Collection Search

to George Washington

Responds to a 2 June 1784 letter from Washington. Discusses a recent Congressional order requiring Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec, to give the United States information as to when British troops will completely evacuate...

GLC02437.03031

to George Washington

Requests a certificate from Washington for Winthrop Sargent, who Knox describes as "really clever and... an excellent artillery officer." Promises to procure limestone when the weather improves. Discusses Washington's refusal of a gift from the...

GLC02437.03118

to Louis-Marie Noailles

Knox writes to Viscount Noailles, brother-in-law of the Marquis de Lafayette. He expresses his friendship for Noailles, and discusses American trade and relations with Great Britain. Refers to public opinion of the Society of the Cincinnati...

GLC02437.03025

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Later copy of GLC02437.03120. Contains a note at the top of page one written by the transcriber of this letter at a later date: "The parts between parentheses are from the rough draught in my possession of Knox's letter to Parson's- The other parts...

GLC02437.03121

to Henry Knox

General Chastellux (signed Chastelleaux) requests that Knox admit a French doctor who served in the Revolutionary War to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "... you remember very well dear general, that after the siege of york you left behind a...

GLC02437.03160

to Henry Knox

Writes that in Knox's letter from 14 November, Knox had reported that his brother William Knox had not yet arrived from England, but believes Knox is mistaken since he heard that the ship had in fact arrived. Discusses the political prospects of Mr...

GLC02437.03218

[Three documents related to a French Primer on American Democracy][Decimilized .01-.03]

French primer on American Democracy by member of Society of the Cincinnati, including discussion of U.S. and State Constitutions. Includes ALS (04/14/1808) addressed to Monsieur Le Prefet [in French], and an MDS (07/15/1825) detailing de Blois's...

GLC07688

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references Lafayette's letter from February 11, 1786. He thanks Lafayette for his kindness toward his brother, William, when he was ill. Says that William has recovered and has been with him since October 1785. Hopes the recovery is permanent...

GLC02437.03276

to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his...

GLC02437.03303

to George Washington [in French]

Extract from a letter (in French) from Augustus de Grasse to George Washington to be presented before the Society of the Cincinnati, regarding Augustus's father, Admiral Francois De Grasse. The younger de Grasse asks Washington's permission to wear...

GLC02437.03820

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts...

GLC02437.03726

to Henry Knox

Reports on the Massachusetts election for governor and lieutenant governor. Encloses newspapers (not included) for Knox, on the election, noting that the papers attack "poor Cincin" (based on usage in GLC02437.03833, may refer to Benjamin Lincoln)....

GLC02437.03831

to Henry Knox

Forwards a subscription to Knox from Reverend Freeman (not included). Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln has the majority of votes (for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts). Comments on a recent visit he paid to James and Mercy Otis Warren in...

GLC02437.03865

to Henry Knox

Discusses Connecticut politics, referring to a sheriff whose actions may slow the payment of warrants. Informs Knox he will send him a letter via Pierpont Edwards, who will soon take a seat in Congress. Notes receipt of a circular letter from the...

GLC02437.03882

to Joseph Howell

Written from the "War Office." Writes that a Lieutenant Colonel Monbarrot of Colonel Fennuiel's regiment claims a right to be in the Society of the Cincinnati. Declares that the Secretary of War (Henry Knox) would like Howell, Paymaster General, to...

GLC02437.04199

to the Count de Rochambeau

Informs Rochambeau he forwarded [Society of the Cincinnati] diplomas to Louis-Marie-Athanase de Loménie, comte de Brienne, French Secretary of War. Reports that the application of a French officer will be addressed at the next Society of the...

GLC02437.03859

to Henry Knox

Colonel Wadsworth writes, "We celebrated the Independence of America the 3d instead of the fourth- as our members the Society of the Cincinnati live so remote they could not have returned home before Sunday had we delayed." Remarks that during a...

GLC02437.03924

to Henry Knox [in French]

Discusses the Society of the Cincinnati. Appears to have been written from Fort Dauphin in Santo Domingo (Saint Domingue, in the present-day Dominican Republic).

GLC02437.03952

to Marquis de Lafayette [in French]

For an English translation of this French letter see GLC02437.03239. The translation is in a different hand. This letter was written by Parisian jeweler Nicolas Jean Francastel, who was one of the creators of the jeweled eagle insignia worn by some...

