21 October 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Found Knox's letter of 3 October waiting for him upon his return from Boston. Gave William Duer a message for Knox. Since that message was written things have changed with the arrival of a minister from Great Britain [George Hammond]. Tells Knox, "I have by this post offered myself as a Candidate for the appointment at the Court of London, & upon what I conceive to be strong grounds." If he gets appointed, he believes the post "will have a very extensive influence & operation." Asks for Knox's "good offices on the subject."

GLC02437.05204

23 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

From a conversation he had with William Duer, he is concerned that Smith might have misunderstood the object of his letter and enclosure of 22 October. Tells Smith he may remember a conversation they had "in your house, relative to a favorable accommodation for the preservation of my bank stock." Says that a certain quantity of his private lands in the Waldo Patent will be "sold to you conditionally upon the approbation of your agent." Mentions financial arrangements to pay for it. Says $1,600-$2,000 must be advanced.

GLC02437.05208

25 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Says it might be more agreeable to Smith to buy Knox's St. Lawrence lands instead of those further east. Reports "The St. Lawrence lands are excellent in quality and are opposite to James Graves Simcoe's new government in Canada, "where land is selling very high." Tells him Governor George Clinton can inform him on the lands. Declares that his proportion of the St. Lawrence lands is about 42,000 acres. Explains that Gouverneur Morris was empowered by Alexander Macomb "to sell the whole, and it was said by the parties that he had made an agreement for him at a crown p[er] acre - but I have…

GLC02437.05211

28 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Mentions the "subject" of Smith's last letter and praises its virtues. Promises always to advance Smith's interests "in any degree."

GLC02437.05213

9 November 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Stamped as "free" above address. Explains that he met Captain [Thomas] Randall at the Post Office, where they made arrangements for sending monies owed by Knox to Smith (see GLC02437.05231). Also discusses the purchase of lands in Maine (related to the Waldo patent), and mentions a misunderstanding between himself and [William] Duer.

GLC02437.05232

3 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has tried to acquire the items Knox asked for, but has been unable to as yet. Relates how he is about to depart for Europe, unhappily, to settle family accounts and protect his family from misfortune. Describes arrangements he is making to prepare for his departure, including making sure that the President is not displeased with him for leaving. Also refers to Mrs. Smith [his wife], Mrs. [Abigail] Adams (who was his mother-in-law), and Mr. [Rufus] King. Sends his respects to Knox's wife.

GLC02437.05251

4 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Writes that he believes, from Smith's recent letter, that he would like information on the likelihood of the result. Suggests that certain principles "must dictate a different arrangement from the one you contemplated." Trusts that Smith will act with the utmost propriety. (May be alluding to Smith's upcoming departure from America; see GLC02437.05251.)

GLC02437.05253

7 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Marked "private." Thanks him for his recent letter, and writes that he is "much obliged by the intelligence it contained." Declares that he is satisfied with the arrangement, and believes he has "discharged faithfully the duty I owed my Country, my friends and myself." Adds that Knox's communications to him will always be held in confidence. (See GLC02437.05251 and GLC02437.05253 for related information.)

GLC02437.05255

19 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Stephens Smith

Asks to borrow $5000 for ninety days, per Smith's offer in a previous letter. Will provide a note endorsed by either Mr. [William] Duer or Captain [Thomas] Randall in which he promises to follow specific terms of repayment. Begs his prompt attention to the matter, and hopes to be able to secure the amount by the following Saturday.

GLC02437.05264

25 December 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Stagg

Received his communication of the previous evening. Discusses a financial settlement Stagg is looking to obtain.

GLC02437.05274

21 March 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received Knox's recent letter, and is happy to assure him that "the deranged state of affairs in this city" does not affect him or "interfere with my proposed excursion." Adds that his views, of course, "are not military." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05367

3 April 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written and signed in text in third person. Writes that Smith has received a query from John Moore of Peterborough, New Hampshire, regarding the purchase of lands in Peterborough. Would like to know Knox's terms for the purchase. Date taken from docket.

GLC02437.05393

8 October 1792

Sterrett, Rebbeca, 1771-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for his assistance in obtaining an appointment for her husband, Mr. Samuel Sterett, in the office of Collector for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. Explains and apologizes that her husband cannot ask personally. States that should he receive this appointment, he will resign as a member of Congress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05648

13 November 1793

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says "Citizen Genet is disposed to leave me in the lurch, relative to the accoutrements provided for his nation, indeed if he was to take them, I know not how he is to pay for them he has offered me Bills on France, but they will not answer." Asks Knox for assistance and to take the items at a fair value for public service. They are cartridge boxes with belts and sword belts with bayonet scabbards. Says they are fit for service and ready for transport.

