13 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson, one of Knox's closest friends, encloses letters that arrived on a ship from London (letters not included). Reports that goods shipped by Knox's brother, William, on the Hero are consigned to Knox. Advises Knox to sell the goods as quickly as possible to avoid financial embarrassment, noting that Henry's wife, Lucy, agrees.

GLC02437.03126

25 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions letters (pertaining to business affairs) that recently arrived by ship for Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War. Reports news of Knox's brother William, who suffered from mental illness: "By Mr. Webbers letters you will observe the melencolly [sic] situation of poor Bill, it makes my heartache when I think of him- Mr Webber appears to be a divine man, & it must give you great consolation that Bill has fallen into such good hands" (referring to James Webber, a close friend and subsequent caretaker of William). Advises Knox to send for his brother, noting that all of William's…

GLC02437.03132

1 May 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses recent correspondence between himself and Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War. Discusses business and financial matters pertaining to Knox (apparently, Jackson was managing Knox's affairs while Knox was in New York).

GLC02437.03136

16 May 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson, in charge of Knox's financial affairs, mentions the sale of carpets that had been consigned to Knox. Advises Knox to allow his notes to "take their chance in the Bank... for to sell them at the present going price (which is very low) would be doing such a great injury to your family that you would forever be unhappy afterwards." Suggests that Knox obtain a loan from New York Bank to pay his bills due in Boston if he cannot obtain back pay he is owed.

GLC02437.03147

15 August 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson writes to his close friend General Henry Knox on a variety of topics. Writes "I have been Lasey it is true, but cool weather is coming on & I shall be more attentive in future." Discusses the sale of some hardware goods Knox had obtained and the price for which they have been selling in England. Mentions matters of local politics, including letters between the governor and Congress and also disparaging remarks against "our friend B." made in the newspaper. Comments on difficulties with new currency at the bank. Discusses a local dinner party. Finally, describes the…

GLC02437.03179

19 September 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has received Knox's last letter. Reports that he has heard from a friend of Henry's brother William Knox, in London, that William should be arriving in America any day. Discusses matters of finance: "As the Bank is now calling in the whole of the monies due to them, the new money has become of equal value to gold & silver." Declares that he feels he must sell Henry's notes in order to pay what they owe to the bank, though he regrets the sacrifice Knox will have to make for this. Reports on the financial trouble of other firms. Mentions that Mrs. Swan has received a…

GLC02437.03197

16 October 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes largely on financial subjects. Mentions a Mr. Appleton, and his attempts to get 20 associates to join. Also refers to a Mr. Sherbourn and a meeting with proprietors, and asks Knox about signing a bond they will be sending. Mentions that he has not heard anything about Lyde (likely the Captain of the boat Henry's brother William is travelling on to America) but that it is "momentarily expected." Adds that "Young Joshua Blanchard last week closed his doors, many others will soon follow," possibly referring to the financial difficulties many shopkeepers in Boston were having after the…

GLC02437.03208

19 November 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly William] Hull accepted an appointment in the Massachusetts line, but wants to rank next to Jackson, with the title of Major. Major [William] North believes he will outrank Hull, but Jackson emphasizes that Hull should outrank North, with Major [likely Elnathan] Haskell third. As Major North is traveling to New York, Jackson expects he will try to talk to Knox about it, and wishes Knox to be prepared. Lists the men he nominated to be Captains, but mentions that the Governor and Council changed some of the names without telling him. Discusses some problems…

GLC02437.03339

11 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is having difficulties with the "subscription," apparently being unable to raise even one shilling since writing his last letter. Complains about the carelessness with which the subscription paper is left around, and mentions that several "Rich men" still have not paid. Provides a list of the people who paid, and the amount they paid. Suggests that Knox asks some of their associates, such as Mr. [Samuel] Higginson and Mr. [Samuel] Breck, to lobby for subscriptions where they live. Writes that if he had known Knox was too short of funds to help his recruiting efforts, he…

GLC02437.03371

17 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that because the weather has been so cold and stormy, has had to procure blankets for the recruits. Now, however, every new recruit he enlists will expect a blanket. Asks for Knox's advice on this subject. Has discussed the supply of rations with Mr. [Stephen] Bruce, who will write to Knox and to the Board of Treasury on the subject. Discusses his attempts to locate a bundle of goods belonging Mrs. Knox. Sends his love to Mrs. Knox and the children.

GLC02437.03383

22 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Colonel [possibly James] Swan will deliver six pair of white silk hose for Knox, which Jackson had ordered from overseas through a Mr. Debloise for his own use. Had ordered twelve pairs, but only kept six, "as that will be a sufficient supply for me, since I have [commenced] a soldier & shall wear boots more than shoes." Writes that they are top quality, and have just come off the ship. Adds, "If you should have a supply, and are not in want of them, return them to me, - I have had several applications, from over sized men, for [part] or all of them."

