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to Chevalier [Francois Jean] de Chastellux

Discusses the character of the people of the new nation and hopes that the central government will be strong to prevent anarchy.

GLC02437.02165

[An impulse of the moment]

Title taken from docket. Knox's beliefs concerning spirituality. Writes "[t]he mind of an intelligent man is overpowered with the extent magnitude and effulgence of inanimate nature Infinitely diversified indeed but every part having an essential...

GLC02437.03641

to William White

Knox writes in the third person. This is a note that accompanied a book Knox sent to Bishop William White. Knox sent "The Light of Nature Pursued" by Edward Search, whose real name is Abraham Tucker. Knox mentions Tucker died in London about 7...

GLC02437.06041

to Lucy Knox

Longs to see his wife and plans to in three weeks. Discusses activities relating to the transport of artillery captured from the British at Fort Ticonderoga earlier that year to Cambridge, Massachusetts. Reports that both his and William Knox's...

GLC02437.00223

to John Hancock

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Hancock's child. Explains that only those parents who have suffered that loss can understand how it feels. Expounds upon his understanding of God, death and the afterlife, the human role in the...

GLC02437.03449

to Abijah Hammond

Expresses his sympathy on the death of [Abijah?] Hammond's child. Notes both him and Mrs. Knox know from experience the sorrow and "agony of the soul" the death of a child brings. Writes, "But such blows while they shake our hold of the world, do not...

GLC02437.06242

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox writes that he is thankful to be able to send this letter by Count de Moustier, who was returning from his time as French minister to America. He will enclose the diplomas for the French officers in the Society of the Cincinnati. Says "The...

GLC02437.04391

[Last will and testament of Henry Knox]

Signed by Knox once in the text and once at the close. Witnessed and signed by Samuel D. Parker, Thomas Welsh, Jr., Henry Cabot, and William Sullivan. Appoints his wife Lucy as sole executor, leaving the management and division of assets to her...

GLC03536

to George Washington

Wishes Washington a happy birthday, "permit me my dear dear friend to felicitate you on the return of your birth day." "I do not wish you long life as the greatest blessing, believing strongly the immortality of the mind, and that the next grade of...

GLC02437.04508

to Waterman Thomas

Wishes help in settling disputes with those living on his lands in the Waldo patent. Also addresses to "Major Bracket and the reverend Thurston Whiting." Recent attacks on his surveyors have been made by neighbors worried he may encroach on their...

GLC02437.09275

to William Knox

Comments on Benjamin Harrod's unchristian demand to be paid for taking care of Knox's bookstore merchandise while Knox was out of Boston. Explains the arrangements he made with Harrod and how they were being violated. Mentions that his books will...

GLC02437.00341

to Lucy Knox

Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental...

GLC02437.00387

to Lucy Knox

Indicates that this letter will be delivered by Mrs. Jonathan Pollard, who will bring other supplies with her. Apologizes for taking a harsh tone with Lucy in letters written earlier in the month. Expresses his desire for frequent communication...

GLC02437.00384

to Lucy Knox

Urges her to cheer up and look to the future: "Providence,...is [missing text] excellent rock to rest upon." Discusses overcoming recent ill health. Reiterates that he thinks she should spend the winter in Boston. Explains that the British army...

GLC02437.00481

to Lucy Knox

Expresses thanks for their ability to communicate while separated and is looking forward to their future together. Philosophically expresses hopes that reason and religion will someday dictate man's actions. Writes that he "will make a very family...

GLC02437.00419

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and is glad she and their daughter are doing well after their inoculation. Longs to see her, but for her own safety and happiness denies her request to join him at Morristown.
Believes the British "by no means as formidable as they were...

GLC02437.00580

to William Knox

Says that since William's happiness is important to him, he will not prevent his brother from joining the army once William has completed certain essential family business. Arranges for William to pick up his baggage from various spots in New...

GLC02437.00556

to Lucy Knox

Loves her and acknowledges her letter. Tries to assuage her fears about the war, smallpox, and his distance from her. Assures her that "General Howe is not driving us thro' the Jersies into Pennsylvania." Discusses the character and rank of the...

GLC02437.00566

to Lucy Knox

Recently received the first letter from Lucy in a month. Writes, "The [authors?] of this War, on the British side receive my maledictions which hardly square with the forgiveness recommended in the Gospel, but yet my dearest Love I cheerfully...

GLC02437.00663

to Lucy Knox

Knox writes, "I am unhappy to the last degree that you should suppose in the least that my affection for you is diminish [sic]- my God knows how much I suffer for your sake how much anxiety I go thro this you may rely upon my dearest Love that I have...

