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[Invitation to dine]
26 June 1797
Sumner, Increase, 1746-1799
Presents his compliments to Knox and asks Knox to dine with him on 4 July at 3 o'clock in Roxbury, Massachusetts.
GLC02437.06994
to Increase Sumner
27 June 1797
Knox, Henry, 1750-1806
Replies to Sumner's invitation, stating that he has a prior engagement and therefore, has to refuse the invitation.
GLC02437.06995
22 June 1798
Writes to the Governor of Massachusetts, Increase Sumner, concerning a resident of Thomaston who is applying for the position of Justice of the Peace.
GLC02437.07152
to Elisha Sumner
30 July 1804
Unsigned, but handwriting suggests the author is Henry Knox. Discusses financial and business transactions, including his shipment to Sumner of casks of lime.
GLC02437.07873
10 November 1804
Mentions his receipt of Sumner's letters, which apparently crossed his in the post. Discusses the hiring of workmen for his estate, and his instructions to Mr. [John] Gleason on the subject. Also provides information about the upcoming arrival of...
GLC02437.07893
18 May 1805
Largely illegible. Discusses financial arrangements between Knox, Sumner, and the firm of Wales & Beale, particularly regarding Knox's shipping business.
GLC02437.07934
to Elisha Sheldon
4 September 1782
Written in the hand of Samuel Shaw and signed with initials by Shaw on behalf of Henry Knox. Writes that a Mr. [possibly Peter] Corne, disobeying recent regulations, was detained en route from New York to Stamford and was sent to West Point. After...
GLC02437.01574
to Samuel Shaw and Thomas Randall
3 January 1789
Unsigned. Writes that he received Shaw's letters and enclosures, and was delighted and satisfied to hear of his health and the prospect of advancing his interests. Has no hope that Shaw will receive the letter, but addresses it to him on the "bare...
GLC02437.04073
to Henry Knox
7 March 1790
Sherburne, Henry, 1748-1824
Thanks Knox for sending his application to President Washington and also informs him that the Rhode Island state convention adjourned without discussing the question of whether or not to adopt the Constitution. Writes that "[t]his Extraordinary Step...
GLC02437.04533
to William Smallwood
20 October 1782
Informs General Smallwood that Frederick [Egen?], the bearer of this note, has broken his arm and has been discharged by General George Washington. Requests that Smallwood help Egen obtain the certificates he needs regarding pay. Expresses...
GLC02437.10051
January 10, 1782
Smith, Paschal Nelson, ?-1805
Thanks him for his last letter, and adds the congratulations of himself and Mrs. Smith, as well as of Mr. and Mrs. Sears, on the birth of Knox's son. Comments that they are "very happy to hear Mrs. Knox & the young Stranger were so well." Discusses...
GLC02437.01329
27 June 1782
Smith, who appears to be a Boston merchant, writes to Major General Knox about a missing servant. Says about 3 weeks ago, while he was on a tour of Connecticut, "a Molatto Servant Boy of mine named Prince, 18 Years of Age went off, & by the best...
GLC02437.01468
25 July 1782
Smith, Oliver, 1749-1797
Contains two letters: at the top of the page is a letter from Joshua Loring, dated 11 July 1782 and transcribed by Oliver Smith, and at the bottom is a letter from Smith himself. The letter from Loring declares that Loring deposited Knox's goods at...
GLC02437.01475
7 September 1782
Sheldon, Elisha, fl. 1782
Written in Bedford, in possibly one of two New York locations. Writes, "Your favor of the 4th instant has this moment come to hand, agreeable to your directions have sent a regt with Lt. [possibly Peter] Corne & the men that were with him to Col...
GLC02437.01586
24 December 1782
Shippen, Thomas Lee, 1765-1798
Written from "Head Quarters." Writes, "I take the liberty to address these few lines to you, to deliver the compliments and best wishes of Papa and Mamma to yourself and Mrs. Knox agreable to their desire. I also enclose a letter to you from my...
