Letter from Henry Knox (1750–1806), Secretary of War, to Colonel Marinus Willett (1740–1830) 1786

Here, we have a letter from General Henry Knox to Colonel Marinus Willett, written in 1786. It’s made with paper and ink, humble materials, yet they carry a weight of history. Knox, then Secretary of War, uses the quill with grace, acknowledging Willett's distinguished service and expressing his wishes for Willett to enjoy the honors of his country. The letter reflects the formal tone of the era. The beauty of this piece lies in the relationship between script and surface. The ink, likely iron gall, has a depth that contrasts with the paper's smooth texture. The paper itself, handmade, bears witness to the labor of its production. Each fiber and watermark tells a story of a pre-industrial world. Consider how much more personal this is than a printed document. This letter, though a vehicle for statecraft, also conveys a sense of intimacy, a direct link between two individuals shaping a nation. It blurs the line between official record and personal expression, a reminder that even the most formal communication is rooted in human connection.