Tobias Lear To Henry Knox On George Washingtons Death Written For Martha Washington 9 February 1800 PDF Download

Later copy. Written by Brigadier General Knox to General Lincoln. Says he was concerned for him, but hopes he is safe at Head of Elk, Maryland. Tells him to pray take care of the trophies and carry them triumphantly into rome. Reports from Mount Vernon that Martha Washington's son, Mr. Custis, has died. Says there is a pallor of sadness in the Washington home and that You who know the tender feelings of a father in their extreme can form some idea of the affliction which must at this moment overcome Mrs Washington & the General. Says they are expected back at Mount Vernon in a day or two, when he will decide to stay with his wife until the moment of her difficulty shall be over, probably in reference to her pregnancy. Says he heard Lincoln was named Minister of War by Congress, but advises him not to give up his military rank. Wants a reform of the army and the purging of an host of useless Officers Who disgust the Country at home and deprive the Officers in the field of the proper advantages.