GLC02437.01761
to Samuel Shaw
8 September 1783
Authorizes Shaw to apply to Daniel Parker for a loan on his behalf.
GLC02437.02485
1 October 1783
Smith, John Kilby, ?-1842
Discusses a case where a soldier of the 6th Massachusetts Regiment was mustered as a deserter for exceeding the "limitation of a furlow ... " Smith explains that this soldier only exceeded the amount of time given due to sickness, which prevented...
GLC02437.02600
2 October 1783
Simonds, Jonas, fl. 1783
Discusses a mutiny that occurred in Philadelphia in which he has been accused of participating. Asks Knox to help clear his name. Simonds [or Symonds] is probably referring the the Philadelphia Mutiny of June 1783, an anti-government protest by...
GLC02437.02609
to Jonas Simonds
18 October 1783
Congratulates Symonds (or Simonds) on his acquittal and mentions being ignorant of a peace establishment. Jonas was accused of participating in the Philadelphia Mutiny of June 1783, an anti-government protest by nearly 400 soldiers of the...
GLC02437.02677
4 July 1785
Shepard, William, 1737-1817
Requests Knox to obtain money owed by Colonel [Timothy] Pickering, and send the money to him. Encloses a monetary note to that effect (not included).
GLC02437.03165
1 August 1785
Refers to a previous letter he sent (GLC02437.03165). Asks Knox to obtain money owed him by Colonel [Timothy] Pickering.
GLC02437.03170
to William Shepard
10 August 1785
Signature has been clipped. Informs Shepard that his endeavors to get payment for a note have been unsuccessful, as "Colonel Pickering informs that he has not any funds for the notes of the time and that it is uncertain when he shall have them." He...
GLC02437.03175
December 17, 1786
Has enclosed a copy of a letter (refer to GLC02437.03378) he received from Governor [James] Bowdoin. "I would beg you to keep it to yourself, as I do the original. This does not mention it, but Major Shepard informs me that his Excellency wished me...
GLC02437.03382
24 December 1786
Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received...
GLC02437.03390
January 21, 1787
Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request...
GLC02437.03421
March 21, 1789
Sherman, Isaac, fl. 1789
Would like to solicit an appointment in the new government, and therefore in preparation would like to serve in a public office in Knox's department. Asks whether Knox might hire him for a short time.
GLC02437.04147
14 July 1789
Congratulates Shaw on his arrival in Providence and hopes that his "projects may be blessed with success." Presumes he went directly to Boston when he arrived. Discusses business concerns, including sale of Shaw's goods, and comments on his...
GLC02437.04284
January 18, 1790
Informs Knox that the state legislature will be holding a convention "to determine on, the adopting, or rejecting, the General Government of the United States..." Writes that "[t]his decision gives us the Strongest reason to conclude that the...
GLC02437.04474
February 21, 1790
Knox's reply to Shaw's letter dated 12 February 1790, GLC02437.04512. Discusses a problem with debt and securities involving Mr. Holker and Daniel Parker, captain of the ship Shaw took to Guangzhou, China. Involves a sum of money the owners of the...
GLC02437.04515
to Samuel Shaw [incomplete ?]
May be missing its beginning page(s). Discusses a proposal apparently geared to help Shaw and [Thomas] Randall avoid debt if "the Jay" (likely a ship) does not arrive according to plan. Mentions that he will likely not be able to write again before...
GLC02437.04569
31 May 1790
Sends Knox a copy of the "Ratification of the Constitution of the United States, by the Convention of this State on the 29th Inst. by a Majority of Two Votes." Copy not included. He goes on to say "this Important Business being now happily...
GLC02437.04621
17 June 1790
Discusses appointments made by the President to various positions. Asks Knox "reason of my being totally neglected; perhaps it might have been from Misrepresentation made to the President." Informs Knox that Rhode Island's senators will be arriving...