GLC02437.03238

to George Washington

Writes to Washington on a variety of subjects. Mentions that he had hoped to visit him at Mount Vernon, but now does not think that is possible. Discusses placement of six companies on the Ohio River, by Forts McIntosh and Pitt; declares that they...

GLC02437.03220

to George Washington

Explains an issue with Major Pierre L'Enfant and the Society of Cincinnati. Major L'Enfant was sent to France to present Eagles to the French members of the society, at the society's expense. Was granted a sum of money for the purpose, but in his...

GLC02437.03273

to Marquis de Lafayette

Later copy of letter written by Knox to Lafayette at GLC02437.03276. Thanks Lafayette for the kind treatment given to his brother William. Discusses the affair of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who had been sent to France in 1783 to purchase...

GLC02437.03275

to Otho Holland Williams

Writes, "I would be much obliged to you to forward me the papers, proceedings, and records of the general Society of the Cincinnati." Has had frequent applications from Europe for membership. Reminds him that the information should be kept secure....

GLC02437.03269

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox whether or not there is a post established near the Pittsburgh area since he will be travelling there soon. Mentions that their "State Society" (likely referring to the Society of Cincinnati) have made provisions to pay their portion of the...

GLC02437.03627

to Henry Knox

William Knox discusses a financial matter involving [William] Duer, [possibly John] Peirce, [Richard] Platt, and Henry Jackson. Encloses a letter (not present) from the Marquis de Lafayette to St. John (possibly Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur). The...

GLC02437.03961

to George Turner

Marked as a copy. Author not indicated, but possibly by Knox. Responds to Turner's query regarding the Marquis de Rouvray. Informs Turner that French officers applying for diplomas based on their Revolutionary War service must obtain authenticated...

GLC02437.03856

to William Eustis

Replies to Eustis, Vice President of the Massachusetts Society of the Cincinnati. Eustis had previously written regarding Knox's appointment by the State Society of Massachusetts to attend the general meeting, scheduled for May in Philadelphia....

GLC02437.03836

to Marquis de Lafayette

Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. Knox references Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New...

GLC02437.03860

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to settle an issue regarding diplomas of the Society of the Cincinnati, specifically for the one in New Jersey. Noted as written at Rosehill.

GLC02437.06413

to Henry Knox

Forwards Knox several names of the "Officers elected (for the current year) for this State Society of Cincinnati" and also a list of members who have yet to submit their deposit.

GLC02437.06481

Request for admission into Society of the Cincinnati

Writes that French Lieutenant Colonel Chamillard has the honor to represent to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati that he was the commander of 200 volunteers on board the frigate Bonhomme Richard. In the battle with the HMS Serapis "his...

GLC02437.05105

to Henry Knox

Has enclosed to Knox a resolution (not present) which passed unanimously at the most recent meeting of the Virginia Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.05230

[Certificate] [in German]

Partially printed with names written in by hand. Certifies that Carl Wilhelm de Schmidsfelden is employed in a certain regiment with a yearly wage of 1500 Spanish dollars which should be delivered to him should he leave the regiment, but is now to...

GLC02437.05502

to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's decision to relinquish to William Duer all claims to land in the "Eastern purchase." Writes, "I am at a loss to determine the reasons that governed you in this business, as they are so far different from those we had in...

GLC02437.05508

to McPherson

Mentions the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina and a connection with France. Writing is faded and difficult to read.

GLC02437.07186

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that [Samuel] Ogden "closed the purchase of our western Country..." and is now preparing to go to Philadelphia. Warns Knox that he must "prepare your mind to hear much respecting the conduct of your friend [Nathaniel] Gorham, and the...

GLC02437.04871

to George Washington

Knox's retained draft, riddled with struck text and insertions. Acknowledges receipt of applications Washington sent for admission into the Society of the Cincinnati. Comments on the Constitution at great length: "In the states of New Hampshire...

GLC02437.04058

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to...

GLC02437.04071

to Anthony Wayne

Thanks him for his recent letter. Accepts his congratulations for the newly-formed federal government and "our truly illustrious Cincinnatus [George Washington] to be head thereof." Extensively discusses diplomatic relationships between countries in...

GLC02437.04265

to Henry Knox

Half of the signature is missing. Writes that Knox may have seen by now a review of Gordon's history of the American Revolution. Would "rejoice to hear, that you have allowed it to pass muster, as contributing toward the support of the American...

