22 April 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he is not disappointed by the disbandment of the troops since he was expecting it. Discusses William North's retracted resignation of the office of Inspector General, which Sargent was to have taken over as North's replacement. Expresses his embarrassment over this as everyone thought he would receive the appointment until North decided not to resign. "To have told me absolutely that he would not continue in the office - & inform'd a number of my friends that he had resigned in my favor, & to resume it (thereby apparently displacing me at his own Pleasure) more than…

GLC02437.03533

6 May 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions he still has not been reimbursed for his expenses from last year. Discusses relations with the Native Americans, stating he is glad that "the surveys will soon be continued & that the Indians are peaceably inclined." Writes, "that as the Indians are out trapping for Beaver there is little doubt but they will steal them all" [referring to the surveyors' horses], which will stop the survey. Comments on Congress deciding about "disposing of the Lands which have been surveyed ... " and wishes his townships had been included. Stamped "Boston." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.03544

20 August 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends his condolences over the recent death of Knox's baby. Discusses his visit with Jeremiah Wadsworth and an upcoming voyage to China. Notes a 500 ton ship is supposedly being built for the China trade and Sargent believes it would be "not impossible if we could engage Wadsworth heartily in the Business..." (See GLC02437.03637 for Wadsworth's views on the voyage). Describes the business in further details, including the different parties involved and possible funding for the voyage. Stamped "Boston." See GLC02437.03644, GLC02437.03647, and GLC02437.03652 for related documents.

GLC02437.03638

2 September 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent sends the proceedings of a meeting of Ohio Company agents that took place 29 August (refer to GLC02437.03648). Notes that keeping part of their purchase "out of sight" had enhanced the value of the first [1000] shares. Offers Knox his opinions on the appointment of Western Officers for the company. Hopes that he [Sargent] will be appointed secretary. Asks Knox to let him know if there will be a treaty with the Native Americans in the Western Country.

GLC02437.03651

2 December 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses financial business in relation to the Ohio Company and the western lands. Signature clipped, resulting in text loss of the first portion of the letter. Stamped "Boston."

GLC02437.03719

17 December 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards letters regarding the Ohio Company accounts. Writes that he has heard General Armstrong resigned from his position as a judge of the Federal Territories. Asks that if this is true, Knox put in a good word for "my friend Mr [Manasseh] Cutler to your Friends in Congress," to appoint Cutler a judge.

GLC02437.03729

January 12, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Congratulations Knox on the birth of son. Mentions their "friend Platt" noting, "It appears to me that we have not placed any 'Bars in the way of military Associators' & that soldiers would find it very much to their interests to take their Lands with us..." Referring to state ratification of the Constitution, writes "French & English war, Dutch Interests & every thing else indeed are giving way to the important Business of the Convention." Mentions Massachusetts delegate Samuel Adams's opposition to ratification. Notes that Connecticut's ratification (9 January 1788) will…

GLC02437.03757

February 3, 1788

Sands, Comfort, 1748-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sands reports that he has just returned from the New York Legislature, and that Mr. [Egbert] Benson has asked him to relay that both branches agreed to hold a convention to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution. The convention is scheduled to meet at Poughkeepsie in June. Benson asks Knox to inform Boston.

GLC02437.03779

February 3, 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that Knox has rheumatism. Expects that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Discusses several delegates who advocated its adoption. Mentions [John] Hancock's publication in the [Massachusetts] Centinel 2 February 1788, which according to Sargent stated "that we should ratify &c. & propose certain Amendments..." Asks if General [Arthur] St. Clair will hold a treaty with an unspecified tribe of Native Americans and discusses business of the Ohio Company. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03783

6 February 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that Massachusetts ratified the Constitution of the United States by a majority of twenty-one. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03789

17 February 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter to be forwarded to General [Arthur] St. Clair. Had assumed he would meet St. Clair in New York and that an Indian treaty would be negotiated by St. Clair in April. Plans to remain in Boston until the meeting of the Ohio Company, to be held in March at Providence, Rhode Island. Refers to Ohio Company business, mentioning Captain [Thomas] Hutchins. Mentions the majority by which the United States Constitution was passed in Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03799

2 March circa 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses shares and shareholders of the Ohio Company. Encloses a pamphlet (not included but possibly related to GLC02437.03815), and asks Knox to forward it to Platt. Month and day are given; year is written in pencil at a later date.

