18 February 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debate in Massachusetts as to whether to send delegates to the upcoming Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Writes that "sensible & bold Men shall be chosen for the convention if I can have any influence in the business." The Committee has not yet formally agreed to send a delegation, but Gorham is convinced they will probably send one. Reports that Mr. [Samuel] Adams is having difficulties because he "wishes to limit the Commission in such manner as I think will exceedingly injure the business," but Gorham feels "rather encouraged to hope the affair will be…

GLC02437.03460

11 March 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses an issue concerning the salary of the governor. States that "One step they [the General Court] took[,] I am afraid[,] will be injurious in the approach[ing] election - which is that the two Towns passed a Bill to reduce the Governor salary to eight hundred pounds." Believes that the state did not honor the agreement made with the governor concerning his income. Writes that "such is the diversity of opinion among the People that I shall not be surprised if there is no Governor or Lieut Gov. chosen by them." Notes that the state has chosen its delegates for the meeting in Philadelphia…

GLC02437.03488

25 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts legislature setting a date to meet and decide whether or not to ratify the Constitution. Mentions changing the date from "the 12 of December to the second Wednesday of January - the numbers present 161 - voted for the question 129 - Killam of Newbury port was very troublesome but he was so nice & so much upon the hair splitting plan that no body knows exactly what he would be at - write me what you hear respecting the business from the Southward -" Stamped "Boston." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03681

30 October 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the ratification of the Constitution and states that "[t]hings look pretty well. Though there is an opposition preparing - but I do not think it will be sufficient to answer the intention of some." Lists opponents and supporters of Constitution in Massachusetts, "Gov. Hancock [Mr.] Bowdoin & Parson Stillman will be of the convention from Boston - the choice of the latter will undoubtedly be attended with good consiquences in attaching the Baptists." Encloses a letter to Benjamin Franklin (not present) in which he asks for a copy of a speech Franklin made to the constitutional…

GLC02437.03689

4 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Feels encouraged by good news regarding Pennsylvania and Connecticut's reception of the Constitution. Wishes he could say the same about Massachusetts, but "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done infinite mischief." Writes "I have rec'd a considerable share of Personal abuse in the News Papers but it shall not discourage me from exerting my small share of influence in so good a cause." Has published Benjamin Franklin's remarks just before signing the Constitution. Noted sideways at bottom of second page, "Poor Spear hanged himself last night." Written in Charles Town, which is now a part of Boston,…

GLC02437.03720

16 December 1787

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "very anxious to hear from Delaware Pensylvania [sic] & Jersey," in reference to whether those states ratified the constitution. Describes the situation in Massachusetts, "The prospects rather brightens here. There is one hundred good Men chosen in this neighborhood & the other parts of the Sea Coast - a great number of Towns choose tomorrow among which are such a number of good ones that I think we may count on 50 members of the right sort. That added to the former with the few good ones that will come from the three Western Counties - I think will secure the Point…

GLC02437.03727

6 January 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention scheduled to meet in February to decide on ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Relates that the Boston Delegates to the state convention dined with [James] Bowdoin the previous Thursday. Discusses the aftermath of [Samuel] Adams's opposition to ratification. Reports that Nantucket "from their foolish religious whims will not send to the establishment of a Government which has a right to raise armies... so five votes are lost- when they will be needed enough- for from several untoward circumstances the elections have gone wrong in…

GLC02437.03754

January 16, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Of Massachusetts' possible ratification of the Constitution, writes: "...we are hard at work- & the prospect not very good- numbers are at present against us- & the opposition leaders say they are sure of the Victory." Comments on various delegates. Instructs Knox to keep this letter confidential, noting "I believe some Letters have been written from NYork which have done damage." Date from docket. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03764

February 3, 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a paper discussing details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution (paper not included). Predicts the numbers will be 185 for and 160 against ratification, although the Anti-Federalists claim they have a majority of ten. Writes, "I confess that I shall be more mortified if they are right in their conjecture than I have ever been in my life. I cannot think but we shall carry the question- I shall give you the earliest notice." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03782

