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to Henry Knox

Washington complains of applications, letters of compliment, and enquiries which occupy his time and deprive him of exercise. He plans to hire someone to deal with the drudgery of this troublesome correspondence. Assures Knox that his letters are...

GLC02437.09406

to Henry Knox

Congratulates Knox on his appointment (on March 8, 1785) to the post of Secretary at War. Encloses a certificate of service for Major Sergeant (not included). Hopes to receive limestone for use in construction. Discusses the Virginia Assembly's...

GLC02437.09407

to Henry Knox

Discusses trade between Indians and the British stationed on the American side of the territorial line (in the Northwest Territory). Reports criticism of the Society of the Cincinnati, including a pamphlet, Considerations sur l'ordre de Cincinnatus...

GLC02437.09408

to Henry Knox

Lamenting Shays' Rebellion, writes "I feel, my dear Genl. Knox, infinitely more than I can express to you, for the disorders which have arisen in these States. Good God! who besides a tory could have foreseen, or a Briton predicted them!" Alludes to...

GLC02437.09409

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for several letters, which put his mind at ease regarding General Benjamin Lincoln's military operations (Lincoln led the Massachusetts state militia in Shays' Rebellion) and the dignity of Government. Congratulates Knox on the recent...

GLC02437.09411

to Henry Knox

Relates reasons for not wanting to attend the Constitutional Convention, including the possibility that all states might not attend (rendering representation partial). Notes that if all Delegates attend with the power to address and cure the defects...

GLC02437.09412

to Henry Knox

Transmits a copy of an excerpt from a letter (see GLC 02437.03338) sent by Mr. Jefferson (Thomas Jefferson). Notes that the excerpt pertains to a translation of the article "Cincinnati," from the Encyclopedie Methodique, and reflects the way the...

GLC02437.09413

to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that...

GLC02437.09414

to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..."...

GLC02437.09415

to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify...

GLC02437.09416

to Henry Knox

Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled...

GLC02437.09417

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and...

GLC02437.09418

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or...

GLC02437.09420

to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur...

GLC02437.09421

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is...

GLC02437.09422

to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from Colonel Nicholas, who Washington describes as an "influential character in Kentucky." Sends Knox the letter without asking Nicholas's permission. Notes that the transmitted letter pertains to the lack of confidence the...

GLC02437.09423

to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09424

to Henry Knox

Discusses the case of General St. Clair (possibly Arthur St. Clair), noting that he wishes to answer St. Clair's letters with a reply that can be published. Comments that saying neither too much nor too little with be difficult concerning St. Claire...

GLC02437.09425

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. [George] Hammond (the first British envoy to the United States), Mr. [John] Penn (former colonial governor), and Andrew Allen (former colonial attorney general...

GLC02437.09426

to Henry Knox

Marked "private" by George Washington at the top of page one. Addressed to The Secretary of War (Knox). Comments that a ship has arrived from New Orleans, carrying several Ohio residents. Asserts that the United States Government should be...

GLC02437.09427

to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

to Henry Knox

Marked 'private' by George Washington at the top of page one. Discusses an insurrection (the Whiskey Rebellion) and mentions a letter from [Attorney General William] Bradford concerning Colonel [John] Neville and Major [David] Lenox (the federal...

GLC02437.09429

to Henry Knox

Washington recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." He comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great...

GLC02437.09430

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a letter recently received. Offers condolences to Knox for his recent losses (three of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack...

GLC02437.09431

to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Declares that it is in vain "to look for ease & happiness in a world of trouble," noting that the call of his country has persuaded him to participate in public service (Washington accepted command of the army in 1798, but did not assume an active...

GLC02437.09432

to Henry Knox

Refers to a letter and other papers of a Mr. Anderson. Provides an enclosure for Mr. Cameron. Instructs Knox to return the enclosure to Washington.

