19 August 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention, and cannot predict the result. Hopes Congress, the states' legislatures, and the community at large will adopt the government agreed upon in the Convention. Is convinced that such government is the best that may be obtained "at the present moment, under such diversity of ideas as prevail." Had anticipated a visit to New York during adjournment of the Convention, but was unable to plan the precise time when an intermission would arise, and thus placed his carriage in the hands of a repairman. Offers his condolences to Knox regarding an unspecified…

GLC02437.09414

January 10, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses which states are ratifying the Constitution, and predicts its success. Notes "The determination of New York, of all others, seems most problematical; and yet, I can hardly entertain an idea that she will be disposed to stand alone..." Wonders whether a dispute between France and England will result in war. Predicts that if war does erupt, the United States will participate, since the current government does not have the power to restrain the people. Sends his and Martha's congratulations to Henry and his wife Lucy on the birth of a son, whom they have named George. In a post…

GLC02437.09415

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses regret that "the important question" Massachusetts is deliberating "stands on such precarious ground" (referring to ratification of the Constitution; Massachusetts ratified 6 February 1788). Predicts that Virginia will choose to ratify, but admits he does not have the most recent or accurate information (Virginia ratified 26 June 1788). Declares Holland's case pitiable (possibly referring to the Triple Alliance of 1788). Notes that navigation of the Potomac has been stopped for five weeks. Sends his and Martha's good wishes to Knox and his wife Lucy. In a postscript, asks the…

GLC02437.09416

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's previous letter on the eve of departure for Fredericksburg, to visit his mother. Doubts acceptance of the United States Constitution by the Virginia Convention for ratification. Accuses Anti-Federalists of creating jealousies and exciting alarms. Notes that residents of the Kentucke area (the later state of Kentucky) will have a large impact on ratification. Their primary concerns are navigation of the Mississippi River and organization into a separate state. Discusses details of the Virginia convention for ratification. Is disappointed that a great majority opposes the…

GLC02437.09418

1 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

One of Washington's most famous letters, written shortly before going to New York for his inauguration. Washington writes about his apprehensions on assuming the presidency: "my movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: So unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill- abilities & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm..." Promises integrity and…

GLC02437.09419

10 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for recently sending cloth and buttons. Notes that his coat requires six more buttons for trim, and asks Knox to procure and hold these until Washington arrives in New York. Mentions an article of impost, and laments "the stupor, or listlessness with which our public measures seem to be pervaded." In a post script, predicts a quorum in both Houses of Congress.

GLC02437.09420

19 November 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one.

GLC02437.09421

1 January 1791

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is Secretary General to the Society.

GLC02437.09422

26 December 1791

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Transmits a letter from Colonel Nicholas, who Washington describes as an "influential character in Kentucky." Sends Knox the letter without asking Nicholas's permission. Notes that the transmitted letter pertains to the lack of confidence the citizens of Kentucky would have in a militia plan Knox recently proposed. Advises Knox to create a plan, if only for comparison, based upon Kentucky inhabitants' wishes, allowing for a regular force of 1200 men. Discusses the details of organizing a militia in Kentucky. Cites benefits of the military plan, noting "if the War can be terminated by…

GLC02437.09423

January 22, 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Instructs Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.09424

24 September 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. [George] Hammond (the first British envoy to the United States), Mr. [John] Penn (former colonial governor), and Andrew Allen (former colonial attorney general; Washington mistakenly writes Andrew Hamilton). Asks how Allen is being treated "by the Officers of the state Government (particularly the Govr) _ Mr. Morris &ca?" (likely referring to Governor Thomas Mifflin and U.S. Senator Robert Morris), noting that Allen is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is…

GLC02437.09426

14 June 1793

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private" by George Washington at the top of page one. Addressed to The Secretary of War (Knox). Comments that a ship has arrived from New Orleans, carrying several Ohio residents. Asserts that the United States Government should be informed of the Spanish force in the Floridas in case a dispute should arise between the two nations. Asks Knox to interrogate the Ohio residents separately, in an unsuspected manner, to gain information on the Spanish ports in Florida.

GLC02437.09427

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies.

