27 September 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Hunter

In regard to an order of iron, Knox asks Hunter to send as much iron as he has produced to James River, along with other items of ordnance. The supplies were needed urgently. The Continental Army was then preparing for the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01193

9 October 1781

Hunter, James, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Duplicate of GLC02437.01217. In response to Knox's letter ordering Hunter to send iron and ordnance to James River (GLC02437.01193), Hunter explains how he has complied and what problems he has encountered. Also mentions naval engagements involving Dutch ships. The Continental Army was then executing the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01216

29 October 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to James Hunter

In response to a letter and bill for supplies from Hunter (see GLC02437.01216 and GLC02437.01246, respectively), Knox indicates that the account has been forwarded to Colonel Timothy Pickering, the quartermaster general. Pickering will see Hunter in a few days and settle the account. The bill was for supplies needed for the siege of Yorktown. Clerical copy in the hand of Samuel Shaw and signed by him for Knox.

GLC02437.01271

10 March 1782

Irvine, William, 1741-1804

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he called to say goodbye this morning but did not want to disturb Knox since Knox has been ill. Discusses military stores "in case of Offensive operations to the Westward," and has included an estimate. Mentions that the stores at Fort Pitt are only sufficient for a defensive plan. Hopes there will not in the future be "so great a consumption of stores in that quarter without execution."

GLC02437.01367

6 September 1782

Hunt, B.G., fl. 1782

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written in Bedford, in possibly one of two New York locations. Authored by a Captain Hunt of New York Levies (first initials are illegible but may be B.G.). Has received a letter from General [William] Heath of August 29th in which he is to send for a prisoner from his company to be tried on the lines. Asks Knox to send along an order for the prisoner. "On public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.01583

22 June 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that there "is an Error in the Arrangement of Officers in the Mass.tts. Corps of Artillery ... [and that] the Commander in Chief directs me to refer the matter to you .. in case there has been a mistake, it may be rectified; and that a complete Return may be sent back to Head Quarters as soons as may be." Noted as written at Head Quarters and sent "On Public Service."

GLC02437.02173

23 June 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Signed for Knox and written in the hand of Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide-de-camp. Discusses the exchange of Captain Winthrop Sargent with Captain Samuel Shaw in the Massachusetts Artillery. Sargent had not been able to attend a meeting of officers (see GLC02437.02174 and GLC02437.02175), when they decided who would remain in the service but still wanted to continue serving, so Shaw volunteered to switch positions with him.

GLC02437.02178

20 September 1785

Huntington, Jedediah, 1743-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "I am urged by the Officers of an Artillery Company in this Town, to sollicit you for a Couple of light field Pieces for their use, of which they promise to take the best care and be responsible for their good Condition & safe return whenever requested. If it is consistant with your system, I wish to gratify a Company of young ambitious fellows - I told them there was but one Inducement you have to indulge them and that was a Desire of fostering a necessary Branch of military Knowledge which is likely in this Country to decay faster than any other. Mrs H joins me in affectionate…

GLC02437.03198

12 February 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter on a variety of topics. First, mentions that [Samuel] Shaw has set sail for the East and wishes him God's blessing. Hopes that he return safely to his friends and is richly rewarded; hopes that a Mr. S. does not disturb Shaw with his "overbearing temper." Goes on to discuss some business concerns, including a visit to Mr. [possibly Joshua] Loring. Wishes Knox and his family will, as promised, come to visit in the spring. Says that the Winslows are excited for the visit. Explains that he is "so tired of this world," and if Knox and his family were to move to the…

GLC02437.03242

12 March 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 feeling better and will soon depart [likely for New York]. General [Benjamin] Lincoln and another friend [possibly Thomas Russell] have purchased two townships and Lincoln is very pleased with them. Mentions that the Ohio Company were mentioned in the newspaper and that he apparently intends to invest with them. Comments that the General Court has…

GLC02437.03250

16 April 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter outlining various happenings in Boston. Relates that Mr. [John] Hancock is recovered and will travel to Congress [in New York] in the coming weeks. A Mr. Oliver Smith refuses to purchase lime from the Winslows because they will not sell it to him as cheaply as he can find it elsewhere. Has arranged to let Mr. Smith take the lime and have Knox work out the price when he arrives in Boston. Will dispose of Knox's hardware goods per his wishes. Captain Callahan will set sail to London on 16 April with Dr. [William] Gordon and his family. Reports that their friend Mr…

GLC02437.03260

23 April 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 laborers to make the lime business profitable, but it might not be in the Winslow family's power to accomplish that. Further, the "government would not allow monopoly of this article to any one family." Lime is not selling well and the Winslows have a great store of it. Discusses other business, including sale of Knox's hardware, which is in…

GLC02437.03263

4 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes to propose Hutchins hire his friend Major [possibly Winthrop] Sargent to be a surveyor on the Ohio. Relates that as Congress passed a new resolve empowering Hutchins to appoint people to the position, if the original appointees do not arrive within a certain amount of time, he thinks this would be a good opportunity for Sargent, who is eager to work for Hutchins as a surveyor. Would like to find out Hutchins's opinion on the subject, if he has not already made arrangements with others who want the job. See GLC02437.03279 for related items.

