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to George Washington

Writes that he hopes to be able to visit General Washington at Mount Vernon soon. Is convinced of the General's affection for him and feels sure that his limited correspondence will not be misconstrued; is aware that responding to too many letters...

GLC02437.03319

to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by...

GLC02437.03322

to William Shepard

Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request...

GLC02437.03421

to Henry Knox

Says that he received his recent letters, including one to be delivered to [Benjamin] Hichborn. Asks him to give his regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Writes that Major [William] North has not yet arrived, and he is afraid that North is sick on...

GLC02437.03458

to William Shepard

Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received...

GLC02437.03390

to Nathaniel Gorham

Responds to a previous letter by Gorham. Writes a long letter discussing the proposal to use the arms and stores in Springfield, Massachusetts against the Shays' rebels. Declares that he has not received word from the Governor [probably James...

GLC02437.03391

to James Sullivan [incomplete]

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Previous research determined the addressee to be James Sullivan, but the document does not indicate that explicitly. Knox discusses the settlement of the estate of Thomas...

GLC02437.03428

to George Washington [incomplete]

Comments on a recent trip Washington took to his western lands. Expresses relief that Washington did not travel as far west as he originally planned due to "the indians being in a bad temper." Referring to settlers on Washington's lands, writes...

GLC02437.03087

to William J. McDonald

"I beg to acknowledge the receipt from you, of the handsome volume, entitled 'Constitution, Rules and Manual'….I find it embraces, besides the subjects indicated by the title, the Declaration of Independence 1776, the Articles of Confederation 1778,...

GLC09385

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

Has enclosed a copy of a letter (refer to GLC02437.03378) he received from Governor [James] Bowdoin. "I would beg you to keep it to yourself, as I do the original. This does not mention it, but Major Shepard informs me that his Excellency wished me...

GLC02437.03382

to Henry Knox

Writes that the insurgents are "most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil." Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the...

GLC02437.03420

to Stephen Higginson

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, "The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events...

GLC02437.03430

to Henry Knox

Has had two conferences with Mr. [Robert] Morris, and writes that Morris is discouraged with the status of public affairs. Had understood that the "monied men" of Massachusetts would be providing funding as well, but they have not. New York has...

GLC02437.03448

to Henry Knox

Encloses the proposed Constitution of Georgia (not included). Notes that three members from each county are appointed to meet at Augusta in January: "I shall only say, that from the disposition of the People, and in particular that of their members...

GLC02437.04053

to George Washington

Writes, "The insurgents who were assembled at Worcester in Massachusetts have disbanded- The people at Boston seem to be glad at this event and say it was the effect of fear- But the fact is that the insurgents effected their object, which was to...

GLC02437.03385

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Written from the "War Office," likely in New York City. Writes that the bearer, Major [William] North, "will inform you of an intended disposition of some of the federal troops for the protection of the stores of the United States at...

GLC02437.03446

to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming Convention in May to possibly create a new system of government and Constitution. Writes that the idea of such a convention "may not only be new, but may appear to interfere with that article in the Confederation, which...

GLC02437.03452

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 John Jay

Describes the recent Shays' Rebellion, explaining that Mr. [John] Stagg, the bearer, will provide more details. Writes, "Government has lost ground. Faction desperate faction gains strength hourly - they speak of a military government and embodying...

GLC02437.03308

to Stephen Higginson

Thanks Higginson for his observations on the current state of the government. Says Higginson's views are "perfectly just and well founded" and that Higginson has "a greater degree of attention, and thought on the subject, than most other gentlemen...

GLC02437.03468

[Rufus Putnam's examination "of certain anonymous letters" leading to officers' discontent]

Pertains to the Newburgh Petition and Conspiracy. General Putnam writes an open letter "to the Officers in the Army" expressing reservations about officers' plan to obtain back pay and other concessions from Congress. Urges them not to threaten or...

GLC02437.10105

The case of Trevett against Weeden: On Information and Complaint,....

Evans 20825, Kress B1355, Sabin 98638. The legal case tested the powers of the Articles of Confederation to the right of Trial by Jury.

GLC02443

to [Henry Knox]

Informs Knox that he (Higginson) spoke to Congress, including "Mr. Maddison," about forming a special convention to revise the Articles of Confederation. Discusses the need to draft a new document for the basis of government as the "Confederation is...

GLC02437.10209

to Gouverneur Morris

Knox, Commander at West Point, writes to Morris, Superintendent of Finance. Remarks, "The Army generally have always reprobated being thirteen Armies. Their ardent desires have been to be one continental body looking up to one sovereign..." Calls...

GLC02437.10098