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to George Clinton

Discusses an "act of the Council, expressive of their thanks to myself and the officers, and men of the ... troops who have lately been upon duty in the city of New York."

GLC02437.02847

to Congress

Written by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Knox gives a report on the state of West Point soon before his intended departure for Boston. Notes the dissolution of several companies/corps. Gives status of hospital, cannon, ammunition and supplies...

GLC02437.02903

to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more...

GLC02437.03120

to Henry Knox

Avery, Secretary of the State of Massachusetts, informs Knox that Governor Thomas Cushing has requested that several cannon at West Point be returned to Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03162

to William Hull

Informs that the British will begin evacuating New York soon. Mentions the evacuation of Kingsbridge, Fort Washington, McGowan's Pass, New York City, Brookland (Brooklyn), Paulus Hook, Staten Island, and De Neices (Denyse's Ferry in Brooklyn)....

GLC02437.02780

to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he wrote Lafayette "several letters" expressing his affection for him. Says America as a nation believes the same thing and that "you must not regard [such expressions] as compliments but the language of sincerity." Goes on to say "Our...

GLC02437.02830

[Extract from minutes]

An extract from the Council's minutes. Resolve gives the governor of New York the authority to "discharge the said Troops; except such Number or Detachment of them as Major General Knox, or other commanding Officer of the Troops of the United States...

GLC02437.02856

[Resolution]

Copies of two resolves. The first offers the thanks of Congress to General R. Howe for the manner in which he conducted the inquiry into the Pennsylvania Line mutiny; the second resolves to transmit the former to George Washington and have him relay...

GLC02437.02559

to Isaac Sears, George Clinton, Samuel Broome, and Robert Livingston

Knox writes to Colonel Sears, Chancellor Livingston, Governor Clinton, and Broome, a merchant and bookseller. Recommends Colonel Stevens, possibly Ebenezer Stevens, to the recipients' acquaintance. Relates that Stevens will be taking up residence...

GLC02437.02924

to [George] Clinton

Discusses with Governor Clinton the preparations for the arrival of "The General" [George Washington] at Poughkeepsie, New York. Adds that he has sent his aide-de-camp John Lillie to New York, thinking that sending an aide would leave "less room for...

GLC02437.02762

to Samuel Osgood

Knox writes to Osgood, a Continental Congressman. Thanks him for the "disinterested attention" he has paid Knox in several instances. Assures Osgood he prizes their friendship highly. Reports that George Washington has instructed him to dissolve...

GLC02437.02875

to George Washington

Major General Knox reports that he withdrew from New York on or around 18 December 1783, according to the wishes of Governor George Clinton. Informs Washington he has discharged all troops except those who he lists in an enclosed return (not...

GLC02437.02904

to Henry Knox

Discusses his experience with Congress, in particular, making forced compromises in order to bring about a successful end to Knox's business. "I need not tell you how happy I am that this matter is at last brought to a close. Instead of one, it...

GLC02437.02726

to Henry Knox

Hull, commandant of West Point, encloses a letter from Joseph Carleton, writing on behalf of Congress, regarding engineers retained in service (refer to GLC02437.02954). Hull instructed Carleton to defer final reorganization of the engineering...

GLC02437.02966

to George Washington

Knox reflects on the Revolutionary War: "Your calm retreat to Mount Vernon must be a source of ineffable delight to you. You can from there take a retrospective view of the critical exigencies of the War, and see a thousand ways by which the issue...

GLC02437.02960

to Samuel Osgood

Discusses a situation of a fellow officer, Colonel Michael Jackson, who intends to petition Congress regarding compensation for a wound he received in 1776 which is still causing him trouble. This letter is likely Knox's response to Jackson's 29...

GLC02437.02818

[Extract from minutes]

An extract from a council's minutes. States that the Governor of New York expresses his thanks for the citizens of the state and Major General Henry Knox for their help in "preserving the Peace and good Order of the Southern District, since the...

GLC02437.02845

[Instructions for paying Knox during his command at West Point]

Indicates "That Genl Knox be allowed the pay of a Major Genl in a Separate Department during his Command at West Pt. his additional pay Granted by the Resolution of the 12th of Jany 1781 to cease during the Time he Receives the aforegoing Allowance...

GLC02437.02893

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will leave for New York, then West Point, and will make arrangements to travel to Canada (Hull was assigned by Knox to attempt to acquire information from the Commander of British forces in North America).

GLC02437.03008

to Benjamin Lincoln

Later copy. Expresses disappointment that General Lincoln will not be ready to sail as soon as Knox anticipated. Adds that commissioners are waiting for them at Halifax, Nova Scotia. About the urgent voyage, writes "We ought to determine upon the...

GLC02437.03042

to Henry Knox

Byers, who had a contract with Congress to cast brass ordnance during the Revolutionary War, complains of difficulty receiving pay for his services. Asks Knox to intervene on his behalf, requesting a certificate from Knox attesting to his service....

GLC02437.03044

to John Mitchell

Relates he has been appointed as a commissioner to "examine whether the people under the Government of Nova Scotia have encroached upon the territories of this state." Requests sworn testimony regarding Mitchell's [in some sources, Mitchel] previous...

GLC02437.03053

to Henry Knox

Encloses "as near a copy as I could make of our address to the Indians," possibly referring to a recent address he and Knox made to the Penobscots in present-day Maine. Discusses copying documents related to former Governor [Thomas] Pownall's...

GLC02437.03060

to Charles Thomson

Knox writes to Thomson, Secretary of Congress. Accepts the appointment of Secretary at War: "I have the most grateful sentiments to Congress for this distinguishing mark of their confidence, and I shall according to the best of my abilities attempt...

