16 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to P. Brett

Secretary of War Knox thanks Brett for his letter from 7 July (GLC02437.04647) and looks forward hearing from him more in the future. Also mentions General [John] Maunsell (Maunsell had seen Brett in London, and Brett had updated Knox on Maunsell's voyage from Halifax, in previous correspondence).

GLC02437.04724

12 September 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Breck is pleased with people Secretary of War Knox introduced to him (perhaps the two men Knox introduced to Breck in GLC02437.04722). Informs Knox that they "express themselves much satisfied with our part of America." For Breck this is important "as it tends to cultivate a good understanding between the Citizens of each State and to cement that Union so necessary to the Happiness of our Country." Breck talks about the government paying for the manufacturing of cutters, and wishes the Secretary of the Treasury to know about the new sail cloth manufacturer in Boston. The purpose is the "…

GLC02437.04727

7 October 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Bowdoin

Knox acknowledges receipt of a letter James Bowdoin sent regarding Bowdoin's late father. Knox comments that "other demands of a similar nature be a considerable [amount]...have not been attended."

GLC02437.04745

26 October 1790

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bourne tells Secretary of War Knox that he has settled "with General Jackson the plan of the arrangements of our business according to your wishes." Knox should give Jackson 92 pounds 11 shillings 10 pence by November 10 or 12.

GLC02437.04757

3 November 1790

Brett, Piercy, fl. 1788-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Brett acknowledges receiving Secretary of War Henry Knox's letter from William Knox in London. General [John] Maunsell passes along to Knox that he has no political news to report, therefore he sees no need in sending a letter. No one truly knows what is happening with the military buildup between England and Spain, as the negotiations, if there are any, are secret. Should war ensue, Lord Howe "with a noble fleet riding at single anchor at spithead will sail directly..." Says Parliament meets 25 November, and at that time "the Minister must satisfactorily account for putting the nation to so…

GLC02437.04767

5 December 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks the Knoxes for their hospitality toward his daughter. Reports that things in Boston are quiet and wishes the same for Virginia "but unfortunately Resolutions [regarding federal assumption of state debts] breath another Spirit. it is to be hoped their disorder will not become epidemical." The Congress is meeting the next day. Says Congress "cannot fail since no question of permanent residence will disturbe them."

GLC02437.04791

8 December 1789

Belknap, Jeremy, 1744-1798

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends an enclosure for Knox to give Belknap's friend "Major Sargent." Asks Knox for advice about the daughter of a friend who wants to keep her "securities" and credit in good standing.

GLC02437.04793

16 December 1790

Briggs, Isaac, 1763-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hawkins

Briggs opens his letter to Senator and Indian agent Hawkins with an allegory of a drunken servant beaten by master; other servants and lower types told the beaten man to commit suicide to escape his situation, others counseled patience, some wanted to take his goods, others to take his position. He was dosed with wormword and in delirium talks on. Briggs quotes his ravings at length. Briggs then shifts to Creek Treaty reception in Georgia: "But excuse the allegorical flight, and I will descend to a more plain, matter-of-fact stile. If, my dear sir, I were detailing the politics or describing…

GLC02437.04798

19 December 1790

Cobb, David, 1748-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Cobb tells Secretary of War Knox that he has brought up the idea of a canal between the Charles River and the Connecticut River to several people since Knox left Boston, and the idea is growing. There needs to be a more concrete plan in order to attract investors. The "gentlemen" with whom Cobb has discussed this "are much divided in their opinions where the Canal ought to meet [the] Connecticut River." Cobb goes on to detail various plans for the canal. Cobb is convinced that this canal would be good for "the Commonwealth." Cobb says "we are still in the clouds respecting a War," and that…

GLC02437.04800

20 December 1790

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Jackson

Writes that he is concerned he has not received any letter from Miss Breck in awhile. Asks that if Jackson has any he send them on. Invites Jackson over Tuesday evening.

GLC02437.04802

5 January 1791

Bruce, Stephen, ?-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Bruce asks Secretary of War Knox for "some appointment under the general Government." He suggests a role in the new militia. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04819

January 11, 1791

Bourne, Sylvanus, 1761-1817

Autograph document signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Details of the disbursement of the estate of Thomas Flucker. Knox received "the sum of ninety two pounds eleven shilling, 28 pence." "258. dollars 3/7" noted on the verso.

GLC02437.04822

January 15, 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sends an enclosed petition on behalf of "Mr. Hall, a distiller in this Town." States he cannot attest to it as he is not familiar with the subject. Thanks Knox and his wife for their attention to his daughter.

