LOT Old Heritage Auctions  /  2007 October Rare Books & Manuscripts #675  / 

30195

Henry Knox Letter Signed; 1793

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:400.00 USD Estimated At:800.00 - 1,200.00 USD
Henry Knox Letter Signed; 1793
<B>Henry Knox Letter Signed "</B></I><I>H. Knox" as Secretary of War.</B></I> One page, 7.75" x 12.5", "<I>War Department</B></I>" Philadelphia , September 14, 1793 to Samuel Hodgdon, with orders to "<I>...send to Lieutenant Whistler at Hager's Town...suits of uniform clothing complete for three Sergeants, three corporals, and forty two Infantry - together with one horseman's and twelve common tents - also arms and accoutrements, and knapsacks complete for fifty men...</B></I>” In consideration of the yellow fever epidemic then raging in Philadelphia he continues "<I>that you would make an arrangement to have this clothing smoked, so as to prevent all possibility of infection. Let the same be done with the clothing for Major Butler.</B></I>" Unbeknownst to Knox, and for that matter Dr. Benjamin Rush who vainly attended to the sick and dying, the clothes with smoke would have no effect, as the fever was spread by mosquitoes. However, this cause of yellow fever would not be discovered for another century. The Philadelphia epidemic began in July and did not subside until the arrival of cold weather in November. The fever left thousands of deceased residents in its wake. Light folds, toned at extreme edges, else very good. <I>Ex. Henry E. Luhrs Collection.</B></I><BR><BR><b>Shipping:</b> Flat Material, Small (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.heritageauctions.com/common/shipping.php">view shipping information</a>)
Sign In to Bookmark Lot