GLC02437.04132

[Minutes for the Society of the Cincinnati meeting of 4 July 1789]

Docket suggests that this copy of the minutes was created by a Thomas Jainson on 25 January 1836. Minutes for an annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held 4 July 1789 at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. Topics...

GLC02437.04270

[Reports on the South Carolina Society of the Cincinnati]

Document contains three parts. The first section relates that the South Carolina branch of the Society of the Cincinnati has resolved to send correspondence and a copy of a report to Cincinnati President General George Washington. The report will...

GLC02437.04665

to William Eustis

Relates that he delayed responding to Eustis's previous correspondence in hopes that Congress would decide upon an arrangement for paying the invalids (refer to GLC02437.04414 and GLC02437.04386). If someone is specially appointed to the post of...

GLC02437.04439

to Henry Knox

Discusses his invitation to join the Society of the Cincinnati that he received after the late War. Says in 1784 he was one of the French officers admitted into the Society, but at the time he could not procure himself the commission for his...

GLC02437.04590

to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his "power" to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15...

GLC02437.04706

to Henry Knox

Encloses a copy of an "oration" (not present) given by Robert Porter before the Society of the Cincinnati in Pennsylvania. Date added later in pencil.

GLC02437.05283

to Henry Knox

Rochefontaine writes that "M. Poisé secretary to General de Lafayette during the latter part of the American war has received a commission of captain as a reward" for his service. His work was equal to that of an officer and should therefore be...

GLC02437.04776

[Regimental request for the Society of Cincinnati] [in French]

Request of the French regiment of de Cuzenne for crosses of the Society of Cincinnati.

GLC02437.04937

to Henry Knox

Written by General Weedon, the President of the Virginia branch of the Society of the Cincinnati, to Secretary of War Knox. References Knox's circular letter of 1 May that contained six copies of the proceedings of the general meeting of the Society...

GLC02437.05045

to John Conrad Zollickoffer

Knox reference's Zollickoffer's letter from July 15 (GLC02437.05065). Says that all foreign members of the Society of the Cincinnati are to be selected by Comte D'Estaing, Comte de Rochambeau, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Says Captain Cottineau...

GLC02437.05075

to George Washington [in French]

The letter, which is in French, appears to be about the request of several French officers to join the Society of the Cincinnati. Behague, Governor of the French Windward Islands, requests a diploma for himself and for Fressinaux from the Society of...

GLC02437.04963

to Henry Knox

Discusses a meeting Knox and his delegation are attending. Mentions a meeting held at the Green Dragon to deal with officers pay. Says a committee was appointed to draft a memorial to Congress and report it at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting...

GLC02437.04599

to William Tudor

Thanks Tudor for giving a speech at the 4 July meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the speech will be kept in the archives of the Cincinnati. Advises Tudor, "as to the little squibs the news papers, they are to you as pop guns."

GLC02437.04656

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he "transferd to Capt. Cottineau the resolve of the General Meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati held at Philadelphia." Hopes Cottineau is accepted as a member of the society and that he receives a diploma from Knox.

GLC02437.04857

to Henry Knox

General Jackson did not receive Knox's letter of 30 August 1790 because he had been out of town. Jackson had met with two men named Jonathan Dow and Ebenezer Eastman interested in purchasing a "Township" from Knox. The land is between "Northern...

GLC02437.04723

to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 February 1791. Comments he is anxious in finding out about what appointments will be made and when. Notes he has heard many reports respecting raising troops but nothing concrete has taken place yet. "We...

GLC02437.04878

to Henry Knox

Signed in text in the third person by President George Washington's secretary William Jackson. Says he is writing by the President's command to transmit a letter (see GLC02437.04963)
addressed to the President from Behague, Governor of the French...

GLC02437.05115

to Henry Knox

Fears he is bothering Knox by continuing to bring up the status of Captain [Denis Nicholas] Cottineau [de Kloguene]'s claim to be admitted as a member of the Society of the Cincinnati (he spells it "Sincinaty"). Says he wrote twice to Knox, but has...

GLC02437.05065

to Henry Knox

Writes concerning the annual meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati at the Bunch of Grapes where they all had a "joyous day, everyone endeavoring to make each other happy." Goes on to describe the general business of the meeting. "We choose the...