GLC02437.09433

to Henry Knox

Later copy, "No. 19 Copied from & compared with the Original Feb'y 8th 1854." Marked private. Mentions a letter from Mr. Bradford concerning Colonel Neville and Major Lenox (possibly referring to David Bradford, Presley Neville and Marshal Lenox)....

GLC02437.09434

[Proclamation regarding a violation of the Hopewell Treaty]

Later copy. A note written at the top states, "Recd- from Lt. Henry Knox Thatcher Aug. 9 1855, by mail." Requires all citizens and inhabitants of the United States to "govern themselves according to the treaties."

GLC02437.09435

to Henry Knox

Later copy. An estimated date of March 1780 is written in pencil at the top of page. Washington thanks Knox for three recent favors, including sending him a "Suit of the Hartford Manufacture." Discusses a recent election, noting that votes have...

GLC02437.09436

[Drafts of secret articles in a treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation]

A working manuscript that has been corrected by Knox probably intended for George Washington. Consists of several secret articles pertaining to the proposed treaty; in each case, "secret" has been struck. One article grants trading rights in United...

GLC02437.09459

[Appointment of David Rittenhouse commissioner for subscriptions of the Bank of United States]

Signed by George Washington as President, countersigned by Thomas Jefferson as Secretary of State. Appoints Rittenhouse one of the commissioners to seek subscriptions for the first Bank of the United States. Seal on left side.

GLC02717

to Alexander McDougall

Written by Washington as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army to Major General McDougall as commander of the Hudson Highlands Department. Place written inferred from George Washington Papers, which place his headquarters at Gulph Mill...

GLC02795

to Henry Knox

Seeks an evaluation of Joseph Habersham, in order to find an appropriate federal appointment for him. Washington also asks advice on the law abilities of John Houstoun, for a possible appointment to Associate Judge for the Supreme Court. Marked...

GLC02857

to Thomas Paine

President Washington thanks "Thos Paine - of Boston" (not the famous author of "Common Sense," who was in Paris until 1802) for a poem inscribed to him.

GLC02858

to Henry Knox

Marked private. Washington as President to Knox as Secretary of War. John Jay, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and Rufus King, a Senator from New York, wrote a newspaper article they uncharacteristically signed with their own names decrying the...

GLC02862

to Apollos Morris

Politely refuses to forward a letter offering peace intermediation by Morris because British General William Howe still refuses to negotiate with Congress, "the only great representative Body of this Continent." With two drafts of Morris's reply...

GLC03155

[Appointment of David Humphreys Commissioner Plenipotentiary for Algiers treaty]

President George Washington's Commission of Humphreys to negotiate a treaty of amity and commerce with Tripoli. Countersigned by Sec. of State Edmund Randolph. Features paper seal, image visible on verso. Docket on verso reads "To the Most...

GLC03196

to Robert Morris re: accepting invitation to Christmas dinner with Robert Morris

The date has been inferred. A very kind and generous letter, accepting the invitation to Christmas dinner with Mrs. Washington and his family.

GLC03267

to Comte de Moustier re: possibilities of increased trade with France

Discusses tobacco, wool, etc. Washington comments on the good sense of trading with France, the "Maritime Genius of this Country", and his hope that the new national government may strengthen America's ties to France. Published in: Fitzpatrick...

GLC03273

to Comte de Moustier re: rejecting his claim to deal directly with Washington

Written as President, to the French Minister to the US. Moustier wished to bypass the cabinet in negotiating a commercial treaty. Published in: Fitzpatrick, Writings of GW, 30: 333-35.

GLC03278

to Comte de Moustier re: progress of US under constitution & hopes for France

Written as President. Published in: Fitzgerald, Writings of GW, 31: 141-42.

GLC03279

to William Livingston

States he had already received the intelligence Livingston sent to him. Not aware if the fleet brought with it either troops or Henry Clinton. Notes "The Enemy remain in the same position upon the point." Signed as Commander in Chief of American...