GLC02437.04629
to Henry Sherburne
30 June 1790
Informs Colonel Sherburne, "I am unable to inform you of the motives which [induced] the President of the United States to nominate the persons he did to the service for officers in the customs at Newport." Assures Sherburne that although he was...
GLC02437.04639
to Samuel Shaw & Thomas Randall
March 21, 1791
Thanks Randall for the extension (see GLC02437.04882) he received. Writes, "I have nothing of Mr. D's by which I could secure you..." Notes he owed considerable sum of money from land.
GLC02437.04885
to Oliver Smith
26 June 1791
Says that Henry Jackson told him by a letter of 19 June that Smith purchased the estate for £900. Thought it would have sold for "a much more considerable sum." Says the whole sum shall be divided among the other creditors after taxes. Has written...
GLC02437.05032
to [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall
19 October 1791
Signed in text in third person as "the General." This document is a statement by Knox that the U.S. House of Representatives validates his position as "Secretary for the Department of War."
GLC02437.05200
28 June 1792
Smith, James B., fl. 1792
Asks for a pay raise to help support his family.
GLC02437.05519
January 10, 1793 - January 15, 1793
Randall, Thomas, ?-1811
Randall and Samuel Shaw ask Knox to forward information to a Mr. Anthony on the court case involving the ship "Nelly." The first two pages contain letters related to the case, apparently copied by Thomas Randall. The first page contains the...
GLC02437.05784
January 19, 1793
Knox relates that extreme hurry has kept him from answering their letter relative to the demands of Messrs. Philips and [Cramond]. Will attend to the matter in the manner they want.
GLC02437.05787
January 25, 1793
Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794
Encloses his account against Daniel Parker and Parker's acknowledgment of having received the original sum (not included). Also encloses a receipt from Messrs. Smith & Moses for $29,537.58 to be disposed of for his account with Knox (not included)....
GLC02437.05793
January 31, 1793
Reports that bad weather prevented them from going to sea yesterday. It is now fair and they will sail in an hour. Received Knox's letter of 28 January and says "you will herewith receive a packet from me."
GLC02437.05801
10 August 1794
Mentions he may not be in town during their visit. Encloses an order for $10,000 at the Bank of the United States in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Informs them they can credit him on his bond and they will discuss the remainder amount when he returns...
GLC02437.06162
to Jacob Sheafe
17 August 1794
Reports he sent instructions for the frigate being built in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Also notes Sheafe will be furnished with supplies and money from time to time.
GLC02437.06175
January 27, 1795
Sheafe, Jacob, fl. 1745-1829
Introduces Knox to his brother, John Pickering. Notes Pickering is currently the Chief Justice in New Hampshire and is desirous of being appointed to District Judge of New Hampshire in place of the late Judge [John?] Sullivan.
GLC02437.06329
25 July 1795
Writes a letter of recommendation for an acquaintance.
GLC02437.06472
to Benjamin Shute
6 August 1795
Mentions his wish not to have any more of his lands occupied by settlers and states that he will decide on some kind of system.
GLC02437.06484
February 10, 1796
Simpson, Henry Jr., fl. 1794-1796
Discusses unspecified business.
GLC02437.06620
5 May 1796
Discusses landscaping projects he is working on for Knox's land in Maine.
GLC02437.06732
February 1798
Discusses the renewal of Shute's commission.
GLC02437.07094
January 26, 1799
Sheafe writes Knox to see if he has any deck plank that might of use to Sheafe on his ship. Sheaf asks Knox what has become of Captain Watts, whom he has not heard from or about in five weeks. Address leaf says "Hand by Mr. Jno Hancock."
GLC02437.07229
January 30, 1799
Knox thanks Sheafe for his letter of January 26, 1799 (GLC02437.07229). Knox will "exert" himself "to have a load of plank transported to Portsmouth from St. Georges." Knox says he does not know anything about Watts.