GLC02437.05972

22 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Smith

Letterpress copy. References Smith's letter of 13 November. Was busy in Germantown and did not have a chance to reply until now. Says the war supplies Smith mentions will be wanted, but not until after Congress has made an appropriation for the next year (see GLC02437.05972). Asks that samples be sent.

GLC02437.05979

February 12, 1794

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter of introduction for Joshua John Moore, a gentleman from England. Says "he will explain to you his pursuits & if any door is open in the eastern world relative to your Lands (he being a Surveyor) where he can serve you or your friends, I doubt not you will permit him to serve himself."

GLC02437.06045

16 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relays information he received from General [Anthony] Wayne, Colonel [Thomas] Butler, and Major [Isaac] Craig. Notes Butler reports the outposts are amply supplied with provisions and assures the officers and men have made great exertion putting the fort (possibly Fort Fayette) in order. Notes there have been recent successes in France (possibly referring to the French Revolution). The events taken place at the fort are likely related to the Whiskey Rebellion.

GLC02437.06171

16 August 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Stagg [incomplete]

Informs Stagg he will set sail tomorrow for St. George, Maine. Requests Stagg to relay a message to General [Henry] Jackson regarding instructions to the port along with the recent appointments made. A portion of the letter is missing.

GLC02437.06173

23 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the results of the general meeting of the "Excise Rioters" on the frontier of Pennsylvania has not taken place yet. Notes he has not received any news from [Thomas] Butler and very little from [Isaac] Craig. Craig informs him he received the president's proclamation but believes it will be treated with contempt. Reports on the progress of each state's militia build-up. Notes all militias will be ready except for Pennsylvania's. Also reports on the status of the artillery. Notes he included an extract of a letter from General [Charles?] Scott and a letter from Colonel Sergent.

GLC02437.06182

30 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the progress of the militia build-up in various states (likely part of the Whiskey Rebellion). Notes the affairs in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania remain doubtful. Informs Knox of the death of a gentleman. Refers to a proclamation by Governor Henry Lee of Virginia. Relays a rumor that "Virginia would not take a very active part, in suppressing the riotous proceedings of the Whiskey folks in Pennsylvania." Letter has a watermark.

GLC02437.06191

6 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the results from the general meeting at Redstone in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania have not come back yet. Encloses newspapers (not included) that notes Governor [John Graves] Simcoe's "singular conduct." Reports on the progress of the militia and the preparations for field service (most likely part of the Whiskey Rebellion). Discusses a letter he just received from General [Anthony] Wayne, dated August 27, 1794, which describes Wayne's victories in the Northwest (Battle of Fallen Timber, August 20, 1794). Notes the Indians are "considerably agitated in consequence of the conduct of…

GLC02437.06194

11 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports the militia has been ordered to march immediately. Notes Pennsylvania did not make their quota. Describes a "firm and energetic" speech the governor of Pennsylvania gave to all the officers. Writes, "The seeds of sedition are scattered over the State - Inflamatory [sic] pieces, published in handbills, reprobating the conduct of the Executive of the United States towards the insurgents as it respects coercive measure."

GLC02437.06202

15 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the commissioners have returned but a decision has not been reached. Notes that the "deluded people, it appears, are bent on destruction." Mentions more citizens are stepping forth and enrolling in the militia. Also notes the governor's address in Pennsylvania had some affect; the cavalry, artillery, and infantry have all offered their services. Reports on the progress of the other states' militias (likely referring to the Whiskey Rebellion). Mentions he has not heard word from General Anthony Wayne. Notes Colonel Timothy Pickering has gone to the Treaty (Treaty of Canandaigua…

GLC02437.06208

2 October 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph note signed

Title: to Henry Knox

A note informing Knox he has enclosed this morning's paper which contains the official account of General [Anthony] Wayne's success (likely referring to Wayne's victory at the Battle of Fallen Timbers on 20 August 1794). "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06214

13 December 1794

Smith, William, fl. 1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces Knox to Alexander Stevenson. States he is a "young man" looking for an appointment in the Artillery. Notes he has never met the young man but believes he is from a "hardy breed." Describes Stevenson's age, physical condition, and notes his family fought in the late [Revolutionary] War.

GLC02437.06273