Collection Search

to William Heath

Encloses an agreement made by Colonel Crane's regiment to accept the commutation of five years full pay in lieu of half pay for life. Knox also accepts the commutation.

GLC02437.02105

to Henry Knox

Discusses a Lieutenant-Colonel [John] Popkin and whether or not he should stay at his post as Superintendent of Recruiting Services in Boston, Massachusetts, as the recruiting service has been closed.

GLC02437.02137

to Henry Knox

Forwards a list [not included] of people appointed by the Massachusetts line to a committee to "prepare an address to his excellency the commander in chief, &c on the happy issue of the war."

GLC02437.02158

to Stephen Higginson

Knox writes to Higginson, a former Congressman, to discuss Congress' opinions on amassing more troops in the frontier. Asks for his financial help, since Congress has good intentions in trying to fill the treasury, but there is not enough money now...

GLC02437.03317

[to Henry Knox]

Discusses the upcoming possible war with the Indians, and especially the financial prospects of Congress. Believes that Congress will be able to raise more money. Mentions that the Treasurer (possibly Robert Morris) has offered his loan, and that...

GLC02437.03336

to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, the loan for raising men to oppose the Indians has been offered, and it has been debated for several days. The reference to "Indians" is code for the troops being raised to suppress Shays's Rebellion. Explains...

GLC02437.03343

to Henry Knox

Is presently at Mr. [Stephen] Bruce's, whom he and Knox have discussed "respecting his supplying in some way as a public agent." Thinks this is a good time to determine that point. Writes, "Bruce is in every respect perfectly ready & I have no...

GLC02437.03379

to Henry Knox

Discusses raising troops to fight against the insurgents, in particular to fight under Colonel [possibly Michael] Jackson. Mentions the drive to raise funds for recruiting troops and also procuring supplies, such as for the regiments of General...

GLC02437.03418

to Stephen Higginson

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Thanks him for his letters. Writes, "The Zeal of the people of Boston and the lower country in favor of Government is a good sign, and will probably produce the events...

GLC02437.03430

to Henry Knox

Discusses the upcoming Convention in May to possibly create a new system of government and Constitution. Writes that the idea of such a convention "may not only be new, but may appear to interfere with that article in the Confederation, which...

GLC02437.03452

to Stephen Higginson

Thanks Higginson for his observations on the current state of the government. Says Higginson's views are "perfectly just and well founded" and that Higginson has "a greater degree of attention, and thought on the subject, than most other gentlemen...

GLC02437.03468

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to ensure the enclosed letter (not present) gets on the packet and apologizes for troubling Knox with his private matters. Discusses the upcoming election for the governorship of Massachusetts. States that John Hancock will have 3/4ths or...

GLC02437.03498

to Henry Knox

Discusses a difficult situation of mutual friends, [possibly Henry] Jackson and [Stephen] Bruce, stating that "something must be done ... or they must both be ruined." Asks Knox for his "friendly aid in this interesting business," which seems to be...

GLC02437.03610

to Henry Knox

Expresses his worry over a mutual friend [possibly someone eluding creditors] who is in danger. Hopes the friend is gone by the time Knox gets this letter. States, "things are at present in status quo, but hostilities are threatend from all quarters...

GLC02437.03735

to François-Louis Teissèdre de Fleury

Mentions that Samuel Shaw is probably in Canton, China and was in India the last year. Updates Fleury on the Constitutional Convention held in Philadelphia and the progress of ratifying the constitution in each state. "A convention or representation...

GLC02437.03740

to Henry Knox

Extremely faded and difficult to read. Discusses recent correspondence and appears to apologize for not replying sooner. Hopes to conclude some business (a funeral?) before Mr. Jones goes to Europe.

GLC02437.04050

to Henry Knox

Written in Charlestown, possibly in Massachusetts. Writes to inform Knox that he purchased of Zachariah & Bethiah Fowle a house, barn and land in 1756. He bought them from Thomas Flucker, Knox's father-in-law, to whom the property had been...

GLC02437.04093

to Henry Knox

Declares that Knox must think him a "Barbarian" for not writing sooner, and apologizes. Briefly touches on Waldo patent business. Discusses the possible appointment of a Mr. Frederick, a former naval officer, to the new government. Writes that...

GLC02437.04136

to Samuel Henley

Received his recent letter via Mr. [Nathaniel] Gorham. Declares that he was unable to find certain mortgage paperwork pertaining to Mr. [Thomas] Flucker's estate that Henley asked him for. Would have submitted it to Henley if he had found it....

GLC02437.04155

to Henry Knox

The wife of General Moses Hazen, Charlotte (she signs it "Charlot"), writes, "Mr Hazen I am informed has requested to see you about some business, I suppose from circumstances it is to consult you on the propriety of either going to Lake Champlain...

GLC02437.04187

to Henry Knox

Apologizes for not responding sooner to his recent letters. Comments on a variety of issues regarding the Waldo patent lands, including whether to bring the matter before the General Court and how to handle the petitioning residents of the territory...

GLC02437.04252

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for help placing his brother, John Heth, in a government military position. Describes his gallant service during the war and the many generals he worked with and aided.

GLC02437.04300

to Henry Knox

Encloses a letter to the President from his "worthy friend and Nephew Majr. [likely Nathaniel] Fosdick," which asks for an appointment in Marblehead for Fosdick. Knows Fosdick to be an "honest worthy fellow." Sends his regards to Knox's wife and...

GLC02437.04308

to Henry Knox

Writes that the upcoming visit to New York of their mutual friend [Henry] Jackson will likely render unnecessary the present letter. Discusses Knox's financial dealings in Maine, especially regarding a land ownership dispute with Mr. [William]...

