27 May 1784

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "...I have sent the Barge to convey you here- indeed if you have nothing definitive respecting an establishment, on the Troops in service, it is absolutely necessary for you to be here, if only for a day- many matters want your determination as Commander in Chief." Knox had been in Annapolis, Maryland, apparently to discuss military matters before Congress.

GLC02437.03007

13 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson, one of Knox's closest friends, encloses letters that arrived on a ship from London (letters not included). Reports that goods shipped by Knox's brother, William, on the Hero are consigned to Knox. Advises Knox to sell the goods as quickly as possible to avoid financial embarrassment, noting that Henry's wife, Lucy, agrees.

GLC02437.03126

25 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions letters (pertaining to business affairs) that recently arrived by ship for Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War. Reports news of Knox's brother William, who suffered from mental illness: "By Mr. Webbers letters you will observe the melencolly [sic] situation of poor Bill, it makes my heartache when I think of him- Mr Webber appears to be a divine man, & it must give you great consolation that Bill has fallen into such good hands" (referring to James Webber, a close friend and subsequent caretaker of William). Advises Knox to send for his brother, noting that all of William's…

GLC02437.03132

1 May 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses recent correspondence between himself and Knox, recently appointed Secretary at War. Discusses business and financial matters pertaining to Knox (apparently, Jackson was managing Knox's affairs while Knox was in New York).

GLC02437.03136

16 May 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson, in charge of Knox's financial affairs, mentions the sale of carpets that had been consigned to Knox. Advises Knox to allow his notes to "take their chance in the Bank... for to sell them at the present going price (which is very low) would be doing such a great injury to your family that you would forever be unhappy afterwards." Suggests that Knox obtain a loan from New York Bank to pay his bills due in Boston if he cannot obtain back pay he is owed.

GLC02437.03147

15 August 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson writes to his close friend General Henry Knox on a variety of topics. Writes "I have been Lasey it is true, but cool weather is coming on & I shall be more attentive in future." Discusses the sale of some hardware goods Knox had obtained and the price for which they have been selling in England. Mentions matters of local politics, including letters between the governor and Congress and also disparaging remarks against "our friend B." made in the newspaper. Comments on difficulties with new currency at the bank. Discusses a local dinner party. Finally, describes the…

GLC02437.03179

19 September 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has received Knox's last letter. Reports that he has heard from a friend of Henry's brother William Knox, in London, that William should be arriving in America any day. Discusses matters of finance: "As the Bank is now calling in the whole of the monies due to them, the new money has become of equal value to gold & silver." Declares that he feels he must sell Henry's notes in order to pay what they owe to the bank, though he regrets the sacrifice Knox will have to make for this. Reports on the financial trouble of other firms. Mentions that Mrs. Swan has received a…

GLC02437.03197

16 October 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes largely on financial subjects. Mentions a Mr. Appleton, and his attempts to get 20 associates to join. Also refers to a Mr. Sherbourn and a meeting with proprietors, and asks Knox about signing a bond they will be sending. Mentions that he has not heard anything about Lyde (likely the Captain of the boat Henry's brother William is travelling on to America) but that it is "momentarily expected." Adds that "Young Joshua Blanchard last week closed his doors, many others will soon follow," possibly referring to the financial difficulties many shopkeepers in Boston were having after the…

GLC02437.03208

12 December 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes on a variety of subjects. Reports that Governor [John] and Mrs. Hancock will set out in a week for New York, and that he dined with them last week at their mutual friend Ben Hichborn's. Showed Hichborn the letter he received from Knox detailing Hichborn's appointment, and "his heart was filld with gratitude for your particular attention to him he said many things of my friend that was very pleasing to me." Reports that [Samuel] Shaw will leave tomorrow and that he will write a letter for Knox to be carried by Shaw. Sends his love to Mrs. Lucy Knox, their children, and Knox's brother…

GLC02437.03224

19 December 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes on several topics. Mentions that [Samuel] Shaw will leave soon for New York and that Jackson has delivered to Shaw all of Henry Knox's brother William's luggage. Mentions that Governor [John] Hancock, his wife and family, and several others will depart the next day for New York, and that while most of them will take other methods of transportation, he intends to "proceed all the way by Land, the season of the year & the roads must be much against him." Discusses financial matters, particularly bank notes of his and Knox's which he has not yet disposed of because of their current…

GLC02437.03226

February 25, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrangement of troops and an established military uniform he received from Major [William] North. Asks Knox to decide which of the two majors will be assigned to him so he can appoint a field officer at the Castle. Goes into further detail about his new recruits and funding for the uniforms. Notes General [Benjamin] Lincoln remains in Pittsfield, Massachusetts (one of the areas where Shays' Rebellion took place). Writes, "...the heart of the Rebellion is broken up, and have dispersed to all quarters - but if the government Troops were withdrawn, from that quarter, the same…