GLC02437.10221

to Comte Jean Baptiste D'Estaing

Discusses the Society of the Cincinnati and asks about the French Royal Navy. Date previously inferred, written in pencil. Noted as a copy in the docket and is missing half of the docket sheet.

GLC02437.09972

to Henry Knox

Writes to send him a copy of the diploma for French officers joining the Society of the Cincinnati, and discusses several matters regarding the French members of the Society.

GLC02437.04329

to Henry Knox

Discusses a gentleman from Boston who is attempting to obtain the position of commissary of pensioners. Asks whether the appointment to that post is granted from the state or the Continent. Relates a request from the Marquis La Gallissonnière...

GLC02437.04414

to John Bryant

In a secretarial hand and unsigned, but author is likely Henry Knox. Letter is probably a reply to GLC02437.04255, from Bryant to Knox. Writes that he would be happy to advance Bryant's brother-in-law Mr. Mason the sum Bryant requested, but he...

GLC02437.04269

to Henry Knox

Received Knox's most recent letter, and is glad to hear his daughter Julia has recovered completely from her illness. Relates that all the members of the Society of the Cincinnati in Boston were invited to dine aboard a ship, the Leopard, whose...

GLC02437.04362

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

to Henry Knox [in French]

Discusses diplomas for the Society of the Cincinnati.

GLC02437.04593

to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent visit he made to [Samuel] Ogden. Attempted to persuade Ogden to pay a debt he owed [James] Webber, a London merchant, but Ogden has to wait for money that is owed to him before he can pay the debt. Relates that he delivered...

GLC02437.04645

to Henry Knox

Discusses a meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati where they elected officials, most of whom were the same as the ones they had the year before. Lists the delegates, including Knox, who were chosen to attend the general meeting the following May...

GLC02437.04650

to Henry Knox

Major Doughty acknowledges Knox's letter of 25 July. Doughty was worried about his parents who had word that he had died in a skirmish on the frontier (see GLC02437.04606 and GLC02437.04628 for Knox's correspondence with Doughty's family). Thanks...

GLC02437.04695

to Charles Lining

Writes that he received, via Dr. Thomas Tudor Tucker, Lining's letter as well as the $192 sum Lining sent. Provided Dr. Tucker with a receipt declaring that this money would pay South Carolina's portion of the money owed to Major L'Enfant for the...

GLC02437.03744

to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and...

GLC02437.03833

to Henry Knox

Lafayette references receiving Knox's letter. Says he cannot respond fully as he has to attend a meeting on internal affairs. He wishes to introduce Jacques Pierre Brissot (who Lafayette refers to by the name he assumed, de Warville) and a man named...

GLC02437.03880

to Jean Baptiste Vigoureuse Du Plessis

Was sorry to hear about Du Plessis' illness. Worries about the situation in Europe, notes that the "patriotic party appear to be humbled to the dust." Hears about an "impending War between France & England our wishes are decisively in favor of France...

GLC02437.03722

to George Washington

Writes to Washington on behalf of the South Carolina branch of the Society of the Cincinnati to complain that the Secretary General "is not sending forward in proper time the notice required by the letter from the Chairman of their standing Committee...

GLC02437.04664

to Henry Knox

Discusses an upcoming meeting with the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the standing Committee would like to know if the Constitution of the Society will be voted on during the next meeting. Asks the number of delegates Knox believes will be...

GLC02437.04579

to Henry Knox

Requests Knox forwards an enclosed letter (not included) to Robert Rogers, Secretary of the Society of Cincinnati of Rhode Island. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04702

to Henry Knox

Is unsure who else to forward a document (not present) from a French gentleman recently arrived from Guadeloupe regarding the Society of the Cincinnati, so encloses it to Knox and asks for his advice.

GLC02437.04309

to Henry Knox

Formally requests Knox's attendance at the funeral of Major Lucas of Georgia. Writes that the Society of the Cincinnati of New York will be in attendance, and provides the time and location.

GLC02437.04331

to Henry Knox

Discusses the likelihood that Rhode Island will be joining the union, as well as his desire for an appointment with the federal government. Declares that the bearer of the letter, a Mr. Henry, will be passing time in New York, and Colonel Olney...

GLC02437.04364

to Henry Knox

William, managing affairs in the War Office in Henry's absence, discusses military matters. Reports that Sergeant Alcott arrived at West Point with his complete party. Instructed Lieutenant Pratt to wait at Hartford, Connecticut for Henry Knox before...