GLC02437.03271

26 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes again to recommend his friend Major [Winthrop] Sargent for a position: "Major Sargent will deliver you this. He takes letters to you from a number of the delegates in Congress, and will in consequence I hope receive an appointment from you. I am persuaded no accommodations on your part will be wanting, and solely on the presumption of your having the power of appointment in case of vacancies he makes his journey of nearly seven hundred miles. His abilities, and attention will I have no doubt ensure him your esteem and friendship." See GLC02437.03271 for a related document.

GLC02437.03279

1786/09/14

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Knox

Secretarially written and signed by Robert Pemberton, Knox's post-war aide. Document includes two parts. Jackson attests that he received seven certificates (listed) worth a total of $13,752 from Henry Knox for safekeeping. On verso is a note from Henry Knox to Jackson asking Jackson to forward the certificates to his brother, William Knox.

GLC02437.03300

21 September 1786

Inman, John, fl. 1786

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Inman, who recently was imprisoned due to both debt and psychiatric instability, writes to Knox to thank him for his help in getting him released. Regrets not being able to see Knox before Knox left in the morning. Assures him that he will pay his debt to the firm of Smith and Wycoff. Writes, "You may confidently rely on this my promise, that as I look on my liberty entirely owing to your generous interference, the encouragement you gave Messrs. S & W shall be attended to by me." "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03301

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme Court and that even more men are in…

GLC02437.03303

10 November 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might…

GLC02437.03334

12 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes primarily about his efforts to recruit a regiment in the Boston area. Sad to hear that the rank of Colonel Hull could not be altered, because now he is convinced Hull will not serve, and the military will lose a valuable officer. Will see him tomorrow and try to convince him. Visited the Castle a few days ago and found that he can, very cheaply, find barracks with room enough to quarter 200 men and if necessary can find 150 more. Will try to fill it up as recruits come in. Emphasizes the difficulty of recruiting more officers, as he has no money. Has offered companies to twenty…

GLC02437.03335

29 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to David Humphreys

Written from the "War Office"; location inferred. Discusses the "derangement of the public finance" and the difficulty of being able to financially support the military establishment. Mentions that if Humphreys is with Colonel [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, Wadsworth can explain everything. Also discusses the recruitment of soldiers.

GLC02437.03356

23 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to David Humphreys

Apparently responding to GLC02437.03334. Apologizes for not writing sooner. Writes, "Brevet rank in general appears to me to be delusive and far from answering the purposes designed by it - It sours and disgusts all who are not the objects of it, and it implants in the heart of its professor a restless disposition until he obtains the emoluments and substantial benefits of his title -The progress of this presently render rank more intricate in its nature than landed property held under the various servants of the feudal system - For these and other reasons, I cannot fully accede to your…

GLC02437.03389

25 June 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "It appears by the Resolution of Congress, authorizing the Board of Treasury to enter into a Contract for a Copper Coinage, that a person is to be appointed to superintend the business on the part of the Public. Captn Throop, whose character & services you are fully acquainted with, and who is lately entirely thrown out of all employment by the dissolution of my Regiment, is desirous of obtaining the appointment, if it shall be deemed within his reach of the sphere of his ability to accomplish the duties of it. I beg leave, therefore, to recommend him very earnestly to…

GLC02437.03590

27 July 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about his last trip to Portsmouth and Boston. Says he was present and "highly delighted" with most of the "Academic Excercises" held at the University of Cambridge [Harvard], including one by a young Mr. [John Quincy] Adams, who "distinguished himself by a manly & dignified oration on public Credit." Also discusses the government, saying "We are gladdened with Reports that the federal Convention is likely to adopt almost unanimously some energetic form of Government, & that it is made so palatable, there are hopes entertained, that it will be swallowed by the People…

GLC02437.03624

18 February 1788

Hutchins, Thomas, 1730-1789

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

[Thomas] Hutchins, Surveyor General, presents his respects to Henry Knox via the bearer of this note, Mr. [Israel] Ludlow, another surveyor in the Geographers Department. Hutchins can not be there in person because he is "confined by a touch of the Gout." Hutchins awaits the surveys and remarks of Winthrop Sargent, Secretary of the Ohio Company and the Northwest Territory. Written in the third person and signed in the text, possibly by a secretary.

GLC02437.03803

12 August 1788

Huntington, Samuel, 1731-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked as a copy. Huntington, Governor of Connecticut, reports that Dr. Sumner, a surgeon's mate, lately returned home from the Western frontier on furlough. Recommends the appointment of Dr. Isaac Knight as surgeon's mate in Sumner's absence.

GLC02437.03959