GLC02437.03811

3 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Marked private at the top of page one. Declares, "I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten states. In Virginia, the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten- In New Hampshire the majority eleven- The latter passed it on Saturday the 21, and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo." Discusses the New York convention presently deciding on ratification of the Constitution. Predicts that "the Convention will stipulate for amendments previous to the adoption... Congress will…

GLC02437.03926

17 July 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent writes, "the adoption of the Constitution by Virginia & New Hamshire [sic] is a Circumstance of very high Gratification to all your Friends in this Western World- I am unhappy that you should seem to suspect me of Inattention to you since my Arrival here-" Notes that he has been unable to use his right hand, thus writes with his left. Encloses a letter to [Richard] Platt (not included), asking Knox to inspect it. Discusses the Ohio land interests of a Mrs. Colden and the retention of settlers to Northwest Territory lands. Hopes to accommodate "those Settlers who are every day…

GLC02437.03937

15 August 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses matters related to the Ohio Company settlement at Marietta, including the possibility of defense against Native American attacks. Intended to send Knox a plan of Marietta, but was unable to draw one due to his injured or afflicted hand. Relates the details of cultivating the land and discusses land prices. Plans to go down the [Ohio] River to meet with nine Indian tribes.

GLC02437.03962

20 October 1788

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent, Secretary of the Northwest Territory, discusses progress of the settlers and negotiations with Native Americans in the Territory including Joseph Brant. Writes, "We can not as yet, tis true, boast of very much Cultivation or Improvement, for our Numbers are not large, but the few present have not been idle- they have [built] themselves comfortable Log Houses..." Comments on the delay of an unspecified treaty with Native Americans. Writes "...As the Governour corresponds with you, you will undoubtedly be informed of the particular Disposition of the different Tribes- Should they…

GLC02437.04007

8 January 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter and the information contained therein. Reports that the Governor, aware of Knox's interest in Indian affairs, will soon write him a note on the negotiations for a treaty with the Indians. Provides some information on that subject. Sends the regards of several friends who are with him in Marietta, and sends his compliments to Mrs. Lucy Knox, as well as to Knox's brother, William.

GLC02437.04079

January 14, 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the death of a prominent judge will leave an opening for General [Rufus] Putnam and Mr. [possibly Manasseh] Cutler as candidates for office in the region. Comments that both men are high in his estimation and their merits entitle them to the consideration of Congress, but believes that due to past measures, it may be hard to elect either one. Believes that General Putnam may have the best chance for success due to his military connections. If he gets promoted, Cutler would be well suited to take the Judgeship that Putnam currently occupies. Writes to advise Knox, as he knows…

GLC02437.04092

16 March 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces the bearer, Mr. Tracey, who is in charge of a party that is founding a settlement fourteen miles from Marietta, Ohio. Discusses the emerging society in Ohio. Remarks on the geography of his region, including the location of the Muskingum River. Asks about the operation of the new government and voices concerns about whether he will be under the jurisdiction of the new government. Discusses his desire for his friends to write him, due to his sense of isolation, and comments on his friendship with Knox and others back in the East.

GLC02437.04145

29 September 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently sends condolences to the Knox family (likely regarding the recent death of one of Knox's children). Writes that he would be happy to receive a line from Knox and answer any questions Knox might have about Sargent's area of the country. Is anxious for the Governor to arrive, because he needs to determine which lands the Governor would like to settle on, so that Sargent can set up his own home and agricultural fields. Discusses the military staff present in Ohio and the prospects of Congress sending more people. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04369

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Replies to Sargent's request to send more troops to the Western Territory, specifically Marietta, Ohio (refer to GLC02437.04369). Knox does not personally object to the request, but writes that "the arrangement directed is with the entire concurrence of the President of the United States and embraces a variety of views- It seems to be a pretty prevalent opinion among the members of the Eastern States that the expences for the Western territories should be rather lessened than encreased." Noted as an extract.

GLC02437.04410

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

24 March 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Informs Sargent that Major General St. Clair has left Philadelphia for Fort Pitt. McClure will inform Sargent "fully of the arrangements for the campaign and probably request that you would assist him." Notes the operations suggested will likely lead to peace but if not "they must be made so."

GLC02437.04890

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

2 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the War Department. Explains that Mr. Caleb Swan will be taking thirty five thousand dollars in post bank notes for the pay of the army, and that Sargent's name has been added to the notes for greater security. When Swan wants to exchange the notes for cash, he will need Sargent's to do so; asks that Sargent oblige.

GLC02437.05250