Letter from Henry Knox (1750–1806), Secretary of War, to Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830)

General Henry Knox

dated May 27, 1786 · Ink on paper · Arms and Armor

The tradition of Congressional presentation swords started during the American Revolution and continued through the War of 1812, the Mexican-American War, and the Civil War. In this formal, but heartfelt letter, Henry Knox, Secretary of War, presents Marinus Willett with a sword awarded to him by Congress in 1777 as an "illustrious testimony of your distinguished merit." After years of active military service, Willett held various political positions, including state assemblyman, sheriff, and mayor of New York from 1807 to 1808.

Artist

General Henry Knox

Date

dated May 27, 1786

Medium

Ink on paper

Culture

American

Department

Arms and Armor

Credit line

Purchase, Arthur Ochs Sulzberger Gift, 2008