GLC03343

to Magistrates of Philadelphia re: his respect for civil authority & liberty

Washington writes that he feels pleased by their praise and notes how he has endeavored to avoid violating liberty and civil authority. Written six months before being approached by Lewis Nicola with a plan to make Washington the king of the United...

GLC03344

to Stephen Moylan

Written by General Washington to Colonel Moylan as commander of the First Pennsylvania dragoons. References Moylan's letter of 21 July 1777. Encloses a letter he asks Moylan to forward to General David Forman (known by the nickname of " Black David"...

GLC03353

to Bryan Fairfax re: allowing Fairfax to visit to discuss British peace proposal

With a note in a different hand on the address leaf stating "containing a pas[s]port to travel to the camp." Washington also assures Fairfax of his friendship, despite "the difference in our political Sentiments...."

GLC03674

to John Fitzgerald

General Washington discusses legal matters regarding his disputed land holdings on the Ohio and Kanawha Rivers, with his former aide-de-camp. Refers to a forthcoming survey of the Potomac River, necessary for a canal-building enterprise he sought to...

GLC03818

to New Hampshire re: asking for supplies, call to arms & poor state of army

Written in the hand of Robert Hanson Harrison. Washington appeals for clothing and supplies for his troops. Copies of this letter went to every state. Washington writes in part: "We had in Camp on the 23rd Instt. by a field report then taken, not...

GLC03706

to William S[tephens] Smith

Written by General Washington to Lieutenant Colonel Smith as commander of the post at Dobbs Ferry, New York. Discusses the problems of trading with British-occupied New York City and the issue of states ignoring the "barrier between us and the enemy...

GLC03770

to Benjamin Tallmadge

Notes that although the Culper spy ring [which he addresses as "he"] does not propose giving anymore information until the middle of March, he hopes if anything important comes up, he will be notified. Asks Tallmadge to communicate this. Samuel...

GLC03884

to Francis Johnston

In response to a 23 February 1784 letter from the assistant treasurer of the Pennsylvania Society of the Cincinnati, Washington returns certificates (not included), with his signature and seal, for three European members of the state society. As...

GLC03885

to Samuel Huntington re: transmitting acts to organize the new government

Washington's letter also lists the acts and resolutions being transmitted, which are of an organizational nature.

GLC03886

to Robert Cary & Co.

Mentions enclosing invoices for goods (not included). Discusses tobacco sales. Criticizes English agents for selling tobacco at too low a price. States that, " ... I have lost (at least) four years out of five by Consignments having better prices...

GLC03933

to unknown

Angry letter to an official regarding William Shepherd, who "acted a very disingenuous part" on a previous survey of Washington's land.

GLC04013

to Daniel Carroll

Washington seeks to sell 1650 acres of land in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. He is willing to sell for less than the going rate if the purchaser takes the entire tract, and outlines the payment plan he would expect.

GLC04043

to Commissioners of the City of Washington

Notifies the commissioners that Washington sent the wrong enclosure in a recent letter to them, requests its return, and indicates that the correct one has been sent. The commission was superintending the construction of the city of Washington and...

GLC04103

To: William Livingston.

Washington's farewell address ("Circular to the States") as Commander-in-Chief,spelling out principles esssential to new nation's future existence, now that the United States are "proposed of absolute freedom and independency." With printed copy of...

GLC08079.01

to Alexander McDougall re: ordering reinforcements to New York area

Writing to McDougall at Fishkill, concerning getting reinforcements for the area about New York, especially in the Hudson Highlands. Washington notes that Americans should not take for granted the help of France in winning independence; he does not...

GLC06767

to Col. Charles Stewart re: requesting provisions for attack on British

Stewart, Commissary to the Army, is ordered by Washington to provide "four days provisions" to enable a surprise attack on the British. General Benjamin Lincoln led the attack down the Hudson River, but the British were alerted, fortified their...

