14 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that he is going to spend the day in Dorchester with "our friend Ben" [probably Hichborn]. Only has time to enclose a memo from Ben "on the subject of the Reference - you will observe they have changed their ground, & will do every thing in their power to take every advantage of you." Relates that Ben and [Edward] Robbins are aware of the problem and "will contract them if it is in the power of Man to do it." They will do everything in their power to "frustrate their designs." See GLC02437.04088 and GLC02437.04089 for related information.

GLC02437.04090

26 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks him to deliver the enclosed letter (not present) to John Dawson, a member of Congress, and to forward it on to Dawson if he has already gone home. Also provides a brief note on the price of public securities.

GLC02437.04099

1 February 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Per Knox's instructions, submitted to the newspapers an advertisement about the sale of General [Nathanael] Greene's lands. Writes that Knox is perfectly right to undergo the operation he mentions. Will be extremely anxious for Knox, but trusts that God will see him through the procedure and that it will be an effective cure. Writes that there have been no changes in the business of the reference. Is sure Mr. [William] Wetmore plans to take full advantage of Knox but that Ben [probably Benjamin Hichborn] and his associates are watching him closely. Captain [Thomas] Vose has not set out…

GLC02437.04103

15 February 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter, which contained an enclosure from Mr. [James] Swan. Is very happy to see from his letter that Knox has recovered from his illness, and thanks God for it. Also feels that Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry has chosen well to go into Congress, and will be a good member. Adds that he plans to go to Dorchester to visit their friend Ben [likely Benjamin Hichborn] to discuss some letters he recently received from France.

GLC02437.04116

20 February 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he was somewhat alarmed not to receive a letter from Knox, but believes that if he were dangerously ill, Knox's brother or someone else would send word to him. Therefore assumes that business or a visit from friends prevented his writing. Is enclosing Knox's agreement with Mr. [Thomas] Vose, who has now gone eastward, presumably to Knox's property in Maine. Writes that Mr. Hall will join Vose on the return trip.

GLC02437.04122

1 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for the bearer, Captain Bartlet (some sources say "Bartlett") Hinds, who is traveling to New York on business respecting the Corps of Invalids. Declares that he served with great honor in the Massachusetts Line in the Continental Army, and was wounded while fighting. Was transferred to the Corps of Invalids and has been stationed on Castle Island in Boston Harbor. Writes, "As Mr. Hinds represents that Meritorious class of Man, the Wounded and disabled Soldier, - (If his application is founded in Justice) I am sure, you will be happy to give him every…

GLC02437.04127

15 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has discussed Knox's case with Dr. [William] Eustis, who is "clearly of opinion you ought to take the greatest care of yourself, as to your diet & exercise, for a twelve mounth to come, by heating your blood & over loading your stomach for many months would be the means of a return of the disorder." Mentions that the newspapers are full of "Electioneering" for governor and lieutenant governor. Major candidates for lieutenant governor are Mr. S[amuel] Adams and General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Believes that Mr. [John] Hancock will be elected, and "Laco," an anonymous…

GLC02437.04144

29 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letter. Comments on Knox's accusation that Jackson did not write him when he was supposed to, but provides an excuse. Writes, "What a misfortune, that the new government is not yet formed - the Feds are uneasy, & the Antis are rising tip toe in consequence of the delay - however, we keep up our spirits and hope for the best." Discusses the election of the Vice President, and the desire of the people of Boston to support the Federal Government. Reports that he and Benjamin Hichborn are delayed in departing for their visit to New York because Hichborn must…

GLC02437.04158

12 April 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter, with its enclosure for Mr. [James] Swan. Writes that Mr. [possibly Sylvanus or, more likely, Congressman Shearjashub-only provides a first initial, "S"] Bourne arrived the previous Thursday with election results declaring John Adams to be Vice President. Mentions how Adams will travel to New York, including making a stop to visit Governor [John] Hancock. Writes that General [Benjamin] Lincoln likely will not be elected Governor, as Hancock has probably won reelection, with Mr. [Samuel] Adams elected Lieutenant Governor. Adds information about local elections.…

GLC02437.04178

15 April 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of lands belonging to Knox's eastern territories, likely part of the Waldo patent lands. Declares that he has done research into the subject, but his last report to Knox may have been "premature." Mentions that Vice President [John] Adams left on Monday to travel to New York, and that Governor [John] Hancock acted honorably during his part of the festivities. Also mentions his plan to depart for New York in one week.

GLC02437.04181

24 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he arrived in Boston yesterday after a pleasant journey, and found all of his friends well. Found that his parents were both quite ill and confined to their bedchamber, and fears particularly for his father, who seems to be declining fast. Mentions that when he passed through Watertown, Captain [Thomas] Vose approached him to discuss concerns about Vose's trip eastward to the Waldo patent lands. Reports that Vose was distressed because Knox took so long to respond to Vose's letter that Vose has been unable to proceed eastward to begin his work as Knox's agent. Vose is also…

GLC02437.04217

31 May 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter. Is sorry to hear that Knox injured himself at the game of fives. Hopes his recovery will not be long, but advises him to take care of himself: "it will be a good lesson to you, when you exercise, to do it with less violence." Discusses a visit by Captain [Thomas] Vose, in which he helped Vose to prepare to depart for the Waldo patent lands, so that Vose could work as an agent for Knox. Delivered a letter to Vose from Knox, and watched Vose and his family pack their belongings and depart on a ship. Vose seemed to feel happy about the arrangements they made.…

GLC02437.04227

7 June 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter, and, noting that Knox did not mention his leg injury, he assumes Knox has recovered. He does remind Knox to be more careful the next time he plays sports. Discusses current politics in Massachusetts, such as the illness of the Governor. Also declares that the General Court is concerned that its members are no longer as influential now that the new federal government is running. Provides information on their friends and acquaintances in Boston as well.

