11 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a letter by Mr. Elbridge Gerry which Jackson feels "has done much mischief in this State as to the adoption of the proposed Federal Constitution - it has given great Strength to the small, very small party that were in the opposition - he has gone for the Vote, as this measure will either damn him, or place him at the head of a restless and uneasy junto in the government." Continues on to say Gerry's friends have lost their confidence in him. Despite this, Jackson believes the constitution will be adopted in Massachusetts, "this is sentiments of all the leading and influential Men…

GLC02437.03701

18 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sympathizes with Knox on the painful treatment or cure for an unnamed disorder. Wishes he could come stay with Knox when he has the operation. Writes that he believes "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done great injury to the proposed New Constitution, more than he will ever be able to do good by a whole life of repentance - every thing went on firm & well until that damn'd Letter he has his influence with a certain party, of which your friend on Milton Hill is a principal." Is still hopeful since "all the liberal & most sensible men are highly in favor of it - they stand as firm &…

GLC02437.03705

25 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that General Putnam is engaged in the business of the Ohio Company. Informs Knox that "Mr. King is chosen as one of the Delegates to the Convention for the town of Newbury and the other three gentlemen for that town are high Federal Men, Indeed all the Towns that have as yet chosen, have confined their choice wholly to Federal Men & those of the best abilities - thus far it looks well, indeed, more than well, I pray god it may finally be adopted in this State - if it were not, I dread the consequences that must & will follow - there is, and will be an opposition against it…

GLC02437.03715

28 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter (not present) for Knox to forward on to an unnamed party. Reports on Mrs. Thomas Russell's funeral. Says "tomorrow is Thanksgiving..."

GLC02437.03717

16 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. "The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal." Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters…

GLC02437.03728

22 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual, unnamed friend, stating "we are much deranged at our friend's delay, as we are in expectation every moment of some one taking the alarm , & persuing [sic] him - " States that the friend must have departed on a vessel to somewhere in Europe.

GLC02437.03733

January 16, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business affairs, mentioning Benjamin Hichborn. Comments on the Massachusetts state convention meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution: "We have upwards of 325 Members in Convention- no one can yet determine what will be the result, all good men wish & pray for its adoption - I flatter myself it will finally be obtained. at present they move slowly & with great caution - all the able sensible men are full in favor of it - by g-d it must pass -"

GLC02437.03763

January 20, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debt of Mr. Swan, possibly Colonel James Swan. Gives details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention, noting that "the printers are allow'd seats in the house for the purpose of taking down and publishing the debates from day to day..." Declares, "It is astonishing to see the weight of respectability, integrity, [property], & ability on the side of the proposed constitution, and on the other side the ----- ------ characters that oppose it..." Includes a list of the number of Federalists and Anti-federalists at the convention by county. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry is…

GLC02437.03767

January 23, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, "The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution..." Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless "the…

GLC02437.03769

February 3, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists "so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils..." Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt…

GLC02437.03784

6 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson comments on the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "HUZZA HUZZA - as you must be anxious & to keep you from suspense a moment I have the extreme pleasure to inform you, that the grand question was put this Afternoon at 5 O Clock by yeas & nays, and was determined in favor of the Constitution by a majority of 19- the whole number present when the vote was taken was 355- of that number 187 were yeas- and 168 nays..." Remarks that he attended in the gallery from 9:00 am, eating a dinner of gingerbread and cheese. Exclaims, "The moment…

GLC02437.03788

February 13, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Reports that [Rufus] King, who was part of the convention, will soon arrive in New York and will be able to inform Knox of "every particular that took place" during the final days of deliberation. Calls King "an able & charming fellow..." Mentions parades held in Boston to celebrate adoption of the Constitution. Notes, "Several Gentlemen from the remote parts of the States inform that the people are universally pleased with the adoption of the Constitution." Reports that New Hampshire meets on the same…

GLC02437.03795

17 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to be able to inform Knox by the next post that New Hampshire ratified the Federal Constitution "as every account from that quarter gives encouragement to that effect." Of Massachusetts' ratification, writes, "...the Federalists in this State increase daily and there is every reason to think that the people at large (except the Insurgent Interest) are fully satisfied with the Ratification, however some persons may say to the contrary." Comments on [James] Swan's debt and asks about his copper contract with the Treasury. Notes that his appointment to Federal regiments has almost…

GLC02437.03800

February 24, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "we are perfectly quiet in this State with respect to the adoption of the New Constitution-Fed's & Anti's almost to a Man united and determined to give it every support..." Reports that New Hampshire has adjourned their ratification convention until June. Encloses a letter from a man who hopes to buy land from Knox (letter not included).

