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

16 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. "The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal." Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters…

GLC02437.03728

22 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual, unnamed friend, stating "we are much deranged at our friend's delay, as we are in expectation every moment of some one taking the alarm , & persuing [sic] him - " States that the friend must have departed on a vessel to somewhere in Europe.

GLC02437.03733

16 January 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business affairs, mentioning Benjamin Hichborn. Comments on the Massachusetts state convention meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution: "We have upwards of 325 Members in Convention- no one can yet determine what will be the result, all good men wish & pray for its adoption - I flatter myself it will finally be obtained. at present they move slowly & with great caution - all the able sensible men are full in favor of it - by g-d it must pass -"

GLC02437.03763

20 January 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debt of Mr. Swan, possibly Colonel James Swan. Gives details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention, noting that "the printers are allow'd seats in the house for the purpose of taking down and publishing the debates from day to day..." Declares, "It is astonishing to see the weight of respectability, integrity, [property], & ability on the side of the proposed constitution, and on the other side the ----- ------ characters that oppose it..." Includes a list of the number of Federalists and Anti-federalists at the convention by county. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry is…

GLC02437.03767

23 January 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, "The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution..." Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless "the…

GLC02437.03769

3 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists "so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils..." Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt…

GLC02437.03784

6 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson comments on the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "HUZZA HUZZA - as you must be anxious & to keep you from suspense a moment I have the extreme pleasure to inform you, that the grand question was put this Afternoon at 5 O Clock by yeas & nays, and was determined in favor of the Constitution by a majority of 19- the whole number present when the vote was taken was 355- of that number 187 were yeas- and 168 nays..." Remarks that he attended in the gallery from 9:00 am, eating a dinner of gingerbread and cheese. Exclaims, "The moment…

GLC02437.03788

13 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Reports that [Rufus] King, who was part of the convention, will soon arrive in New York and will be able to inform Knox of "every particular that took place" during the final days of deliberation. Calls King "an able & charming fellow..." Mentions parades held in Boston to celebrate adoption of the Constitution. Notes, "Several Gentlemen from the remote parts of the States inform that the people are universally pleased with the adoption of the Constitution." Reports that New Hampshire meets on the same…

GLC02437.03795

17 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Hopes to be able to inform Knox by the next post that New Hampshire ratified the Federal Constitution "as every account from that quarter gives encouragement to that effect." Of Massachusetts' ratification, writes, "...the Federalists in this State increase daily and there is every reason to think that the people at large (except the Insurgent Interest) are fully satisfied with the Ratification, however some persons may say to the contrary." Comments on [James] Swan's debt and asks about his copper contract with the Treasury. Notes that his appointment to Federal regiments has almost…

GLC02437.03800

24 February 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "we are perfectly quiet in this State with respect to the adoption of the New Constitution-Fed's & Anti's almost to a Man united and determined to give it every support..." Reports that New Hampshire has adjourned their ratification convention until June. Encloses a letter from a man who hopes to buy land from Knox (letter not included).

GLC02437.03807

15 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Promises to comply with Knox's wishes, likely referring to a recent matter in which Jackson invested 10,000 of Knox's dollars in notes without first consulting Knox. Plans to spend this day with General [William] Hull.

GLC02437.03894

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the final note is in Nourse or Hillegas's office (Jackson sold $10,000 worth of Knox's notes without his permission and attempted to retrieve them at Knox's request). Expresses hope that New Hampshire will adopt the Constitution (New Hampshire in fact ratified the Constitution 21 June 1788). Reports that the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) will remain adjourned until September 1788 at which time, he hopes, they will be able to give "orders to the people to choose the members for the General Government." Obtained a resolve from the General…

GLC02437.03909

7 September 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates family news. Mentions Knox's daughter, Lucy, and Mr. Winslow and family, and encloses several letters (not present).

GLC02437.03983

30 November 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper informing Knox of the nominations for Federal Representatives for [Suffolk] County: Lowell will go if chosen, Brooks has given up the idea, and [David] Cobb "will be the man without doubt." Delivered a letter to their friend "Ben," who was mortified at the return of his [monetary] note. Sends his regards to the Knox family. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04040

6 December 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on politics, including the nominations for Federal Representatives. Writes, "Cobb will be the man for the District" (David Cobb). Predicts that [Samuel Allyne] Otis and Mr. Varnum (Joseph Bradley Varnum?) will be selected for Middlesex County.

GLC02437.04044

4 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks him for recent letters. Apologizes that he will be writing a hasty, brief letter as he will soon be leaving to spend the day with "our friend Ben" (probably Hichborn). Reports that only "four Federal Representatives are Elected in this State- Plymouth district Mr. [George] Partridge - Bristol Mr. [George] Leonard, Lincoln & York- Mr. [George] Thatcher- Suffolk Mr. [Fisher] Ames." Declares that these four are good men, and the other four that will be elected will undoubtedly be good also. Hopes their "friend [John] Brooks" will be elected from his district. Sends his love to…

GLC02437.04074

7 January 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that agreeable to the manner outlined by the General Court, the House and Senate (presumably of Massachusetts) elected several men to serve as electors from Massachusetts for President of the United States. Provides a list of the men and the counties they represent. Declares that the electors are "highly pleasing to Federalists."

GLC02437.04078