GLC06768

to Tench Tilghman re: requesting employment for his nephew, Corbin

Washington writes on behalf of his nephew, Corbin Washington, who "is inclined to enter into a Mercantile walk of life." Washington says he knows little of Corbin but asks his former aide Tilghman "if it would be convenient for you to take him into...

GLC06769

Purchasing land bordering Mt. Vernon from Charles West

Printed document, with text filled out and also signed in text by Washington. Witnessed by Robert Burwell and John Fitzhugh.

GLC06793

to George Clinton re: British fortification, Cherokee Indians and French troops

Signed page 2, with long postscript extending over pages 3-4. Expresses concern over continental soldiers. Also news from Laurens regarding the British fortification of Savannah and Count D'Estaing landing with 5000 French troops. Hopeful postcript...

GLC06426

to John A. Washington re: nephew's education, preparing to meet army

Faded with some losses supplied with pen facsimile. Written to his brother. Preparing materials for his departure to meet the army on the Hudson (North) River. Also discusses his precarious financial situation. "You are but little acquainted with...

GLC06429.01

to David Humphreys re: defending actions as president, longing for retirement

Marked private by Washington. Written to his former secretary, towards the end of his second administration, concerning his perseverance despite attacks upon him. "...the Gazette (which I presume will accompany the dispatches) will give you a...

GLC06434

His excellency General Washington's last legacy

A printing in four columns containing Washington's "Circular letter" from Newburgh regarding his resignation as commander-in-chief and discusses the establishment of a stronger government for the United States. Washington wanted a stronger Congress...

GLC06561

to Judge Peters re: authorizing pay-master to pay James McHenry $6,990 & 60/90

Printed document countersigned by Jonathan Trumbull Jr. Paying McHenry for his work as Washington's secretary. With ANS of McHenry at bottom.

GLC06723

to Samuel Washington re: death of brother Charles, Samuel's father

"By this event, you have become the guardian of your mother; and... the father, of your father's family; and by care, industry & sobriety will endeavor I hope to merit the appellation of one."

GLC07530

to Thomas Parker re: Washington's land in the Northwest Territory

Written one month before his death.

GLC07531

Deed of purchase of 196 acres adjoining Mt. Vernon from John & Catharine West

Signed 12 times in text. Signers include John West Junr., Catharine West, G. Mason, Richard Anell Robert Bogges, and Briant Alliston.

GLC07470

Contemporary copy of Washington's letter to Congress re: Rochambeau

Manuscript written in Tench Tilghman's hand, regarding Rochambeau.

GLC07471

Partly printed land indenture for 100 acres for Washington and James Wood

For "100 acres of land in the county of Fauquier." Signed in text 21 times by Washington.

GLC07550

to unknown captain re: orders to reinforce Hudson Highlands against attack

GLC07482

to [Sally Fairfax] re: requesting herbal remedies and recipes

GLC07663

to Baron de Capellan de Sol re: letter of thanks

Highly complimentary letter of thanks for a gift received from the Patriotic Society of the City of Enkhuysen, The Netherlands. "Your station, Sir, and your Character in particular, have indeed merited the confidence and regard of the Confederate...

GLC07676

to Edmund Randolph re: debating legality of relocating Congress

GLC07677

to "Dear Sir" re: Virginia's warm springs and his health

GLC07695

to Jonathan Loring Austin re: his Fourth of July oration

GLC07696

to William S. Smith re: consequence of General Knox's application

"In consequence of General Knox's application... not knowing who was to command the forces destined for the invasion of Jamaica, I had to resort to the certificates with which you were furnished." Text loss at top right, with text drawn on...

GLC07601

To: Thomas Nelson

Requesting clothes for troops-written 5 days before Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown.

GLC07956

to Henry Knox re: congratulations on acceptance of Constitution by Massachusetts

Severely faded on p. 1 right margin (from water damage). Also, opposition in remaining states and predicting revolution in France. Accompanied by provenance note of John F. Smith. This document had been removed from Gen. Knox's papers by his...

