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to Henry Knox
27 April 1787
Washington, George, 1732-1799
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the Society of the Cincinnati, and "the light in which it is viewed in France." Copy made 3 February 1854.
GLC02437.09336
19 August 1787
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.
GLC02437.09337
January 10,1788
Later copy. Discussing the voting in each state as to whether or not to adopt the new Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.
GLC02437.09338
February 5, 1788
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.
GLC02437.09339
March 30, 1788
Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.
GLC02437.09340
17 June 1788
Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.
GLC02437.09341
1 April 1789
Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing his hesitation to become President. Reads "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...
GLC02437.09342
19 November 1790
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing 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...
GLC02437.09343
1 January 1791
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, which transmitted 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....
GLC02437.09344
January 22, 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, instructing Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Copy made 1 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09424.
GLC02437.09345
February 29, 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the case of General St. Clair (possibly Arthur St. Clair), noting that he wishes to answer St. Clair's letters with a reply that can be published. Comments that saying neither too much nor...
GLC02437.09346
24 September 1792
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. Hammond, Mr. Penn, and Andrew Hamilton. Asks how Pennsylvania State officers, including Mr. Morris (possibly...
GLC02437.09347
5 April 1794
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing 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...
GLC02437.09348
September 20, 1795
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston...
GLC02437.09349
2 March 1797
Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for a letter recently received. Offer condolences to Knox for his recent losses (several of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington)...
GLC02437.09350
16 July 1798
Later copy of the final portion of a letter from Washington to Knox. This section discusses private matters related to the Secretary of War. Also worries about "The loss of our independence or the Subjugation of our Goverment both of which are...
GLC02437.09351
3 December 1783
Comments on "The splendid display of Fireworks last evening" and wishes Knox to pass along his compliments to those in charge. With an signed endorsement on the verso by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp, sending the letter to Brigadier Generals...
GLC02437.09368
Relates that he received a letter from Knox, and that Mr. Madison informed him Knox had recovered from a "severe indisposition." Discusses ratification of the Constitution at state conventions, commenting that New Hampshire's behavior has baffled...
GLC02437.09417
February 10, 1776
Waters, Josiah, fl. 1776-1794
Congratulates Knox on a safe return from Fort Ticonderoga, where he was retrieving artillery pieces for the Continental Army in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Has had trouble obtaining books on military fortification and asks Knox, who had been a...
GLC02437.00249
7 June 1782
Congratulates Knox on his recent promotion. Informs him that he has "been again prevailed upon to accept the disagreeable task of procuring this Towns Quota of Recruits for the Continental Army," a task which is "all times disagreeable but more...
GLC02437.01443
7 November 1782
Writes, "This will be delivered to you by Mr. J. Byles who if I mistake not served his time previous to the war with Mr. John Simpkins." After this time, he suffered "many adverse fortunes which has induced him to enter the service of the united...
GLC02437.01703
4 January 1783
Webb, J., fl. 1783
Written by Jos. Webb, possibly Joseph or Josiah Webb. Writes that he has business to settle with David Porter of Hartford, who has a son, Moses, in Colonel [perhaps Samuel] Webb's regiment. Would like to request Porter's son be allowed to return...
GLC02437.01795
Proof of powder made at West Point
30 October 1784
Doughty, John, 1754-1826
Titles continues to add that the powder referred to is "made at West Point with a 24 pd Ball fired from a 5 1/2 inch mortar..." Lists powder at Fort Clinton and Fort Putnam.
GLC02437.03066
December 1, 1784
Webber, James, fl. 1784-1797
Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, responds to a letter from Henry Knox (GLC02437.03068). Expresses happiness at William's recovery from an episode of mental illness. Reports that William will soon sail from London to Boston....
GLC02437.03071
6 January 1785
Webber, a London merchant and friend of William Knox, reports the details of William's recent episode of mental illness. William had announced his intentions to marry Miss Laurens, "a Daughter of Mr Henry Laurens." Although they were apparently...
GLC02437.03082
February 5, 1785
Signed as the merchant firm "Webber, Addington & Bucknell." Discusses several invoices and other business matters. Writes that they "Sincerely wish it may soon be in our power to send a more favorable accot. of Mr. William Knox," referring to Henry...
GLC02437.03092
2 March 1785
Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "I now am griev'd that I cannot send you more agreeable tidings, still continues in the same way, and I fear but little probability of a quick...
GLC02437.03102
4 May 1785
Webber reports on the condition of Henry's brother, William, who suffered from mental illness. Writes, "Tis with great pleasure I can inform you that Mr W Knox is abundantly more compos'd and steady now, than he was, generally is recollected, but at...
GLC02437.03138
September 7, 1785-October 5, 1785
Webber, James, fl. 1783-1797
Marked "duplicate." Includes two letters from James Webber, both written from London. In the first letter, in a clerical hand, but initialed by Webber, written on September 7, 1785, Webber outlines his dealings with Knox's brother, William, whom he...
GLC02437.03188
7 September 1785
Duplicate of GLC02437.03188.