GLC02437.03469

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

11 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the sale of the "Eastern lands." Relates the membership of the committee chosen to represent Massachusetts at the Society of the Cincinnati meeting in May (members include General [Rufus] Putnam and Doctor [William] Eustis). Mentions petitioning the General Court of Massachusetts for funds to support the troops and provide uniforms. Asks about specifics concerning the uniforms, such as whether or not swords should be hung at the waist or from the shoulder, what officer rank should have each style of epaulette, or this length or amount of bullion fringe. Includes a small sketch of…

GLC02437.03489

14 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his efforts to secure clothing for the troops. Mentions that alterations will need to be made to the knapsacks. Wants to procure "new bayonet belts to wear over the shoulder, this will be a great addition to the appearance of the Men."

GLC02437.03492

18 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses uniforms and informs Knox that "I intend my Regiment shall be the best Cloathed [sic] and as perfectly Uniform as any that has ever been in the American Army, or indeed any other Army - " Mentions that Colonel Hull has written to Knox regarding his rank (see GLC02437.03493) and calls him a "Charming fellow." Discusses problems of rank with his ensigns as they do not have an actual rank, but would like one. Feels he will be able to recruit the state quota with help from the government. Wants colours for his regiment, asks Knox for the device to make them so he can execute them.…

GLC02437.03494

25 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions a letter Knox sent him concerning Colonel Hull. Writes about obtaining cloth to cloath the men raised by the state. Informs him that at the last meeting of the Society of the Cincinnati, General R. Putman, Major N. Rice and Dr. Eustis were chosen as delegates, and 13 others were chosen as a grand Committee to instruct the delegates. Also mentions the election for the Massachusetts governorship. "Politicks runs high for Governor and Lt Governor as you will observe by the papers - it is generally believed that Mr. Hancock will be chosen - tomorrow [week?] will determine the question -…

GLC02437.03501

8 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expects the clothing for his men the next day and writes that "I pass'd yesterday at the Castle, [most likely Castle Island] & Inspected my Recruits, they are a fine body of Men, & want nothing but their Clothing to make them perfectly happy - " Hopes Knox will be able to influence Congress not to disband any of the troops, "Congress certainly will not disband any of the Troops without consulting the Secretary at War - I therefore flatter myself you will make such arrangements as to continue me in service..." States that [Nathaniel] Gorham is violently opposed to any troops being…

GLC02437.03514

11 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "This will inform you, that your friend is the most wreched [sic] man on earth, in consequence of your Letter of the 4th Inst. recd. by the post this Evening - derange - disband - return to private life again - great gad it is too much - I cannot think of it, without distraction, and my mind is embarrased [sic] without description - point to yourself every thing, and it will fall far short, of my feelings on this occation [sic], as more than every thing that is dear to me is involved in this business - I dare not trust on paper what I would wish to say to you - it is cruel -…

GLC02437.03518

14 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for…

GLC02437.03521

17 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox and his wife Lucy to welcome a Mrs. Jeffrey, who is travelling with Mr. and Mrs. John Hancock to New York City.

GLC02437.03525

22 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he has received the two letters he sent, regarding the disbandment of the troops. States that "it is a cruel business - but I know it will give you pain, shall say nothing at this time on that subject." Discusses upcoming dinner plans. Also mentions a fire in Boston's Malt House.

GLC02437.03532

8 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lists the elected representatives for "the town," likely Boston. Informs that the making of the hats for two artillery companies will be delayed due to a fire. This will delay the marching of the two companies for a few days.

GLC02437.03546

27 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a bill of exchange (not present). Notes that their mutual friend, Samuel Breck, requests Knox to put the bill on board a ship bound for France. The bill will pay for Breck's son's educational expences in France.

GLC02437.03555

31 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses obtaining money to pay the troops and buy supplies. Writes, "I inclose a paper of this day by which you will observe a Return of the Senate & House as Chosen by the People." Discusses the candidates, writing, "a Respectable committee of both Houses waited on the Honble. John Hancock Esqr. & informed him he was chosen Govr of this Commonwealth." Hancock will visit the general court the following day, if his gout does not prevent him from doing so. Notes that the Lieutenant Governor is not chosen by the people.

GLC02437.03559

3 June 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a letter of introduction for a Mr. Judah Hayes and asks Knox to befriend him, as it is Hayes' first visit to New York and he does not know anyone.

GLC02437.03562