6 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his recent letter, and touches on financial matters. Mentions that he heard that the President intends to eliminate the position of Adjutant General of the Army (his current position) after the present campaign in the frontier, and give the Adjutant's duties to the Inspector. Comments on whether to take as a personal affront the elimination of his position. Discusses his motives for joining the campaigns in the Ohio territories.

GLC02437.05287

10 March 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, in present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Comments on and defends his ability to perform his duties under General [Arthur] St. Clair. Also touches on his abilities to use military forces to protect areas in the Northwest Territories. Declares that he has done everything in his power, and refers Knox to General [James] Wilkinson for further assistance.

GLC02437.05344

12 May 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Writes that he wrote to General [James] Wilkinson on 3 April to ask about powder and the proofing of artillery at Fort Washington. Has apparently not received a reply. Stresses the importance of these tests because there has been some doubt about the quality of last year's powder. Urges him to complete the tests. Place not listed, however, another letter (GLC02437.05458) written on the same day places Knox in Philadelphia.

GLC02437.05459

1 June 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Mentions that he successfully completed some experiments Knox suggested he perform (on artillery). Discusses the upcoming appointment of a new Adjutant General, and the qualifications necessary for the candidate. Comments on the importance of assigning high military rank to soldiers in the Northwest Territories. Provides a variety of information on the military endeavors in the Ohio area. Refers to General [James] Wilkinson.

GLC02437.05486

24 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Later copy made from the original in November 1856. Reports that President George Washington directed him to inform St. Clair that proposed treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the hostile Indians north of the Ohio River is to take place at Lower Sandusky around 1 June. To guarantee the success of the negotiations it is necessary to make sure "all hostile incursions of the white inhabitants into, or near to the Indian Country north of the Ohio, should be absolutely prohibited, until after the Treaty be closed." The commander of the troops has been ordered to make a proclamation to that…

GLC02437.05876

1 August 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the conduct of a [soldier] named Parson Jones. Comments he believes Jones was a man of sedition both here and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Believes if Knox personally admonishes Jones it would correct him. Notes he heard Jones speaking in mixed company at a tavern about the president's (George Washington) intelligence. Expresses his concern over the effect Jones's opinions may have over the public mind.

GLC02437.06157

4 June 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Comfort Sands

Informs Sands, a previous supplier of military goods [see GLC02437.01301], that a "few barrells of neats foot oyl are wanted for the musquets & cartridge boxes of the Army," and he wants to know whether Sands can supply them, and what the terms might be.

GLC02437.01439

June 1783

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Captain Sargent to Major General Knox. Says that Colonel Crane has omitted his name on the return of Massachusetts artillerymen as a captain for reasons and authority he is ignorant of. Hopes Knox can attend to it in a proper way. Docketed by Henry Knox.

GLC02437.02207

April 27, 1785

St. John de Crevecoeur, J. Hector, 1735-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Crevecoeur, French consul in New York, delivers a letter from "the good Marquis," possibly the Marquis de Lafayette (letter not included).

GLC02437.03133

30 December 1786

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Delivered to the governor a note that Knox wrote in his favor. Would like very much to be in the army, but if there is no possibility of that, will "in good Earnest set about making my arrangements for evacuating altogether this Country in Favor of the Western World, while there are so many disposed to accompany me." Also mentions joining the Engineers to the Artillery Department. Believes he has "some claims to an honorable Appointment." Relates that the Court in Springfield was prevented from doing business this week by 300 insurgents who took possession of the Court House and presented…

GLC02437.03394

January 10, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Is anxious for Sargent to enter the military establishment "in a manner agreable [sic] to your feelings," and if it was entirely up to him, Knox might create a special position just for him. Relates that Congress has directed a legionary corps to be raised, and he cannot alter arrangements which have already been made. Has always wished that the corps for artillery and engineers be the same, but it is up to Congress. Asks whether he might consider the office of Inspector of the Troops, which Major [William] North has resigned. Discusses what ranks and benefits Congress might associate…

GLC02437.03413

January 30, 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 desire to attain an appointment. Though he wanted the Captaincy of Artillery, he even moreso wanted Knox's high esteem, both during military service and in civilian life. Writes, "Consider [...] how severely I must have been wounded by [William] North & [Elnathan] Haskell- who were both my Junior Officers during [an] the war & who have…

GLC02437.03432

2 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses surveys that Sargent requested and where they should be deposited. Notes he has not seen Captain Hutchins yet to discuss the survey of the 5th range. States that Board of Treasury is of the opinion the surveys should be delivered to Hutchins since he was the principal in the business and that Knox agrees with them. Mentions [Major William] North's resignation from the Office of Inspectors, noting that it has not taken affect yet due to the recent raising of troops. Mentions the irregular Congressional…

GLC02437.03478

10 March 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his "motives for addressing the Plan of surveys... to the Board of Treasury - " Does not think his ideas about surveys will be accepted, but states that he has the public in mind. Mentions funding proposals for surveying lands in Ohio and the West. Also refers to the possibility of [perhaps William] North's resignation apparently from a position as Inspector, and the pay and benefits associated with that post.

GLC02437.03487

13 March 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the resignation of Mr. [William] North, from the Inspector's Office. Alerts Knox that North may write to Knox and members of Congress in support of Sargent. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Appears to be docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.03490

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