GLC02437.03189
20 October 1788
Tracy, John, fl. 1789-1795
Plans to visit Marietta, Ohio in the next few months. Asks Knox for letters of introduction to General Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and other notables in the area. Docket notes that this letter was answered and letters...
GLC02437.04006
25 October 1789
Wayne, Anthony, 1745-1796
Describes the situation in western Georgia concerning negotiations with the Creeks. The Commission has not succeeded as of yet in negotiating a treaty with the Creeks. Mentions violence along the frontier between Native Americans and white settlers...
GLC02437.04397
to Anthony Wayne
February 7, 1790
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Signed "HK." Discusses the Creek Indians in Georgia. Agrees with Wayne about the utility of rifles. Asks if maybe Wayne's informant was mistaken in saying that the Creeks received 6000 muskets from the Spaniards. Writes about whether or not Georgia...
GLC02437.04502
March 20, 1790
Answers Knox's question regarding the number of muskets "received from the Spaniards by the Creeks," stating that the number is 6,000. Reports that "our Mr. McGilvery," a Georgia planter, has told him that "the Spaniards had not when first demanded...
GLC02437.04556
12 May 1790
Thanks Knox for sending three more companies of men to him, as he believes this will help deter the Indians from hostilities. Provides the opinion of Creek leader "McGilvery" (referring to Alexander McGillivray), who believes that it is likely some...
GLC02437.04604
25 December 1789
General Wayne acknowledges a letter from Knox of 28 November and talks about information on a possible treaty between the Creeks and the Spanish government. Wayne gives his opinion of rifles "when a professional gentleman who had been in the British...
GLC02437.04808
January 22, 1791
Congratulates Knox on his promotion as Secretary of War. Asks Knox for an appointment in the new Militia and for compensation for past military service. Makes the case for using the Artillery Company of Massachusetts, "which was incorporated in 1638...
GLC02437.04834
1 April 1792
Has read and considered Knox's recent letter and is proud that he and the President think highly of his abilities. However, must decline Knox's offer of an appointment, apparently because he feels he would find "committing [his] military character"...
GLC02437.05392
13 July 1792
Writes about two horses being returned, "one for you and all camp and another for a servant." Asks him to look into the matter. States that the cavalry horses must be used for the purposes "for which they are designed."
GLC02437.05536
March 22, 1793
Marked "Private Personal & Confidential." References Knox's letters of 5 and 9 March. Claims some of the officers are drunks who lack military skills. Expresses sarcastic anger over orders given by Knox about ensigns in the army. Wayne does not...
GLC02437.05856
12 April 1793
Marked "Private." Reports that Mrs. [Wilkinson] had hoped to join him during his trip down the Ohio River and that she expected to be in Pittsburgh by 7 May. Her plans have changed since Wayne's latest letter said he is starting out on 22 April....
GLC02437.05869
6 October 1793
Says that Knox cannot enter Boston unless his baggage is cleaned with gunpowder smoke. Says Knox's certificate is sufficient for him and his servants to enter the city. Expresses a desire to be as helpful to Knox as possible. Appears to be written...
GLC02437.05940
15 November 1793
Marked "Private." Makes reference to the "baneful leaven," the radical democratic principles of the French Revolution, influencing troops in his army. Mentions that Thomas Paine's "The rights of man, has been held up as a Criterion, even of...
GLC02437.05975
11 June 1794
Informs Knox the people of Kentucky have been opposing the general government. Mentions he enclosed an extract of a letter from a witness to an incident that took place in Kentucky. Notes the letter shows the present temper of the people. Reports...
GLC02437.06117
7 July 1794
Copy of a letter describing the build up to the Battle of Fallen Timbers. States Major [William] McMahon was attacked at Fort Recovery by a large band of Indians early in the morning. Reports the attacks lasted all day and night, and throughout the...
GLC02437.06137
16 July 1794
Clerical copy in the hand of War Dept. clerk Samuel Lewis. Discusses the Indians retreat from Fort Recovery and the routes they took. Believes the Wabash Indians and Patawatimes Indians, ranging from 250 to 300 each, broke off from the main body...
GLC02437.06147
26 October 1794
Discusses a prior conversation they had. Also mentions their mutual friend, [Henry] Jackson. Requests Knox writes as soon as it is convenient. Lower left corner of the letter is missing, causing extensive text loss. Letter was repaired at a later...
GLC02437.06229
January 30, 1797
Way, George, fl. 1794-1797
Expresses his hope that Knox and his wife like the coach that he made and sent them. Continues to describe its features.
GLC02437.06908
[Control of the Mississippi River]
29 August 1790
Discusses the effects of foreign use and British possession of the Mississippi River. Appears to be related to, and possibly part of, GLC02437.08216 and GLC02437.08217.
GLC02437.08202
5 December 1794
Congratulates Wayne on his success and wishes to end a dispute between Wayne and another general (possibly James Wilkinson; see GLC02437.10308). Mentions that he thinks there will be a pay raise for noncommissioned officers and privates. Writes...
GLC02437.10315
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