GLC02437.07231
March 26, 1799
Sheafe received Knox's plank on 19 March 1799. Sheafe paid for the plank after making sure what the fair price was. Sheafe has enclosed bills for Knox to sign and return to him.
GLC02437.07249
2 April 1799
Sheafe includes in this letter to Knox "duplicate Bills of the Pine and Oak plank purchased of you and now inclose you my Check on the Branch Bank for the balance due to you."
GLC02437.07252
7 April 1799
Knox received Sheafe's check of $282.27 and says he will order more deck plank "as soon as possible."
GLC02437.07255
9 April 1799
Sheafe acknowledges receipt of Knox's letter of April 7, 1799 and tells Knox that the Frigate has no use for oak plank, but is using pine now that 3 1/2 to 4 inches thick.
GLC02437.07256
13 June 1799
Sheafe encloses bills for the planks and informs Knox of other balances and payments regarding his planks. He also tells Knox that he does not need more shipped.
GLC02437.07273
to William S. Shaw
3 July 1799
Knox writes Shaw, secretary to President Adams, requesting that his son Henry, a lieutenant in the Navy, be assigned to the Frigate Constitution. Knox reminds Shaw that Knox already objected "verbally" to his son being assigned to the Boston. He has...
GLC02437.07278
12 July 1799
Shute, Benjamin, fl. 1767-1801
Shute writes Knox for instructions about taking care of Knox's land and dealing with roaming cows.
GLC02437.07284
8 August 1799
Naval agent Sheafe tells Knox that next Thursday "is the day fixed on to launch the United States Ship Congress" (one of the original six frigates of the U.S. Navy). Sheafe will gladly be at Portsmouth to meet Knox if he can present on that day.
GLC02437.07293
to Abiel Smith
January 26, 1800
Knox received Smith's letter of January 5. Knox expresses his deep gratitude for Smith's loan to him. Knox would like to pay more of it back but that is difficult for him at this time. It is not within Knox's power to "command any such security."...
GLC02437.07361
16 May 1801
Informs Sheafe he is unable to reimburse him the money that Sheafe lent to his "expensive son" (likely Henry Jackson Knox) at this time.
GLC02437.07531
31 August 1801
Letter is not signed but appears to be in Knox's handwriting. Requests Shute informs the people that Knox will remain in Thomaston, Maine until the first of August to provide the settlers with their deeds. A portion of the letter, including Knox's...
GLC02437.07601
25 October 1801
Discusses a debt owed by Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox. Says Mrs. [Lucy] Knox will repay their son's debt and apologizes for taking so long to repay it.
GLC02437.07644
12 March 1803
Silsbee, Nathaniel, 1773-1850
Writes that since seeing Knox the other day, he felt compelled to address Knox about a financial obligation of Knox's to a Captain Stoner. Declares that Stoner can wait no longer to receive payment.
GLC02437.07791
1791
Sherburne, Samuel, fl. 1791
Discusses land deals and taxes by lot.
GLC02437.08137
December 11, 1782
Smith, David, fl. 1782-1783
Major Smith requests a twelve day leave of absence from Major General Knox. Writes that he has "thirty or forty pounds of money in expectancy" if he can travel to Hartford [Connecticut] to settle a matter with the Committee of Pay Table.
GLC02437.09561
19 August 1782
Shepard, Colonel of the 4th Massachusetts Regiment, informs Knox that a board of officers (one from each regiment) will meet at Major General [William] Heath's headquarters the following Wednesday at 10 am. The officers will discuss "the several...
GLC02437.10039
to unknown
14 October 1782
Previous cataloging suggests this letter was written to Henry Knox. Smith informs the recipient, "your Excellency," regarding the mode of signaling to northern posts when armed vessels pass Dobbs Ferry, New York. Smith writes from "Light Infantry...
GLC02437.10050
to [Samuel] Shaw
September 2, 1785
Requests that Shaw settle some business for him concerning a bill for £1,530 drawn by a Mr. Broome and Mr. Platt, who are now bankrupt and unable to pay the bill. Asks Shaw to go to New Haven to collect the payment or obtain a security. Watermarked...