17 February 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Mr. [Rufus] King will inform Knox of "everything," that is, events that recently transpired at the Massachusetts State ratifying convention. Writes, "The [sic] was a necessity in the Convention of mentioning Rhode Island as having prohibited the attendance of their members in Congress- an advertizm has appeared in order to give a false colour to that business- and a use is intended to be made of it at the meeting of the Legislature- I have therefore written in the inclosed Letter to Mr K requesting him to get me copies of every thing relative to that affair & to forward it…

GLC02437.03802

19 March 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts politics, primarily the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Replies to a recent letter from Knox. Writes, "I can hardly think myself of consiquence [sic] enough to receive the notice or emolument under the general Government that will be equal to Lieut Governor of this State- however I have discouraged every attempt that would otherways have been made to bring me into view." Mentions that some of their mutual friends want Benjamin Lincoln to be elected lieutenant governor, "provided the business is brought to a point between him & Gen W-" (likely…

GLC02437.03826

6 April 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports, "The Legislature is up- & no great damage done- tomorrow for electioneering-" Expects that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor of Massachusetts. Predicts that General Benjamin Lincoln or James Warren will be elected Lieutenant Governor. Notes, "both sides are upon the stretch of exertion for the choice of Senators." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03832

30 November 1788

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

"The close of the business relative to the Senators you must ere this have seen in the News papers considering the jumble it wound up very well every thing perfectly quiet and peaceable at present." Transmits a letter for Mr. Morris. Sends his regards to Lucy Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04039

15 March 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks him to forward the enclosed letter to Mr. [Samuel] Ogden. Provides a brief report on politics (apparently election results) in New England. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04143

22 March 1789

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he arrived home safely. Discusses the "business of electioneering" in publications, especially the apparent desire to slander General [Benjamin] Lincoln's name. Believes Mr. [Samuel] Adams has an equal chance of winning. Mentions business with the Flucker estate, including a bond that Mr. [Thomas] Flucker had against Gorham's brother, and another bond young Mr. [Isaac] Winslow had against Gorham's brother. Discusses financial negotiations and asks if Knox can intervene with Winslow on his brother's behalf. Sends his respects to Mrs. Knox. Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.04148

2 March 1790

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox about what is due to an officer in Colonel Henry Jackson's regiment, Samuel Rogers, who was killed in the Battle of Yorktown, which Gerry calls "the seige of Cornwallis."

GLC02437.04524

12 March 1790

Gibbons, John, fl. 1790

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for an appointment in the Department of Military Stores in Virginia. Says he currently has an appointment in customs but does not make enough to support his expenses. "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04583

4 September 1790

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox of his travel plans and about adding subscribers to "Mrs. Warrens poems." Page two includes notes written in Knox's hand regarding what appears to be cargo on a vessel. Also includes calculations in an unknown hand.

GLC02437.04717

10 June 1791

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Massachusetts Congressman Gerry to Secretary of War Knox. Says he requested 26 shares in the Bank of the United States from Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, Mr. Cox. Enclosed a $650 bank note "to make the first specie payment." Asks Knox to take care of the payment if something prevents Cox. Says "we are in daily expectation of the Secretary of the Treasury[,] Mr Jefferson &c, but I hear nothing of your intentions to visit Massachusetts." Postscript gives Knox permission to open his letter to Cox if he is absent.

GLC02437.04983

16 June 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Caleb Gibbs

Mentions an unnamed lodging is full. Says the lodging has been occupied for many years. Discusses his pleasure over an unspecified event.

GLC02437.06121

15 April 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Benjamin Goodhue

Discusses a duke's son. Date from docket. Noted as a rough draft.

GLC02437.06391

30 November 1795

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to forward a letter for him to the President.

GLC02437.06576

28 August 1799

Geoffrey, Nicholas, fl. 1798-1799

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Geoffrey tells Knox that his nephew Francis Flucker owes Geoffrey a small balance from credit Francis secured from him in 1798. Geoffrey produces a copy of the letter Francis wrote him on 6 November 1798 requesting the loan.

GLC02437.07304

14 December 1801

Gore, John, fl. 1801

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he is unable to fulfill Knox's request due to other financial obligations.

GLC02437.07694

6 March 1806

Gilbert & Dean (firm)

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

The firm of Gilbert & Dean writes to Knox regarding his financial accounts.

GLC02437.08012