GLC02437.03807

2 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, "the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution." Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the…

GLC02437.03812

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

15 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "The General Court are yet seting, & in many instance they discover their old insurgent temper and principles, & cannot help shewing their teeth on almost every occasion that respects government- but I hope in god their day is short- for the moment the Federal Constitution begins to operate, their influence must & will disappear like a vapour-" Notes that present state politics are focused on who will win the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Expresses confidence that John Hancock will be reelected as governor. Notes that Anti-Federalists will…

GLC02437.03822

23 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a package of newspapers including a map from Mr. Fales, possibly transmitted to Knox. Discusses Massachusetts politics, particularly the election of lieutenant governor. Expects Benjamin Lincoln to obtain the post over James Warren, although the Federalist vote may be split between Lincoln and Samuel Adams. Predicts that Hancock will maintain his post as Governor of Massachusetts. Will soon speak to Mr. Jarvis. Relates that Mrs. Swan is well. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03828

30 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the Massachusetts election for governor and lieutenant governor. Encloses newspapers (not included) for Knox, on the election, noting that the papers attack "poor Cincin" (based on usage in GLC02437.03833, may refer to Benjamin Lincoln). Relates that Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams are splitting the Federal party for lieutenant governor, while the Anti-Federalists support James Warren. John Hancock is expected to be reelected as Governor. Expects that John Langdon will be chosen as New Hampshire's governor, which will disappoint [John] Sullivan. Recently applied to the…

GLC02437.03831

6 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and others that New Hampshire will also ratify the Constitution. Relates that Langdon will be chosen "President," or Governor, of New Hampshire over John Sullivan. Discusses the Massachusetts elections, noting that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor. Reports that the Federalists are split between Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams for…

GLC02437.03833

13 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibility that New York will not ratify the Federal Constitution. Writes, "I hope the Lord will turn the hearts of the Antis in New York that they may see the necessity of adopting the proposed constitution Some of our Feds are doubtfull whether nine States will Ratify it, and then all that has been done will be lost. If this should be the case I think we had [better] never attempted an alteration, as the Antis & Insurgents will feel a consequence & an influence arising from it that will throw the government into the greatest disorder." Encloses newspapers (not…

GLC02437.03837

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

27 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a recent "affray" in New York [the so-called Doctors Riot], expressing relief that Knox was not injured. Discusses a financial matter related to "Pierce's final settlement," arguing that he can make use of ten thousand dollars "without the least risque" (refer to GLC02437.03842 and GLC02437.03866). Notes that their mutual friend, Colonel James Swan, arrived in France. Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.03862

4 May 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards a subscription to Knox from Reverend Freeman (not included). Reports that General Benjamin Lincoln has the majority of votes (for Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts). Comments on a recent visit he paid to James and Mercy Otis Warren in Milton, Massachusetts, noting that Mrs. Warren "was made very happy when I inform'd her you proposed paying us a visit this month." Notes that unless Knox attends, Massachusetts will not be represented in the upcoming Philadelphia meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati. Relates that Mrs. Hepzibah Swan, wife of James Swan, sends her love. Marked…

GLC02437.03865

29 May 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson previously suggested that he invest 10,000 of Knox's dollars [in certificates]. Knox was appalled by the idea, and severely criticized Jackson for his suggestion (refer to GLC02437.03877, GLC02437.03876 and GLC02437.03866). Jackson writes, "good god to think that [I] should have done a thing to cause you so much distress, is worse than death to me- nothing shall be wanting on my part to recover the notes- your sending your brother- Harry I dont know what to say my mind is so distress'd-"

GLC02437.03879