GLC02437.10205
10 September 1785
Discusses the financial problems of Broome and Platt. Notes his financial embarrassment after receiving Shaw's report about the state of Broome and Platt. Determines to take goods instead of payment from the company, but is unsure of what to do...
GLC02437.10206
26 July 1782
Written by Smith, who seems to be a merchant in Boston, to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 10 July (which was an answer to Smith's letter at GLC02437.01468). Thanks him for the trouble he took in looking for his "Servant Boy" Prince...
GLC02437.01505
28 August 1782
Mentions that in reference to Knox's last letter, he will be happy to make the acquaintance a young gentleman named Mr. Craik and to show "him any civility in [his] power." Writes, "Since my last I have discovered that my Boy Prince is at Salem, & I...
GLC02437.01545
to Ebenezer Stevens
1 September 1781
Instructs on facilitating movement on the Washington-Rochambeau route southward toward Yorktown. Stevens is to head toward Christiana Bridge with Colonel John Lamb's regiment, and then on to Head of Elk. Stevens was commanding officer of an...
GLC02437.01164
to William Snow
8 August 1782
Written by Major General Knox to British POW Captain Snow. Informs Snow that Washington has consented to exchange him immediately. He is being exchanged for an American officer of equal rank.
GLC02437.01521
13 August 1782
Snow, William, 1753-1834
Writes, "I was honor'd this day with your letter for which I return you my most sincere thanks shall be happy shou'd it ever be in my power to show you how sensible I am of the obligation." See GLC02437.01521, in which Knox informs Snow, a British...
GLC02437.01525
February 25, 1783
Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794
Written by Major General von Steuben to Major General Knox. Reports that "In all proba[b]ility the Peace is signed." Says "At present all our lost Battles are turned to Victories. Great Britain acknowledges our Independence, may other nations...
GLC02437.01952
to Ebenezer Sprout
19 May 1783
Written by Major General Knox to Colonel Sprout. References Sprout's letter of 19 May. This letter told of the "extraordinary conduct of Mr. Honniwell" Knox says "Such conduct may renew again all the horrors of War." "Mr. Honniwell" refers to Israel...
GLC02437.02125
March 27, 1792
Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816
Writes that he has yet to set sail due to poor weather. Comments that he has never been an ambitious man, but that the President [Washington] and his Minister of State (referring to Thomas Jefferson) have convinced him to take on a position with the...
GLC02437.05382
12 August 1794
Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803
Informs Knox he ordered two more subalterns to depart immediately. Mentions the "insurgents continue their outrages in that quarter - They have burnt the barn of Major [Abraham] Kilpatrick, with a large quantity of grain, hay, &c." Reports on the...
GLC02437.06163
25 September 1794
Informs Knox "his good lady" [Lucy Knox] gave birth last night to a baby boy. Sends his congratulations to Knox. Discusses the militia and the progress of the supplies (likely referring to the Whiskey Rebellion). Notes the President [George...
GLC02437.06210
14 December 1781
Stevens, Ebenezer, 1751-1823
Thanks Knox for forwarding a letter from Robert Morris to David Rhea; he forwarded it on, but as Mr. Rhea was traveling, had not yet received a reply. Promises to send a reply to Knox when he gets one. Relates that his troops only have three days...
GLC02437.01305
1781
Advises Stevens that instead of landing the artillery "at King's Ferry, they must be taken back to West Point, provided it can be done without any risque." This note is a postscript removed from a letter. Date added later in pencil.
GLC02437.01313
January 27, 1782
Instructs Stevens to estimate the amount of timber necessary to build a variety of supplies, such as wagons and carriages, according to specifications he provides.
