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Collection Reference Number GLC02437.09430
From Archive Folder The Henry Knox Papers [0127] July-September 1795 
Title George Washington to Henry Knox on the Jay Treaty and George Washington Lafayette
Date 20 September 1795
Author Washington, George (1732-1799)  
Recipient Knox, Henry  
Document Type Correspondence; Government document
Content Description Recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the University of Cambridge with his tutor. Instructed Cabot to inform the boy Washington would "be to him as a friend & father," though his relationship to Lafayette was to initially remain a secret. Hopes Knox will move his family to Philadelphia for the winter. Docket indicates this letter was "the property of H. M. Hyde selected from the papers of her grandfather Gen. Knox."
Subjects President  Government and Civics  Diplomacy  Treaty  Jay's Treaty  Global History and Civics  Foreign Affairs  Politics  Children and Family  Education  France  Revolutionary War General  French Revolution  Refugees  
People Knox, Henry (1750-1806)  Washington, George (1732-1799)  Cabot, George (1752-1823)  Lafayette, Georges Washington Louis Gilbert Du Motier, Marquis de (1779-1849)  
Place written Mount Vernon, Virginia
Theme The Presidency; Government & Politics; Foreign Affairs; Education; Children & Family
Sub-collection The Henry Knox Papers
Additional Information Washington arranged for the Cabot to take care of Lafayette because he felt that taking care of the boy himself would compromise the United States' position of neutrality. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.
Copyright The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History
Module Settlement, Commerce, Revolution and Reform: 1493-1859
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