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Collection Reference Number GLC02437.05423
From Archive Folder The Henry Knox Papers [0108] April 1792 
Title Henry Knox to Winthrop Sargent concerning Sargent's military appointment
Date 21 April 1792
Author Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  
Recipient Sargent, Winthrop  
Document Type Correspondence; Military document
Content Description Letter appointing Sargent to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General of the United States Army. Writes to appoint him to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General. Has worked to get this appointment for Sargent and hopes he will derive honor from it. Feels that it is his duty as a friend to let Sargent know that this was not a popular appointment. Relates that many have "complained excessively of your haughtiness and stern manner in executing the office the last year." Adds that he knows there must have been reason for this behavior, but asks him, "with the affection of a brother […] that in the future, while obedience to every order shall be executed, that the manner of doing it, be tempered with that politeness and softness of manners, which no gentleman on the continent can better exhibit than yourself." Believes that if he fixes this problem, he will do brilliantly. Asks him to provide Knox with news of his experiences at his post.
Subjects Revolutionary War General  Military History  Government and Civics  Friendship  
People Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  Sargent, Winthrop (1753-1820)  
Place written Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Theme Government & Politics
Sub-collection The Henry Knox Papers
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
Related documents Appointment of Winthrop Sargent as Adjutant and Inspector General of the army