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

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

General Henry Knox

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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.

Arms and Armor

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

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

The principal goals of the Arms and Armor Department are to collect, preserve, research, publish, and exhibit distinguished examples representing the art of the armorer, swordsmith, and gunmaker. Arms and armor have been a vital part of virtually all cultures for thousands of years, pivotal not only in conquest and defense, but also in court pageantry and ceremonial events. Throughout time the best armor and weapons have represented the highest artistic and technical capabilities of the society and period in which they were made, forming a unique aspect of both art history and material culture.