GLC02437.04236

14 June 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter. Is glad to hear that his health is improving, though he imagines his confinement must have been "tedious & disagreeable." Discusses a recent letter "Cousin Isaac" [possibly Isaac Winslow, Sr.] wrote to Knox about a petition regarding the Waldo patent lands, and promises that their friend Ben [Benjamin Hichborn] will attend to it (see GLC02437.04239 for related information). Describes a recent social engagement, in which a Captain Linsee invited a party of gentlemen on board his boat. Lastly, mentions that he heard that Congress passed a measure to appoint…

GLC02437.04240

26 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Is disappointed not to have received a letter from Knox recently, and hopes that Knox's son isn't ill again, which would prevent him from writing. Writes, "By the last New York paper I observe that the Revenue System is nearly compleated [sic] and ready for the Nominations & Appointments - I am really extremely anxious in this head, and if I am disappointed it will be very severely felt by me, more so than any circumstance of my life." Adds that he is pleased Mr. [Rufus] King has been elected to represent New York in the Senate. Provides an update on Captain [Thomas] Vose and Major […

GLC02437.04305

13 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his disappointment with apparently not receiving a government position, but knows that Knox did everything in his power to help. Would prefer, if possible, to be appointed in the Revenue department. Comments on the appointment of General [Benjamin] Lincoln and of Mr. Lovell. Mentions the severely hot weather they have recently experienced in Boston, and sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family.

GLC02437.04326

23 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received the news that Knox's son has died. Sends his condolences to Knox and his wife and discusses the difficulty of losing a child. Has enclosed a letter for the President from Mr. Thomas Edwards, the former Judge Advocate, who is very poor at present and would like an appointment in the judicial branch as a clerk. Would like to pursue for himself the office of Marshal, and explains why he is well-suited for its duties. Also discusses his suitability for several other positions, but leaves it to Knox, who is in the seat of government, to represent his interests there.

GLC02437.04333

30 August 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that "Cousin Isaac" (likely Isaac Winslow) has departed for "Georges River" (possibly St. George River in Maine, near the Waldo patent lands). Writes, "General [Benjamin] Lincoln appointment as one of the Commissioners to Treat with the Southern Indians has given great Satisfaction to the people in this quarter, particularly to his friends who are exceedingly gratified in the confidence placed in him by the President." Continues to emphasize his interest in the position of Collector of the Port of Boston, but also discusses the position of Marshall and the duties and salary…

GLC02437.04342

1 September 1789

Hancock, John, 1737-1793

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter has two portions, both dated 1 September 1789. The first, written by Henry Jackson, describes the bearer, John Sewall, who is the son of Jonathan Sewall, the former Attorney General of New York, and nephew of John Hancock. Declares that he is of good character and an able attorney on his way from Halifax to Quebec, where he plans to establish a law practice. Will be stopping in New York, and Jackson asks Knox to assist Sewall while he is there. The second page, written by John Hancock, is a letter of introduction for Sewall, asking that Knox welcome him into his acquaintance.

GLC02437.04348

6 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions the illness of Lucy Knox, related to the recent passing of one of the Knox children. Discusses the recent bill describing the salaries of the various executive departments. Mentions General [Benjamin] Lincoln's recent appointment and his leading troops to negotiate with the Creek Indians in Georgia. Comments on his own prospects for receiving an appointment in the Revenue office or as Marshall. Also mentions the arrival of a French ship in the Boston area, as well as a bill from Captain [Thomas] Vose, Knox's agent in the Waldo patent.

GLC02437.04350

21 December 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry [Knox]

Discusses the first federal elections, noting that "last Thursday was the day appointed by the State for the Choice of Federal Representatives." Jackson details the likely winners of Congressional seats from the various Massachusetts districts, including Fisher Ames for the Boston area: "the friends of Mr. S_ A [Samuel Adams] in this town are exceedingly disappointed...the Feds are highly gratified in the Election of Mr. Ames." He concludes that "on the whole from every appearance the Representatives from this State will be Federal good Men." He also notes that, based on the people chosen as…

GLC02437.10216

28 December 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Addresses letter to "My dear Harry." Writes about a severe snow storm, "the most of any we have had this winter - for ten days past, we have had the severest cold Season, known for many years." Goes on to discuss the Federal elections. Notes that Mr. Ames will gain a seat by only a small margin, not the large majority that Jackson expected. Says most believe Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry will be chosen by Middlesex. Sends his love to Knox's family. Watermarked "L Paine."

GLC02437.10217

11 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States "I believe their is no doubt who will be president and Vice - people talk pretty loud and open that Mr. J. A. [John Adams] must & will be the man for V - don't let this come from me - but you may be assured the other person [John Hancock] will stand no chance - if it was merely his want of health it would be sufficient - he has not been out of his chamber more than once since you left here, and is now confined to his Bed with the Gout - the breach between him and the Lt. Gov. [Benjamin Lincoln] grows wider & wider, how or when it will end is impossible to determine."…

GLC02437.10219

28 June 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses unrest and states that "nothing would quiet the People, and a revolution would certainly take place on the patent..." States that Thomas, Brown, and others wish "to be treated exactly as the State treats these Settlers - by giving them 100 acres of Land they paying five dollars for it... If you will comply with their terms, they will ensure it to you forever - if not, War - War is the Word - they are both artfull fellows and I believe damd Rascals." Goes on to discuss the health of the President and near completion of the Revenue Bill. Watermarked "L Paine" and with a hunting…

GLC02437.10220

5 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 same officers as last year..." Watermarked "L Paine" and with a hunting horn in a crest with "G R" underneath.

GLC02437.10221