GLC02437.04827

February 2, 1791

Bayley, Richard, 1745-1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox and his wife for their kindness and friendship, particularly toward his daughter, "my sweet Beth" (Elizabeth Bayley Seton). Writes, "I have often whisper'd to myself that I would rather be a door keeper in your House; even at Philadelphia, than a New York Doctor."

GLC02437.04847

6 March 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "the joint committee on the subject of your Lands has not met, and the session is so far advanced as to prevent any thing being done about them, this circumstance is favourable to your interest." Notes Henry Jackson will give Knox more details on this matter.

GLC02437.04872

22 March 1791

Allen, Jeremiah, fl. 1774-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes Knox on behalf of Mr. William Balch who wants to join the army. Wants Knox to "recommend him as an Ensign - he is a Young Gentleman well qualified for an Officer."

GLC02437.04887

11 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Memorandum

Memorandum of a meeting of Vice President John Adams, Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, and Secretary of War Henry Knox, and Knox's resulting discussion with Lieutenant Colonel [George] Beckwith about Lord Dorchester in Canada and Indian relations, as well as Great Britain's interests in North America. The opening statement of the document reads, " Memorandum of a conversation which passed between the subscriber and Lt. Colonel Beckwith who seems charged with some sort of an informal political commission by Lord Dorchester."

GLC02437.04915

2 May 1791

Manuscript document

Title: [Regimental request for the Society of Cincinnati] [in French]

Request of the French regiment of de Cuzenne for crosses of the Society of Cincinnati.

GLC02437.04937

13 May 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

On behalf of himself and his wife, Breck thanks the Knoxes for offering their Philadelphia house to use as the Breck home, but they cannot accept the invitation. The Codmans, with whom the Brecks are traveling, insist that the party stay together. In a postscript, Breck says he expects to "meet Miss Breck and Miss Knox at Colonel Ogdens."

GLC02437.04947

14 May 1791

Benny and Rogers, fl. 1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

The firm Benny & Rogers write Secretary of War Knox to tell him that they received his "favor, covering Mr. Duers acceptance for 488 50/100 Dollars" as payment for two sets of maps. Free frank signed by Benny and Rogers and "Free" stamped on address leaf.

GLC02437.04948

25 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benny & Rogers

Responds to the firm Benny & Rogers' earlier letter (see GLC02437.04948). Discusses financial business regarding a bill Knox covered on behalf of [William] Duer for $488.50.

GLC02437.04958

14 June 1791

Brooks, John, 1752-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Written by Brooks who had a medical practice in Medford and was a federal marshal to Secretary of War Knox. Says he was offered a chance to reenter the service by Henry Jackson. After some reflection he says he has to decline. Expresses gratitude for the offer and Knox's friendship. Says he has "arrived at a period of life which will not admit of hazarding my future fortune on contingencies - such contingencies at least as present themselves to me in contemplating the appointment in question, I could answer it neither to my family, nor my own mind to relinquish my…

GLC02437.04996

5 July 1791

Breck, Samuel, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says the enclosed letter (not included) is from Miss Breck to Knox's daughter. Will write more in a day or two as the post is leaving immediately. Gratefully acknowledges Lucy Knox's kindness to his daughter.

GLC02437.05051

10 July 1791

Cobb, David, 1748-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Cobb, a member of the Massachusetts legislature, writes that Knox may have seen "that small son of mine, whom you have kindly honor'd with a Commission." Says he has "an affection" for the "Lad" and that "the Females of my Family will never forgive you or me, if he is unfortunate." Mentions he has frequently discussed the prospects of a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Explains that the general consensus seems to be that the canal should be cut from Miller's River instead of the Chickibee. Says that Miller's River is above some of the waterfalls "that at present prevent the…

GLC02437.05057

August 6, 1791

Chamillard de Varville, Paul de, fl. 1779-1791

Autograph letter signed

Title: Request for admission into Society of the Cincinnati

Writes that French Lieutenant Colonel Chamillard has the honor to represent to the members of the Society of the Cincinnati that he was the commander of 200 volunteers on board the frigate Bonhomme Richard. In the battle with the HMS Serapis "his conduct was such that the most flattering elogiun [sic] were given to him, in consequence the favours of his court were bestow'd on him." Says that of the 25 volunteers on the poop deck under his command, 22 were disabled. He has heard that Captains Stark and [Maurty] of the Irish Brigade were admitted into the Society of the Cincinnati by a decision…

GLC02437.05105