GLC02437.01339
to Henry Knox [in French]
28 April 1782
Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, Baron von, 1730-1794
Mostly written in French, introducing Brigadier General Le Comte De Bennofsky , of the French Army. Short paragraph in English reads: "Lt. Philips is taken. A Treaty of diffensiv & offensiv alliance signed between France & Holland. Huza my friend...
GLC02437.01397
1 May 1782
Asks Knox to facilitate an exchange, to allow him to return to duty from being held prisoner. Writes, "You know my critical situation and of what consequence it must be to me, to be at liberty to serve." Signed W. Snow, Captain. Docketed "from Capt...
GLC02437.01405
14 May 1782
Refers to an earlier letter he sent to Knox regarding his exchange. Writes, "I was induced to take that liberty [to write], from the polite manner you were pleased to express to Gen Dalrymple your wishes to serve me." As he is afraid his letter...
GLC02437.01417
10 June 1782
Writes, "The honor you confer'd on me by expressing to General Dalrymple your wishes to serve me with respect to my exchange, induced me to take the liberty of writing to you to request your interest. But I fear, as I have not been favored with an...
GLC02437.01446
13 June 1782
Writes, "I have received your favor of the 10th instant by Mr. Skinner. It would have given me real pleasure to have contributed in any degree to your exchange, but the existence of certain circumstances, to which you can be no stranger will...
GLC02437.01451
to Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben
20 June 1782
Written by Major General Knox to Major General von Steuben. Says he is ashamed he does not have as much money to send von Steuben as he requested. Hopes "three half Johannes" will be enough for the present. Says he will send more when he gets it.
GLC02437.01459
17 July 1782
Written by Captain Snow of the British 64th Regiment of Foot (Light Infantry) as a POW to Major General Knox. References Knox's letter of 13 June. Thanks him for the letter and says nothing but the critical situation he is in would excuse his...
GLC02437.01490
to William S. Smith
January 27, 1783
Discusses the proposed prisoner exchange with Cornwallis concerning Lieutenant Sutherland. See GLC 2437.01857 for original proposal.
GLC02437.01866
February 2, 1783
Request for the pardon of two men under confinement and sentenced to be executed.
GLC02437.01886
March 16, 1783
Requests a leave of absence for several men from his company.
GLC02437.02011
to Baron von Steuben
Discusses enclosed copies of a document [not present] regarding the establishment of the Society of the Cincinnati and asks von Steuben to forward them to the officers.
GLC02437.02138
28 October 1783
Discusses the importance of letters of introduction as they also serve as character references and have the ability to increase or ruin a person's reputation. Is pleased with the attention Knox paid to Dr. Bayley after receiving Stephens letter of...
GLC02437.02719
11 November 1783
In French except for refrain - "Blow the trumpet in Zion." Von Steuben criticizes Aedanus Burke, aka "Cassius," the author of an anti-Society of the Cincinnati pamphlet ("Considerations on the Society or Order of Cincinnati," 1783). Burke, a South...
GLC02437.02769
to Baron Von Steuben
30 December 1783
Reports that the corps in the detachment at West Point have been dissolved, except for those soldiers whose terms of service have not expired. These 500 men will be commanded by Colonel [Henry] Jackson, presumably at West Point. There is also one...
GLC02437.02873
January 28, 1784
Baron von Steuben has inspected the troops under Knox's command. Ordered Major [probably William] Barber to enact the inspection for the month of December. Notes that Major [William] North, Steuben's aide, will issue the inspections in the future....
GLC02437.02938
February 21, 1784
Refers to a recent letter from Steuben transmitting papers from General [Jethro] Sumner of North Carolina. Discusses matters pertaining to the Society of the Cincinnati, referring to an upcoming meeting in May at Philadelphia. Writes that many...
GLC02437.02961
20 June 1784
Offers sentiments of friendship. Written at the "Louvre." Contains a note, written later in pencil at the bottom of the page: "This was a house in the present 57th in NY- why called the 'Louvre' is not known. Steuben was living there at the date...
GLC02437.03020
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