GLC02437.09428

8 August 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked 'private' by George Washington at the top of page one. Discusses an insurrection (the Whiskey Rebellion) and mentions a letter from [Attorney General William] Bradford concerning Colonel [John] Neville and Major [David] Lenox (the federal inspector and U.S. marshal, respectively, who had fled the area of disturbance in western Pennsylvania). Based on the new information, gives consent to Knox to absent himself from government to manage affairs on his plantation in frontier Maine.

GLC02437.09429

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Washington recently received a letter from Knox "with great pleasure." He comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. He refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son of the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for by Senator George Cabot and entered in the…

GLC02437.09430

2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for a letter recently received. Offers condolences to Knox for his recent losses (three of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I love, among these, be assured you are one." Has…

GLC02437.09431

16 July 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Declares that it is in vain "to look for ease & happiness in a world of trouble," noting that the call of his country has persuaded him to participate in public service (Washington accepted command of the army in 1798, but did not assume an active role). Indicates that he does not want to jeopardize his good reputation by a poor performance at his post. Indicates he placed Knox among the people "on whom I wish to lean," with Alexander Hamilton and Charles Cotesworth Pinckney. Notes that Hamilton will be second in command of the new army. Commends Pinckney's character as an "active,…

GLC02437.09432

circa 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Autograph document

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to a letter and other papers of a Mr. Anderson. Provides an enclosure for Mr. Cameron. Instructs Knox to return the enclosure to Washington.

GLC02437.09433

1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy, "No. 19 Copied from & compared with the Original Feb'y 8th 1854." Marked private. Mentions a letter from Mr. Bradford concerning Colonel Neville and Major Lenox (possibly referring to David Bradford, Presley Neville and Marshal Lenox). Discusses an insurrection (the Whiskey Rebellion), and instructs Knox to pursue an unspecified plan.

GLC02437.09434

circa 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript document

Title: [Drafts of secret articles in a treaty between the United States and the Creek Nation]

A working manuscript that has been corrected by Knox probably intended for George Washington. Consists of several secret articles pertaining to the proposed treaty; in each case, "secret" has been struck. One article grants trading rights in United States ports. If the Spanish obstruct Creek commerce, promises to transport Creek goods through United States territory until the obstruction is removed, as long as the goods do not exceed 60,000 dollars in worth. Another article appoints Alexander McGillivray, Chief of the Creek Nation, as Brigadier General in the United States Army with 1,200…

GLC02437.09459

1803-1804

Breck, Anna, fl. 1803-1804

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy [incomplete]

Breck writes to her friend Lucy, likely Lucy Flucker Knox, daughter of Henry Knox. Discusses the marriage of Lucy's brother (possibly Henry Jackson Knox, who married in May 1803). Mentions the engagements of other friends, noting, "...all my friends are taking leave of the single state and I shall soon be quite a solitary member of it-" Continues writing 24 June. Expresses boredom regarding life in the country and living with her parents. Daydreams of distant lands and travel to exotic locales. Mentions memories of Boston, promising not to go to Boston without traveling to Maine to…

GLC02437.09445

circa 1794-1798

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Examination of a disagreement between Captain Nicholson and Colonel Claghorn]

Discussion of a disagreement between Captain Samuel Nicholson and Colonel George Claghorn. The creator notes, "It appears pretty evident that the secret and real cause of the difference has been a jealousy of power." Apparently Nicholson opposed the admittance of two gentleman and ladies to an unspecified location (possibly the ship). The group Nicholson refused was associated with Claghorn.

GLC02437.09455

February 1, 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox "furnish me with an Estimate of every thing in the Ordnance and Artillery Department which will be necessary to carry on an Offensive and vigorous Campaign - considering also the Seige of New York as a probable Operation." Written at "Head Quarters." Washington's signature clipped.

GLC02437.09363

8 March 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

The wives and children of soldiers in the New York Artillery regiment who are living in camp are to be provisioned by the army, in order to make sure they do not leave and take their soldier husbands with them. This provision only applies to women who are already in camp, and not new arrivals. "The number of Women and Children in the New York Regiments of Infantry before the new System of Issues took place obliged me, either to depart from that System and allow them provision or by driving them from the Army risk the loss of a number of Men, who very probably would have followed." Written…

GLC02437.09364

16 August 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the distribution of artillery at American garrisons, now that most hostilities have ceased. Written at "Head Quarters." Washington's signature clipped.

GLC02437.09365