thomas Jefferson to Henry Knox about politics, Knox's son, friendship, family and passes on god wishes from James Gunn
Date	8 April 1800
Author	Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826)
Recipient	Knox, Henry
Document Type	Correspondence
Content Description	Very personal letter from Vice President Thomas Jefferson. Notes that he passed along Knox's "friendly expressions" to General Gunn, possibly Senator James Gunn. Refers to a transaction, likely concerning the debate in the U.S. Senate regarding Knox's son's promotion, stating "of the transaction to which they are related I can say little, having, you know, neither ears to hear, eyes to see, or tongue to speak, but as the Senate direct me." Assures Knox the debate in the Senate was polite and respectful. Discusses Jefferson's and Knox's difference of political opinions. States that if every man had the same opinion, "every man would be an insulated being, and social relations would be dissolved. I can say with truth, and with great comfort to my own heart, that I never deserted a friend for difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in physics; for I place all these differences on a footing. but great numbers have deserted me." Jefferson expresses his sorrow for losses Knox's family has recently suffered. Free frank signed by Jefferson.
Subjects	Religion Vice President President Congress Children and Family Office Seeker Navy Military History Friendship Politics Death
People	Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Knox, Henry (1750-1806)
Place written	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme	The Presidency; Government & Politics; Children & Family
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] Philadelphia Apr. 8. 1800. Dear Sir I received with great satisfaction your favor of Mar. 9. which mr. Pope forwarded by post, and proposed to follow it [inserted: but he is not yet arrived here]. I communicated to Genl. Gunn your friendly expressions respecting him. of the transaction to which they are related I can say little, having, you know, neither ears to hear, eyes to see, or tongue to speak, but as the Senate direct me. I may say however that so far [inserted: as] it occasioned debate, which was scarcely at all, it was treated with great delicacy, no expression having [inserted: been] dropped which you would not have heard without dissatisfaction. I receive great pleasure from the continuance of your friendly dispositions. I can with truth reciprocate the assurances that differences of political opinions excited in me no unfriendliness more than a difference of feature. it is not thus that I view or value man. were we to deny our esteem & [struck: society] society to all but those who think with us, every man would be[inserted: an] insulated being, and social relations would be dissolved. I can say with truth, and with great comfort to my own heart, that I never deserted a friend for difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in physics; for I place all these differences on a footing. but great numbers have deserted me. the paroxysm however, which was too strong for their minds, is rapidly passing away; & some of them doubtless will return, and meet again the constancy of my esteem. I have heard with great sensibility of the losses you have sustained in your family. on this subject even friends should be silent; time being the only physician. the difficulties you mention in your affairs are of another order, & more remediable. for these you have still sufficient [inserted: of] life, health & activity to do much. I pray heaven to favor your efforts to your own satisfaction. Be so good as to make my respectful salutations acceptable to mrs. Knox and to recieve yourself assurances of the constant esteem with which I am Dear Sir Your friend & servt Th: Jefferson Majr. Genl Knox [address leaf] free Th: Jefferson Majr. Genl. Knox Boston [docket] Mr. Jefferson Vice President of the United States -

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