22 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox choose "Mr. Samuel Andrews" to "be appointed an Ensign to the vacancy of Mr. Joseph Peirce." Nominates "Mr. Samuel Hall of Boston as an Ensign." Nathanial Balch, Jackson writes, will send a letter to Knox on his son's behalf as well. Notes at the end that he will write more later concerning the 2nd Regiment.

GLC02437.04888

27 March 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Offers his assistance in appointing officers to the army. States, "I believe but few are so well acquainted with the late Officers of the American Army as I am, and I do assure you, I should have been highly gratified to have assisted you in the late arrangement..." Says he cannot account for [John] Doughty declining the appointment as Lt. Colonel Commander. (See GLC02437.04875 and .4891 for related documents.) Knox has asked Jackson how he feels about his position in the 2nd Regiment. Admits he "exceedingly dislike[s] his situation" but he does not believe that being Lieutenant Colonel…

GLC02437.04892

3 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Tries to understand how Knox's letters are delayed in reaching him. Provides Knox with his opinion on various appointments.

GLC02437.04898

10 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 27 March 1791 along with two other letters from James Swan. Jackson feared the letters may have been intercepted. Jackson reports that Joseph Peirce has been "very attentive to the directions which he has received" regarding the sale of Knox's lands. Jackson discusses various people he and Knox know, as well as the officers' concerns. Jackson has been assisting in finding recruits to Castle Island.

GLC02437.04914

24 April 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson received Secretary of War Knox's letter of 10 April 1791. Comments on various military appointments and the recruits from Massachusetts. He says, "the Officers in this Town have inlisted five or six but they are not such men as you want for the service." Mentions that "gentlemen" in the area are pleased that Knox has sent people to survey the area for the canal. Writes that "Mr. Jonathan Jackson will try to hold both his appointments, that of Marshal, and in the Excise." Jackson does not approve. Gives his opinion to Knox about other candidates.

GLC02437.04924

1 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of 19 April 1791. Talks about people from Boston including the Brecks who were heading to Philadelphia. Jackson would have liked to have joined them, but could not due to "the particular situation of my good mother." Discusses military appointments and that Dr. William Eustis thinks finding a good army surgeon might be difficult. Jackson reports that "recruiting is very dull." Once again, Jackson believes the compensation is too low to "induce our country's lads." Says "Capt. Ulman of Ducktrap" wants Knox to "write the people on Patent to whom [he]…

GLC02437.04935

8 May 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received Knox's letter of 2 May 1791. Thanks Knox for his "promise respecting the appointment of Marshall." Jackson believes that another, unrelated "Mr. Jackson" will try to hold on to that appointment along with the other appointment he holds. Says, "I have no fears in this head as the President will not approbate so great an impropriety as one man holding two Offices under the government." Goes on to discuss the issue of government appointments and the problem with choosing some men and leaving others out. Explains that "were the Deputies appointed by the President, they would have some…

GLC02437.04939

4 June 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson tells Secretary of War Knox that he arrived in New York yesterday. Has spent the day in expectation of seeing "Mr. C," (probably William Constable) who returned to his farm about 20 miles outside the city yesterday. Hopes to catch a packet leaving for New Haven in order to get home a few days quicker, which "Mr. D," (probably William Duer) thinks is better. Wants Knox to write to the legislative committee in Boston that will decide on their land purchase in order to make negotiations easier. Delivered the notes to Captain Randall. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.04973

6 June 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by General Jackson to Secretary of War Knox. Says he left New York yesterday in the hopes of catching the stage this morning at Hartford. The winds were light and he did not arrive until the afternoon. Now must wait for the stage that leaves New York tomorrow. Writes that "you must settle the business in some way or other with S.O. -- or he will embarress our concerns, and the sooner he gives information of his intention to the Committee the better." S.O. appears to be Samuel Ogden. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04976

19 July 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received Knox's recent letters and is happy to hear that Knox's son's health is improving. Discusses the best way to send letters to Knox now that new rules are in place. Describes the recent "Commencement at Cambridge" (possibly referring to Harvard University), in which the Governor appeared. Has enclosed some newspapers. Writes that soon "the Officers for the Collection of the Revenue will be appointed," and he is "really anxious" because so many people are applying for those positions. Mentions that their Wednesday evening club is at an end, as several members have moved out to…

GLC02437.04295

26 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson is upset that he has not received a letter from Knox in 24 days. He blames Knox's attention "to the western expedition" led by General Josiah Harmar for this lapse in communication. Jackson does not think ordinary "militia" men are capable of such an operation, "for a different class of Men must compose your Troops-I should like to be in the staff with Rank in the line." Comments on President George Washington's speech regarding the "establishment of the Militia, and I see by the Journals of the House they have chosen a Committee on that subject." Asks for a leading role in the…

GLC02437.04809

8 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the "detention of the two Companies at Castle Island ... " and forwards an "application I made to the Bank for the Loan of 500 dollars but they refused leting [sic] me have any - " (GLC02437.03567). States that the loan was for payment of the troops, who will remain at Castle Island until they are paid. Writes, "You must support me in some way or other." For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03577 and GLC02437.03580.