GLC02437.03387

31 December 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides an account of the recent actions of Shays and his followers: the previous Tuesday, they prevented the Court at Springfield from sitting. The Court will meet in Worcester on 23 January. He and General [Benjamin] Lincoln are recruiting troops and preparing the militia. Also extensively discusses the clothing, supplies, and provisions needed for the troops.

GLC02437.03398

7 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Happy to hear that Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan arrived safely. Their friends in Boston were concerned about their trip due to the weather. Asks Knox to present his compliments to the Swans, and to tell them that their family in Boston is doing well. Reports that the government is making preparations to support the sitting of the Court at Worcester on 23 January. General [Benjamin] Lincoln will be commanding 4000 militia men, including six artillery companies, beginning on 20 January. If the insurgents do not appear, the plan is to use the militia to find the insurgents and bring them to…

GLC02437.03407

10 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to hear from Knox by the Saturday mail. Writes that the expedition against Shays and his supporters "has a pleasing appearance." Funds have been raised for the expedition, a proportion of which will be used by the troops being raised. Asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present). Sends his respects to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, as well as to Lucy Knox and the Knox children.

GLC02437.03412

14 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Was upset to receive no letter from Knox by the last post. Expected an answer to his last letter in which he asked about clothing and uniforms for his recruits. Writes that if he was furnished with the uniform and had Knox's permission, he feels he would have been able to procure enough money to clothe all the men he has enlisted, which amounts to more than 100. Discusses the money already procured against the insurgents, but is convinced the insurgents will never appear to fight against the new government forces. Has enclosed a letter from Miss Snelling for Knox to deliver (not present…

GLC02437.03416

21 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 insurgents would not stop the court from sitting. They were too late, however, and the troops set off to march as planned. Provides some detail about where they were quartered and where they traveled. Explains that the troops are to track down the leaders of the insurgents if they do not stand and fight. Declares that it "is more like the year…

GLC02437.03420

28 January 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his last letter, and asks him to deliver an enclosed letter (not present) to Mrs. Swan and send the Swans his compliments. Discusses the fight against the insurgents: General [John] Brooks marched yesterday to support General [Benjamin] Lincoln against Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his supporters. Mentions that Rufus Putnam will be coming to help Lincoln as well. Will meet with the Governor that evening and if he is finished in time to send off a letter, he will provide Knox with any news. Provides him information on the status of the force fighting the insurgents. Adds some…

GLC02437.03429

3 February 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for his recent letters, and sends his compliments to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan. Asks him to tell Mr. Swan that his services are wanted in Boston. Provides information on the Legislature and the General Court; declares that everyone is in a state of anxiety as to whether particular counties will be declared in a State of Rebellion. Discusses the status of the Army's military stores and recruitment, as well as the status of the insurgents and General [Benjamin] Lincoln's troops. Fears that the loss of their son "will be too much" for Mr. and Mrs. [John] Hancock.

GLC02437.03441

11 February 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter and delivered the enclosures appropriately. Sends regards to Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, and reports that their family is well. Writes that the Rebellion is nearly at an end. Has enclosed newspapers to provide an "authentick & particular" account of the fate of Mr. [Daniel] Shays and his "banditti" as well as of the success of their friend General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports that the Legislature has voted to raise troops to protect the state and capture any rebels they find, and the Legislature is offering a bounty to encourage men to enlist. Is concerned that…

GLC02437.03450

18 February 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the road. Declares that he would be happy if his regiment were to remain at camp until it was full and properly organized, but would be satisfied to have any help from the state or from "influential monied men" in the form of supplies or clothing. Expects an order from Knox to be delivered by North allowing for some money, clothing and supplies…

GLC02437.03458

25 February 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further detail about his new recruits and funding for the uniforms. Notes General [Benjamin] Lincoln remains in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (one of the areas where Shays' Rebellion took place). Writes, "...the heart of the Rebellion is broken up, and have dispersed to all quarters - but if the government Troops were withdrawn, from that quarter, the same…

GLC02437.03469

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

11 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions petitioning the General Court of Massachusetts for funds to support the troops and provide uniforms. Asks about specifics concerning the uniforms, such as whether or not swords should be hung at the waist or from the shoulder, what officer rank should have each style of epaulette, or this length or amount of bullion fringe. Includes a small sketch of…

GLC02437.03489

14 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his efforts to secure clothing for the troops. Mentions that alterations will need to be made to the knapsacks. Wants to procure "new bayonet belts to wear over the shoulder, this will be a great addition to the appearance of the Men."

GLC02437.03492

18 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses uniforms and informs Knox that "I intend my Regiment shall be the best Cloathed [sic] and as perfectly Uniform as any that has ever been in the American Army, or indeed any other Army - " Mentions that Colonel Hull has written to Knox regarding his rank (see GLC02437.03493) and calls him a "Charming fellow." Discusses problems of rank with his ensigns as they do not have an actual rank, but would like one. Feels he will be able to recruit the state quota with help from the government. Wants colours for his regiment, asks Knox for the device to make them so he can execute them.…

GLC02437.03494