GLC02437.00666

to Lucy Knox

Begins with expressions of his love for Lucy, his wife. Describes his devotion to his country, the only thing that keeps him from Lucy. Discusses possible enemy movement and location. Praises his troops. Writes, "With the blessing of Heaven I...

GLC02437.00616

to Lucy Knox

Asks if she has received his previous letter (GLC02437.00511). Details the fighting from 2 January onward. Discusses the American retreat from Trenton, for which the artillery provided cover, Washington's decision to next attack Princeton where...

GLC02437.00514

to William Knox

Explains that his letters may be short, but he still loves his brother. Feels God has favourably turned "the tide of our affair." Knows that war is hard, and has prepared himself for losses either "public or personal." Hopes to hear from William...

GLC02437.00515

to Lucy Knox

Has just received her letter and assures her "my heart is yours although my Country demands my poor pittance to endevor to rescue her from barbarity." Feels this barbarity, exemplified by Indians slaughtering innocents, enslaved people killing their...

GLC02437.00517

to Lucy Knox

Sends his wishes for her improved health. Reports that the enemy in his area have made no new movements. Relates news of General Benjamin Lincoln's victory against the British in South Carolina (Lincoln engaged the British as they retreated from a...

GLC02437.00769

to William Knox

Reports that the British left Philadelphia. He and Lucy went into the city, but had to leave because it "stunk so abominably." Notes that the American and British armies are twenty miles apart, at Princeton and Allentown respectively. Comments on...

GLC02437.00712

Extract from a report of the Secretary of War to the President of the United States

Relays some observations "resulting from a general view of the Indian Department...with the hope that some of them might be considered as proper principles to be interwoven in a general System for the government of Indian Affairs." Discusses...

GLC07379

to Lucy Flucker Knox

References Lucy's letter of 6 November. Believes Henry Jackson Knox will leave New York for Boston tomorrow. After he leaves, believes Lucy will return to Philadelphia. Wants her to be happy in New York because "life is so generally overshadowed...

GLC02437.05970

to Lucy Knox

Written from camp 24 miles from Philadelphia. Sends this letter by Captain Randall, who had "the misfortune to be again made a prisoner after being slightly wounded in 7 or 8 places." Asks why she has not mentioned a gold watch he sent, worrying...

GLC02437.10455

to Samuel G. Jarvis

Writes a lengthy letter of condolence on the death of Jarvis's wife. Comments that religion and philosophy may help ease the pain along with the passage of time. Notes how happy she must have been to endure such pain. Also mentions her helpless...

GLC02437.06239

to David McClure

Received his recent letter (GLC02437.04059). Remarks about remembering the joyful times they had playing together as children: "Our juvenile sports and the joyful sensations they excited are fresh in my mind; and what to me renders the remembrance...

GLC02437.04098

to David McClure

This letter was copied in an unknown hand. Writes to the Reverend David McClure and thanks him for the "remembrances of the pure friendship of our early years." Goes on to discuss his views on the Indian Wars and his ideas for intermarriage between...

GLC02437.10255

to Daniel Little

Discusses his business with the patent and his interest in the welfare of the inhabitants. Asks for his opinion in finding gainful and appropriate employment for the settlers. Particularly asks for suggestions on the employment of a minister, and...

GLC02437.04394

[The character of the clergy]

Describes his ideas on the character of the clergy. Date previously inferred, written in pencil.

GLC02437.08222

to Pieter Johan Van Berckel

Written in the third person and signed in text by Knox. Presents his respects to the Minister of the United Netherlands. Explains that the custom of pallbearers attending the church of the deceased on the Sunday after the funeral is no longer...

GLC02437.03732

to Reverend Doctor Provost

Writes to ask the Reverend Doctor Provost over for a drink the next afternoon "and to baptise our child."

GLC02437.03178

to George Washington

Initialed by Knox. Thanks Washington for his sympathy regarding the death of his son. States "The arrow with [which we were] stricken is indeed barbed with the keenest anguish." Says that neither reason nor philosophy has had their proper effect.

GLC02437.05147

[to Jedediah Morse]

Knox informs Reverend Morse that "Mr. Volney when in Boston in the spring of 97 himself gratified at the progress of the spirit of the french revolution." Knox quotes Volney as saying, '"'England said he will be revolutionized, the same spirit will...

GLC02437.07214

[Duties of Christian minister]

Lists all of the duties he believes a Christian minister should have. Date from docket.

GLC02437.07009