GLC02437.03573

10 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a loan that he tried to obtain, and was denied, to pay soldiers at Castle Island. He had hoped Knox would assist him in the matter, and is disappointed that he has not responded. Describes a disagreement between their friend, Mr. Swan (likely James Swan), and William Debloise. Gives a detailed description of the men's argument and their ensuing duel. Both men's first shots missed their mark, and the dispute was resolved when the men apologized to each other. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03567, GLC02437.03573, and GLC02437.03580.

GLC02437.03577

14 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he finally obtained $500 to pay two companies of artillery marching to Springfield, Massachusetts. The soldiers were ordered to protect the Springfield armory, and Jackson expects them to arrive at Springfield on 21 June 1787. Reports that he used his own money to pay for the troops' clothing, noting, "...if I had not taken this measure, the men at this moment would have been naked." Stamped "Boston" on the address leaf. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. For related correspondence, please refer to GLC02437.03567, GLC02437.03573, and GLC02437.03577.

GLC02437.03580

24 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "[t]he people are all at Meeting, and from a dead silence, the streets are all in an uproar, with the cry of fire - fire - fire - the Bells are ringing, & the streets thronged with men." Mentions that the town is in uproar but now the fire has been put out. Briefly touches on Massachusetts politics, mentioning appointments of [Thomas] Dawes and Benjamin Hichborn. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03588

29 July 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Knox's upcoming visit this fall and business with "young Isaac," (possibly referring to Isaac Winslow) as well as Knox's letter regarding Robert Morris's affairs. Also mentions Knox's other business dealings including a copper contract. Says Knox needs to make sure he gets his "cut of the Cake before it is eat up..." GLC02437.03622 was originally enclosed.

GLC02437.03626

2 September 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson is in charge of handling the sale of Knox's state securities, and he informs Knox several brokers have advised him to wait to sell them. Further discusses financial matters. Reports that the directors of the Ohio Company recently had a meeting (refer to GLC02437.03648). Jackson subscribed for two more shares. Writes, "I am allmost serious when I tell you, I have thought of retiring to that wilderness & pass the remainder of my life. I am dissatisfied with the world- this last disappointment has made me unfit for anything..." Writes that General [Rufus] Putnam is in Boston and…

GLC02437.03653

21 October 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains to Knox his reasons for not selling Knox's securities (refer to GLC02437.03635). Says Samuel Breck had advised Jackson to wait before selling since it appeared with the way the new Constitution was shaping that the value would likely increase. Comments he disagrees with Knox's decision to sell now but, "like an officer, I will obey or decision" and immediately sell Knox's shares. States that he believes Massachusetts will almost certainly ratify the Constitution. Sends his love to Lucy and the rest of Knox's family.

GLC02437.03676

28 October 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that his "affairs at the Eastward want your attention exceeding, I impressed this on the mind of your Brother when here, in the strongest manner that was in my power." Discusses the subdivision and selling off of Knox's lands, likely in Maine. Relates advice about Knox's land to maximize his profits. Mentions that General [Rufus] Putnam is planning to move to Ohio, and that he [Jackson] is sick of the city and thinking of moving out there himself. Relates business matters involving their mutual friend [Samuel] Breck. Lastly, discusses the fact that the Massachusetts…

GLC02437.03682

4 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that the present letter will be handed to Knox by Samuel A. Otis, a Massachusetts delegate to Congress. Writes, "In order to remove any unfavorable impressions from your mind, and that of his other friends, occasioned by his late misfortunes, I must observe to you, that he has settled the whole of his affaires with the highest honor & reputation and given universal satisfaction as a man of principle & integrity to all with whom he was connected - If integrity, application and industry are requisite in a member of Congress, Mr Otis will be found conspicuous in all those…

GLC02437.03695

7 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for a Lieutenant John Lovell. Reports that Lovell has studied law and seems interested in pursuing a career in the artillery. Adds that any help Knox might offer Lovell would be greatly appreciated.

GLC02437.03696

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