April 8, 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William Knox to his brother Major General Knox. Makes several witty references to the length of time between their communications. Mentions the peace and says "most people here particular those in commerce are happy at it, those who are and who ought to be most discontented are the American Refugees who from either side have apparently but little to expect." Says he has only been in London for a few days after arriving from Holland. Says he saw Lucy Knox's family -- Mrs. Fluker, Mrs. Urquhart, as well as Captain Fluker and his lady. Says they are all well, but wearing…

GLC02437.02073

13 June 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business in Europe and his hopes of expanding trade. Mentions the cost of labour in America as compared to that in Europe.

GLC02437.02160

20 October 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother writes, "I can only inform you I am happy to have recover'd from my late situation on point of health and spirits the want of which I have very unpleasantly experienced for many months," referring to his mental illness. Relates that his ill health did not permit an earlier return to America. Notes that his commercial friends in London have been indulgent, as his credit has expired. Discusses financial matters. Instructs Knox to send his mail care of Lewis Teissier, "one of the most capital merchants in London in the Spanish & French lines..."

GLC02437.03059

3 November 1784

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William Knox writes to his brother. Relates his plans to sail for the United States, noting that his desire to be with family outweighs the unappealing prospect of making the voyage during winter. Expresses his disappointment at receiving only one letter from Henry this year, but understands that Henry was unaware of his condition (William suffered from mental illness). Discusses financial matters and business prospects.

GLC02437.03067

14 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that Henry Jackson had shipped some goods on behalf of Knox, but was unable to procure a bill of lading. Notes, "...upon the whole I think the step we have taken not an improper step in having those articles brought to this city, as they were not in the most hopeful train of being disposed by our friend who I believe is rather more of a soldier and a man of pleasure than a merchant..." As a consequence, William had to pay the same duties on the goods as if they were imported directly from Europe. Mentions a box of medicine sent to Colonel Harmar, addressed to the care of Samuel…

GLC02437.03579

18 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about family and friends, including the illness of a daughter of Henry's. Discusses rent owed by Henry on his lodgings (see GLC02437.03583). Briefly mentions the "convention," the Constitutional Convention then taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forwards some letters from Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03585

25 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox on the health of his children, particularly his daughter Caroline, who is teething.

GLC02437.03589

26 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of his children's health, particularly Caroline, who "is so much better as to give us no concern respecting her health." Forwards a letter for Mrs. [Euphemia] Ogden, and ends with a line in French, while signing his name "Guillaume," the French version of William. Stamped "-York" on the address leaf, most likely "N-York." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03592

28 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Confirms Knox's travel plans, mentioning a stop with Mr. [Samuel] Ogden, and declaring he imagines Knox will return by Saturday evening. Discusses mail Knox has received, particularly a letter from James White, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern Department. This letter contains various enclosures regarding the Creek Indians, including White's correspondence with Creek chief Alexander McGillivray. Writes that "as these papers and his [White's] letter are of consequence we are copying them for the inspection of Congress in case of their being in session." Mentions the…

GLC02437.03594

29 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards letters and tells Knox about the people he has been seeing lately. Also mentions that "[s]ome members inform me that a Congress of Seven States will be formed an Wednesday or Thursday next week," which could refer to the Congressional meeting for the Northwest Ordinance.

GLC02437.03596

11 September 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his trip to Boston, where he met with Mrs. Hancock but Governor Hancock was ill and so he did not see him. Mentions visiting other acquaintances in Boston, including Mrs. Waldo and Mrs. Butler. Writes: "Last night or rather this morning a Corvette or Royal Vessell [sic] arrived in the Harbour of Boston in forty days from Brest with orders for the fleet and the Viscount de Beaumont to repair immediately to France, in consequence of which orders have been given to the Fleet to sail tomorrow morning. - This has a serious appearance and produces various conjectures - the probability is…

GLC02437.03659

16 September 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses acquaintances he has been seeing while in Boston, including his visit with Mrs. Butler. Mentions the Governor (John Hancock) continues to be ill but that he hopes to see him tomorrow. Comments his old friend Mr. [Smith] continues to live more comfortably than any other in this town and that he [Knox] has taken pleasure in renewing his friendship with Smith's "genteel" and "moderate" friends. Informs Knox that the vessel he had previously written about (see GLC02437.03659) did not sail when expected due to weather. Notes the vessel left yesterday and without the company of "Capt…

GLC02437.03664

1 June 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Henry's brother, William, discusses a delicate situation in which Knox's friend, Henry Jackson, invested nearly 10,000 dollars worth of Knox's notes without his permission. Knox sent William to Boston in an attempt to reclaim the notes. William relates the state of the notes, which Jackson distributed among several persons. Writes, "I need not at present enter unto a detail of the manner in which I then conveyed my sentiments to that gentleman [Jackson], it is sufficient to say that I think your expectations were fulfilled respecting the strong terms in which I represented your chagrin…