GLC02437.03997

to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Lt. James Wilson. Requests Knox signs his "Diploma of the Association of the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.07525

to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions...

GLC02437.03489

to Henry Knox

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in...

GLC02437.03521

[Circular to applicants for the Society of the Cincinnati]

Writes in full, "I have the honor to acknowledge, on the part of the General meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, held in May 1787, at Philadelphia, the receipt of your application to be admitted as a member of the said society - I am commanded...

GLC02437.03615

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to deliver the enclosed letter (not included) to George Washington and informs him that all their mutual friends in the area are well. Wishes "the Convenssion [sic] & the Cincinatus all manner of success," referring to the upcoming...

GLC02437.03551

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references Lafayette's letter from May 5, 1787. Says the letter gave information that was "truly important and evinces that the french nobility possess the true spirit of justice & liberality." Tells him that there are dangers and that he "must...

GLC02437.03616

to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter Knox sent him concerning Colonel Hull. Writes about obtaining cloth to cloath the men raised by the state. Informs him that at the last meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, General R. Putman, Major N. Rice and Dr. Eustis were...

GLC02437.03501

to Mercy Otis Warren

Replies to her letter from 2 May (GLC02437.03539). Discusses a financial matter involving Winslow Warren (Warren's son), Mr. Hawkins, Knox's brother William, and Mr. Breck. Apologizes for not being able to fully comply with her request from 2 May due...

GLC02437.03558

to Benjamin Franklin

Discusses the possibility of a Monsieur de Varonault's admittance into the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes in full, " I have the honor to acknowledge the weight of your Excellencys application respecting Monsieur de Varonault of the French Navy to...

GLC02437.03593

to François Claude Amour, Marquis de Bouillé

Discusses the Marquis' acceptance as a member of the Society of the Cincinnati. Also reports that he has transmitted the news to the Count D'Estaing, already a senior officer in the Society.

GLC02437.03618

to [Mercy Otis] Warren [incomplete]

Discusses the proceedings of a convention (referring to the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia) and mentions the Society of the Cincinnati. Says the Convention is coming to a conclusion and that the proceedings will likely end the 15th of...

GLC02437.03640

to Henry Knox

Barbé-Marbois, a French diplomat, writes that he is "anxious of laying before [Knox] some matters concerning french officers..."

GLC02437.03142

to Francois Jean, marquis de Chastellux

Writes to Chastellux on a variety of topics. Explains the concept of the Society of the Cincinnati, assuring him that the Society is "harmless in its intention, and having only for its real object, the perpetuation of friendship, and recollection of...

GLC02437.03203

to Henry Jackson

Discusses General [Rufus] Putnam as suitable candidate for handling their "eastern matters." Also suggests Colonel Maxwell and asks what Jackson thinks of him. Discusses a map that Captain Stone was to deliver to Jackson, possibly concerning Waldo...

GLC02437.03474

to Joseph Mandrillon

Informs Mandrillon that the Society of the Cincinnati cannot accept him as a member. Adds that the Society, as an institution, is "too young to assume so much importance to appoint a gentleman of your abilities their historiographer..." Letter is in...

GLC02437.03566

to Henry Knox

Asks that Major [George] Turner send a copy of the proceedings of the Society of the Cincinnati's last general meeting (May 1787) to the Massachusetts branch before the 4th of July. Mentions a resolution, presumably discussed at the meeting. Notes...

GLC02437.03576

to Henry Knox

Outlines his endeavors, as Treasurer of North Carolina's chapter of the Society of the Cincinnati, to obtain funds to "discharge Majr L'Enfant." Reports that the society members agreed wholeheartedly but adds that he has had some trouble acquiring...

GLC02437.03603

to Major Turner

Discusses Turner's observations regarding a memorial written by Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, apparently about settling a financial claim he has with the Society of the Cincinnati members. May be referring to L'Enfant's purchase of extra Society...

GLC02437.03608

to Charles Henri d'Estaing

Discusses the application of the Marquis de Bouille to the Society of the Cincinnati. Also asks the Count d'Estaing for a list of the officers in the French Navy who are members of the Society; would like to use this list to to fill out diplomas for...

GLC02437.03619

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Discusses a meeting in Philadelphia, and writes "You will have found that Congress have recommended a convention to meet in Philadelphia in May. I hope and pray that you may be at it, either on the part of the State or the Cincinnati."

GLC02437.03483