Knox, Henry, as Continental General

Letter signed ("HKnox"), 2 pages on a bifolium (12 5/8 x 7 3/4 in.; 320 x 197 mm), Philadelphia, 1 May 1782, to John Hancock, docketed on verso of second leaf "General Knox rec'd May 15th 1782"; formerly folded, a few small fold tears. Maroon cloth portfolio.

Knox recommends the son of a Tory for repatriation.

In 1782, serving as one of two commissioners appointed to arrange for the exchange of prisoners, Henry Knox negotiated with the British at Elizabethtown. Here he writes in support of Isaac Winston, taken by his father from Boston when the British evacuated it, and living in Canada since then. "He has been in Canada the greater part of the war and at present is in New York. Having arrived at some maturity of judgement, being now nearly eighteen years old, he is extremely anxious to return to his native country and humbly hopes no imputation can lie against him on account of his father's conduct. He has not been in office under the enemy, and has never, I presume, in the least degree, rendered himself personally obnoxious to his countrymen."

"... I have lately been at Elizabethtown ... to treat with British commissioners relative to the exchange of prisoners. I there saw this young man, whose youth, and apparent innocence ... induced me to comply with his wishes, hoping that he may be of some future service to the state. I am conscious that my application is dictated by the purest motives of humanity. I hope I request nothing inconsistent with the duties your Excellency owes the constitution. If I do, I am certain it will not be granted."