GLC02437.03884

4 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother, William, writes, "You will undoubtedly be surprised to hear that this day Seven States in Congress were decided upon Baltimore in Maryland as the place of the future residence of the Government of the United States, it has surprised every body out of doors and even the Members themselves..." Discusses the opinions of Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton, Mr. [William] Bingham, and Colonel [Edward] Carrington on the location of Congress. Reports that General [William] Irvine and Colonel Reid request that Mr. [John] Stagg remain in town until they receive tomorrow's post. They…

GLC02437.03955

5 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the future location of Congress is "still open to final decision," as the resolve to situate the seat of government at Baltimore was not final. Discusses military matters related to [John] Stagg's departure for West Point (see GLC02437.03955 for related information on these issues). Stagg will travel there tomorrow with money and receipts to transact business. Encloses a letter from Knox's wife, Lucy (not present).

GLC02437.03956

7 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the details of New York being chosen as the site for Congress. Mentions the opinions of [James] Madison, [Henry] Lee, and [William] Few. Reports that this decision is still not final, as some states are not yet voting. Discusses military matters, such as financial accounts for recruiting soldiers. Notes that Mr. King arrived in town the previous evening (possibly Rufus King).

GLC02437.03957

10 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the organization of troops in Pennsylvania. Mentions General [William] Irvine and troop movement and reorganization. Refers to an attack on a party carrying goods to negotiate a treaty on the Muskingum River, noting that Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, intends "to send a high toned Message to the Indians" and to postpone the treaty. Mentions a business transaction involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Parkman, and Samuel Ogden. Reports that letters sent from Colonel Joseph Martin related to the Indians will be forwarded on to Congress. Encloses a letter from […

GLC02437.03958

12 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on military matters regarding troop movements in Pennsylvania and at West Point. Describes an incident regarding a deserter from Lieutenant Kersey's troops, and payment of a reward for capturing and imprisoning the deserter. Relates that shoes and shirts were sent to West Point. Also mentions the formation of a congressional committee.

GLC02437.03960

21 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on business in New York during Henry's absence. Forwards letters that arrived in the morning by packet. Two are to Lucy Knox from her sister. Another letter, apparently a duplicate of previous correspondence, is addressed to Knox from Samuel Shaw. In this letter, Shaw "seems offended with R[obert] Morris..." Also received correspondence from his friend James Webber asserting that William owes Webber money. Sent Arthur St. Clair, General Josiah Harmar, and others recent resolves of Congress. Encloses letters from Delaware Works (possibly from Samuel Ogden) for Knox. Reports…

GLC02437.03970

22 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing the office of Secretary of War in Henry's absence, discusses the people in Boston and their opinion of him and Henry. Mentions the flourishing state of trade in [Boston]. Plans to take a restful two day vacation to the country. Received reports from Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and General Josiah Harmar. They arrested six Chippewas suspected of murder. Refers to Mr. Martin's appointment by Congress as an agent to the Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians.

GLC02437.03973

2 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, "so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision." Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William…

GLC02437.03980

4 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending to business in Henry's absence, reports on white settlers' infringement on Cherokee lands in the western territories. Congress recently directed Knox to prepare troops to protect the Cherokees (the troops are to march from Ohio to Chota, a Cherokee town in present-day Tennessee). The troops are to disperse Congress's proclamation among white settlers "in the vicinity of the hunting grounds secured to the Cherokees by the treaty concluded between them and the United States Nov. 28th 1785..." William has sent copies of the proclamations to the Northwest Territory via Mr.…

GLC02437.03982

14 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William attests to his endeavors to keep affairs in order at the War Office while Henry is away on business. Reports that a Mr. [Joseph] Martin has been appointed by a board of officers "to command an Expedition against Chickamaga [sic] with 1000 men..." Martin noted that "the middle settlements and the Indians of the valley are disposed to Treat..." (refer to GLC02437.03982). Notes that Martin received a friendly message from "the Hangingman who succeeds the old Com Tassell." Announces that Congress voted New York to be the permanent seat of the United States Government. Relates other…

GLC02437.03985

16 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on personal matters and War Office business. Relates that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will accompany Lucy Knox from Trenton to New York. Discusses reports from Governor Arthur St. Clair and General Josiah Harmar on Indians in the Northwest Territory. Says "many Indians have arrived at Fort Pitt...as yet it is uncertain whether they [sic] will be a great meeting of Indians or not, as many seem inclined to attend the Treaty at Detroit." Both Harmar and St. Clair fear "the worst consequences might be apprehended to the posts in case hostilities should take place, as it would be in the…

GLC02437.03987

18 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03988