GLC02437.04390

to Henry Knox

Has browsed Knox's statement on the Flucker Estate and plans to attend to the matter of the creditors. Asks Knox to recommend that his friend [John] Tucker be appointed to the position of clerk of the Supreme Court, implying that the appointment...

GLC02437.04418

to Henry Knox

Hopes for a final settlement of his affairs, presumably his military accounts. Notes that when he entered the service, he was promised an indemnification of his losses in Canada, and a commission was appointed to hear related evidence. Congress has...

GLC02437.04430

to Henry Knox

Received a letter from Knox on the same day (GLC02437.04433). The letter included an enclosure from [Joseph] Howell. Agrees that there must be some mistake with his accounts, because he never received the sums Howell listed. Related to GLC02437.04430...

GLC02437.04432

to Moses Hazen

Forwards a letter from the pay office. Notes that Hazen was mistaken with respect to the proportion of pay which was advanced to the army in 1782 and 1783. Writes that it is not in his power to advance Hazen any funds. Related to GLC02437.04430...

GLC02437.04433

to Henry Knox

Asks Knox to help his son obtain a position in the military. Higginson's son, John, previously served as an Ensign under General Jackson. He is now employed as commander of a ship, overseeing its cargo, but wants to change careers and become a...

GLC02437.04553

to Henry Knox

Requests an appointment in government for his son. Discusses his, and the general population's, views on the current government. Writes that judging from the past, "there appears too much reason to fear yet further fluctuation, if not changes, in...

GLC02437.04578

to Henry Knox

Writes on behalf of General [John] Glover who wishes to fill the office of collection officer at Marblehead, Massachusetts. Mentions that a Mrs. Danforth "took herself from earthly trouble yesterday by strangling herself." For Glover's appeal to Knox...

GLC02437.04652

to Henry Knox

Reports to Knox his findings as he surveys the land and rivers for a canal. Says he has ridden along the river Chikabi for several miles. Comments that "hiring men in this part is very troublesome for I have been obliged to discharge two that I had...

GLC02437.04936

to Henry Knox

Captain Hills reports that he has left Springfield [Massachusetts] and is proceeding with his land survey. Lists the area he intends to cover, and offers preliminary results of the surveys.

GLC02437.04945

to John Hills

Written by Secretary of War Knox to Captain Hills. References Hills's letter from Brookfield. Says that as Hills is still surveying the project must be promising. This is in reference to surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to...

GLC02437.04977

to Henry Knox

Written by Hills as a surveyor examining ground for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. Hopes Knox does not think he was neglecting him, but he has been 10-15 miles off the Post Road and has been unable to send a message. Says he found...

GLC02437.05022

to John Hills

Written by Knox as Secretary of War to Captain [John] Hills, who was surveying a route for a canal from the Connecticut River to Boston. References Hills's letter of 23 June (GLC02437.05022), which gave him satisfaction. Writes, "In a work similar...

GLC02437.05039

to Henry Knox

Signed twice by Hills. Captain Hills references the letter he sent to Knox on 9 July. Provides an update on the proposed canal between the Connecticut River and Boston. Gives detailed list of the places he has scouted. Postscript says he has been...

GLC02437.05097

to Henry Knox

References his last letter to Knox of 3 August (GLC02437.05097). Received a letter from Knox, which was delivered by General Hull, with a $100 order. Tells of his latest surveying efforts to find a route from the Connecticut River to Boston.

GLC02437.05108

to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 4 September. Is pleased to find his several drafts on General Henry Jackson have "met due honor." Is happy he can now "draw on him as your Notes become due here, until the whole sum is exhausted." Has already taken up...

GLC02437.05150

to William Heth

Provides sympathy for "the melancholy cause of your brothers detention." Does not explain the cause of the detention.

GLC02437.05235

to Henry Knox

Location of writing listed as "Shillelah." Asks him to forward an enclosed letter (not present) to his brother Jack, in order to save his brother postage and ensure the letter's safe arrival. Describes his brother's unhappy career as a soldier of...

GLC02437.05306

to Henry Knox

Expresses dissatisfaction with his situation and states that he has not heard from General Jackson or Cobb on what his next action should be. Informs that if he does not hear anything tomorrow, he will return to Boston on the Tuesday stagecoach,...

GLC02437.05540

to Henry Knox

Discusses his trip to various towns while surveying land to connect a canal to the Connecticut River.

GLC02437.05552

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he had, under the direction of General [David] Cobb, "begun to Survey the road from Worcester to the head of Long pond," along with the surrounding areas. Continues with a description of the lay of the land, including the brooks...

GLC02437.05567

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox on his progress of surveying land for a canal. Discusses people he has met and writes saying that he will endeavor to reach Connecticut as fast as possible and that he will send letters from either Boston or Dartmouth College.

GLC02437.05614

to [Henry Knox]

Thanks Knox for his financial assistance and letters. Discusses financial business and describes the land he is travelling through including the various trees in the area. Notes he is unsure how much further he will able to travel due to the thick...

GLC02437.05640

to Henry Knox

Encloses a sketch of what he believes are the duties of the new officer. Also included what the new officer's pay and allowances should be with the sketch. Discusses the public property and military stores the new officer is to be in charge of, as...

GLC02437.06058

to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he received a message from Major [Isaac] Craig regarding the situation. Notes the messenger had to travel by foot to avoid being searched. Reports on the activities at Fort [Fayette?] and the progress of the generals involved in the...

GLC02437.06164

to Henry Knox

Discusses business concerning rates. Asks after Knox's children and Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.06442

to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret on not being able to see Knox when Knox was here but is happy to hear that he and his family are doing well. Writes about timber and transportation.

GLC02437.06594