GLC05638

to William Alexander re: use of terror tactics

To "Lord" Stirling. Use of terror tactics against those "furnishing the enemy with provisions."

GLC05286

to Henry Laurens re: skirmish with Cornwallis and parole of Burgoyne

Large skirmish with Cornwallis, question of parole for Burgoyne & Burgoyne's new opinion that Britain cannot win and should grant America its independence, and self-criticism for problems taking supplies from inhabitants: "I confess, I have felt...

GLC05572

to Anthony Wayne re: Burgoyne's captured troops, troop movements

Washington orders Wayne to detach troops from his command to prevent Convention troops from passing to New York City, and asks him to keep his troops from harming property of inhabitants ("burning Fences and from committing any kind of waste upon the...

GLC05577

An act providing the means of intercourse between the US and foreign nations

Printed by Childs & Swayne. First printing. This act specifies the salaries to be paid to those officials representing the U.S. abroad. Not in Evans or NUC.

GLC06986

to Rev. M. Morton re: seeking payment from tardy tenant of George Fairfax

"I could be no neighbor to a person who bore the Character you (justly, or unjustly....) did, there is no reason why Col. Fairfax (a third person) is to have the same Card to play over again next year in pursuit of another tenant." Washington acted...

GLC07143

to [Benjamin Tallmadge] re: spy report, setting meeting

Washington wants to discuss a spy report concerning British troop movements in New York: "Knowledge of that circumstance in the enemy might blast the whole design"

GLC07277

to Nathanael Greene re: supporting the Society of Cincinnati

The Society is designed to counter the "Temper of the New England States," and prepare it for the "decision of the weighty matters which may be brought on." (Small losses affecting text at center right fold.)

GLC07278

to Gov. William Greene re: procuring cannon from Rhode Island for campaign

Getting cannon for use in the New York campaign against the British: "The importance persuaded, induce the state of Rhode Island to comply with this request, especially when it shall be considered that our non success may be attributed to the...

GLC07183

To: Lieutenant Colonel Jean Babtiste Gouvion.

Commendation of Jean B. Gouvion's "most valuable services" at Yorktown.

GLC07907

To: William Greene.

Requests Greene to relocate cannons from Providence to Rochambeau's post.

GLC07915

to unknown

Washington, delays repaying a loan until the economy is more stable.

GLC07878

to John Marshall

Regarding the position of Surveyor General & problems in filling the post. In part: "...A gentleman well qualified to discharge the duties of this office was approached, but he has declined to accept it." Washington goes on to discuss the...

GLC07879

to the Officer commanding the New Jersey Brigade

Detailed advise about military strategy. In part: "You are, in case you should receive just information as you can rely on of the enemy's moving up the North River in force, to march immediately with the troops under your command to West Point -...

GLC07881

to James Madison

Responds favorably to the work done at the Annapolis Convention and since. Explains why he cannot attend the Constitutional Convention. He was re-elected president of the Society of Cincinnati, whose meeting coincides with the convention....

GLC07699

to Gouverneur Morris re: enemy planning to leave Philadelphia

GLC07835

to William Woodford re: supplies for winter encampment at Valley Forge

GLC07847

to Mary Ball Washington re: his brother's marriage, ordering clothing for slaves

With provenance note stating property of David A. Hayes, and a clipped signature of John Hancock, President.

GLC07858.01

Small rectangular piece of silver brocade

GLC07858.02

Circular letter re: appeal to New England States

GLC07859

to unknown

Washington writes from Headquarters, New York, to an unidentified correspondent, verifiying receipt of a letter and promising to forward it "by the first opportunity." Washington signs as "Your most Obed.[ient and] H.[um]ble Servant." The letter...

GLC07867

To: Henry Knox.

Protecting the Hudson, adjusting the system of signals (including rockets) guards in New York.

GLC07965