GLC02437.03114

to Rufus King

Knox discusses his appointment as Secretary at War. Informs King, a Continental Congressman, "It is true I was fully of opinion that the salary was considerably inadequate to the honorable support of so confidential an officer, but I thought it...

GLC02437.03119

to Henry Knox

Lafayette hopes this letter finds Knox in New York arranging for his duties as Secretary of War. Rejoices in Knox's selection as "the patriot and the soldier are nobly united in your person." Says Knox can write to him as a friend or as secretary of...

GLC02437.03144

to George Washington

Extract of a letter in the hand of Tobias Lear, secretary to George Washington. Explains that he proof-read entries from the "Encyclopedie Methodique" on the "Etats unis" and the "Cincinnati," and gave corrections to the author. Also gave the article...

GLC02437.03338

to Henry Knox

Written from "Port Louis, Isle of France," present-day Port Louis, Mauritius. Relates that Mr. Sears stopped at the Isle of France on his way to and from Canton (present-day Guangzhou, China), and brought him a letter from Major Samuel Shaw. Fears...

GLC02437.03454

to Henry Knox

John Brooks, a member of the Massachusetts General Court, writes to Knox on a wide variety of political subjects. Discusses the Society of the Cincinnati, land grants to common people, redress of grievances of the public, and the passage of a...

GLC02437.03227

to Jonathan Pollard

Discusses a petition of Pollard's that has been active since 1781, apparently for pay from when Pollard worked for General William Heath. Says it must be renewed, noting that Robert Morris was not yet Superintendent of Finance when it was filed.

GLC02437.03241

to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter in which he presents news on a variety of subjects. First, mentions that he applied to Judge Wendell for certificates that they had been discussing. He has so far been unsuccessful but will try again. John Hancock is...

GLC02437.03250

to Henry Knox

Reports that Captain Hall is not back in town yet so he cannot do anything further about the lime business. Writes that Isaac Winslow has gone to Halifax, but they spoke about it and it is Winslow's opinion that it would take a large farm and many...

GLC02437.03263

to Joseph Williams

Wrote last to Major Williams while at Springfield regarding the protection of military stores. Has heard that in the absence of General Sheppard [probably William Shepard], a Colonel Chapin will be in command. Asks Williams to talk to Colonel...

GLC02437.03313

[Memorandum related to Robert Morris and Jeremiah Wadsworth]

Describes a series of meeting in October - November 1786 involving Knox, Robert Morris, Jeremiah Wadsworth, Gouverneur Morris, and Samuel Osgood to develop Knox's proposal to loan money to Congress to clothe, feed, pay and house the troops. Congress...

GLC02437.03314

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 Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, the loan for raising men to oppose the Indians has been offered, and it has been debated for several days. The reference to "Indians" is code for the troops being raised to suppress Shays's Rebellion. Explains...

GLC02437.03343

to Robert Morris

Writes that the Board of Treasury will write by the next post to comment on the "proposed contracts." Declares that he sincerely hopes "that nothing may occur to prevent the completion of this business, in a manner advantageous to the public and...

GLC02437.03349

to Elbridge Gerry

Almost identical in content to GLC02437.03352, which is a later copy of this letter. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation...

GLC02437.03353

to Henry Jackson

Writes that Jackson must be anxious and surprised that he has not yet heard from Knox "on the subject of clothing & rations. The fact is that I have been unable to give you any satisfaction on these points." Writes, "Congress came to the...

GLC02437.03362

to Rufus King

Writes that he has "nothing of consequence to communicate." Discusses the death of a Mr. Nash, as well as the doings of friends and colleagues including Mr. [possibly Edward] Carrington and Mr. [possibly Robert] Morris. Mentions trying to contact...

GLC02437.03366

to Henry Knox

Discusses the lack of supplies faced by a group of soldiers he encountered, and mentions that he had to supply them himself because "not one shilling will be furnished by the state." However, he is running out of money. Declares that the Board of...

GLC02437.03372

to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General...

GLC02437.03418

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 James Bowdoin

Marked "copy" on docket. Describes in some detail the confrontations between his troops and the insurgents in Massachusetts, led by Daniel Shays. Reports that General [William] Shepard, who is also leading troops, is in a precarious position which it...

GLC02437.03422

to James Bowdoin

Written from Brookfield, likely in Massachusetts. Marked "copy." Relates how he led his troops to the aid of General Shepard. "Writes, Gen'l Sheppard expects hourly an attack by the whole force of the Insurgents:- Shays marched with the party...

GLC02437.03425

to James Bowdoin

Marked "copy." Written from "Head Quarters Springfield." Reports on Shay and his supporters' situation. Relates that he and a number of other regiments arrived in Springfield the day before. Writes, "On my arrival I found, that Shays had taken...

GLC02437.03427

to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his letters. Never doubted Knox's good wishes toward him, or his desire to promote Sargent's military achievements. Is acutely aware of Knox's responsibilities and does not want to put him in an embarrassing position because of his...

GLC02437.03432

to Benjamin Lincoln

Contains two letters. The first, written from Pelham, Massachusetts on 31 January 1787 to General Benjamin Lincoln, is signed by (though not in the hand of) Daniel Shays, along with Francis Stone and Adam Wheeler. The second is Lincoln's reply...

GLC02437.03434

to Marquis de Lafayette

Provides an account of Shays' Rebellion in Massachusetts. Claims the "discontents in Massachusetts" were "speedily and effectually suppressed." Says these discontents were immersed in "Opinions which perhaps were necessarily diseminated previous to...

GLC02437.03451

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