Autograph of General Henry Knox with Engraving

Description

Autograph of General Henry Knox with Engraving

 

An impressive 19th-century signature and steel engraving depicting General Henry Knox (1750–1806), a key officer of the Continental Army and the first United States Secretary of War under President George Washington. The engraving portrays Knox in full Continental uniform, confidently posed beside heavy artillery with an American flag flying in the background. Cannons, cannonballs, and military implements are visible, emphasizing Knox’s vital role as Washington’s chief of artillery.

 

Accompanying the engraving is an authentic clipped autograph of Henry Knox, signed simply “H. Knox”, with the closing phrase: “with esteem & respect, Your obedt. humble servt.” in his hand. A period note in light ink identifies him as the “First Secretary of War under Gen. Washington.”

 

Engraving overall: approx. 10” x 8” (sight) Autograph slip: approx. 1.5” x 5” Condition: The engraving retains strong contrast with fine detail to the linework, though the page shows expected toning and minor edge wear from age. The autograph slip is cleanly signed with only light age toning and a faint fold line, mounted neatly beneath the image for display.

 

Henry Knox rose from Boston bookseller to one of George Washington’s most trusted generals. He famously directed the transport of artillery from Fort Ticonderoga in 1776—“Knox’s Noble Train of Artillery”—which proved decisive in liberating Boston from British control. After the Revolution, Knox became the first Secretary of War (1789–1794), shaping early American military policy. This presentation pairing of Knox’s portrait with his genuine autograph is a fine example of Revolutionary War–era memorabilia, highly desirable among collectors of early American statesmen and military figures.

 

Inventory Number: AUT 137