5 March 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Says he was mistaken when he told Knox the lower house of the Massachusetts legislature has passed an act for payment of notes for 1782 for officers and soldiers who still remained in the service. Tells how they decided against the measure. Feels himself lucky as he had already disposed of his notes. Sends this letter by General Benjamin Lincoln, whose stay in Boston started "much speculation. Whether New York or Canada is the object of the ensuing campaign is not fully determined, though the knowing ones seem to…

GLC02437.01364

8 August 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, writes a friendly letter to discuss a variety of matters. First, he forwards "Mr. Gardiner's oration on the anniversary of independence. If you can travel through so much various matter as it is composed of, it will be a strong proof of your perseverance." References a letter he sent Knox on 1 August, saying that it was "written in the bitterness of my soul, and what is worse, a bitterness which still continues"; he is having problems settling his father's estate, and is resigned that the outcome will not benefit himself or any of his siblings. Relates some…

GLC02437.03174

5 September 1785

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask that if Knox leaves Baron de Poellnitz's house "before any other person appears as his Attorney," he should pay Mr. Anthony Bleeker the balance he owes for rent, as the Baron wants to provides money for his children. On the verso is a note signed by Anthony Bleeker specifying the amount due from Knox. See GLC02437.03172 for a related document.

GLC02437.03183

25 October 1786

Seymour, Thomas, 1735-1829

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thomas Seymour, the mayor of Hartford, Connecticut, writes to Knox about his late father-in-law Thomas Flucker's estate. Seymour writes that his own late father was the attorney of Thomas Flucker. Explains that he is having trouble collecting the sums owed to Thomas Flucker by the Deputy Sheriff. Says the sheriff made arrangements with Flucker prior to the war but now contends that he is not accountable for some of the money and does not owe interest on it. Will continue to investigate the matter and keep Knox informed. Asks Knox to remember that he is taking up his late father's business…

GLC02437.03320

15 April 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Discusses Congress's proposed disbandment of the troops according to the resolve of Congress dated 21 October 1786. States that although he feels for the men who have made the military their life, "the public were utterly unable to support them by reason of the non compliance of all the states excepting Virginia with the requisition for that purpose..." He feels that if Congress decides to appoint a new Inspector General, they will choose Sargent. However Major William North, the current Inspector General, may just continue in the post. Comments that he has no information on a map of Sargent'…

GLC02437.03523

20 December 1789

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for everything has done for him and writes, "While I feel the full force of the most lively gratitude for your friendship towards me, it pains me to know that the too tender concern you take in everything which regards your poor Shaw cannot but interrupt that happiness you deserve ever to enjoy, and which with my whole soul I wish you. On this account, it aggravates my present unhappiness to inform you, that nothing could be done in the way we wished - and that I must get my ship ready and proceed, with my present means alone, as fast as possible to Batavia and China." Adds that…

GLC02437.04445

8 December 1804

Shaw, Robert G., fl. 1804

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on a dispute over lands in Maine occurring between Knox and the late Artemas Ward. Considers the legal ownership of the lands, and provides a course of action.

GLC02437.07899

20 August 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his recent letter and hopes that Knox's child is restored to health. Is overjoyed to hear of the President's recovery; feels his death might have caused dramatic instability. Discusses his interest in the "doings of Congress," especially the Treasury Bill. Mentions that he is "very poor" and trusts that Knox will help him acquire a government appointment if possible. Also relates that they have apprehended a Virginian man named Wetzell who fired on an Indian man by the name of Washington. Has enclosed some letters to his friends (not present) for Knox to forward.

GLC02437.04332

7 December 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Replies to Knox's letter from 9 November (GLC02437.04410). Notes that Knox is correct in his observation that "Agriculture might afford me Satisfaction and profit..." Adds that presently, he is living beyond his means. Writes that the governor has not yet arrived, likely referring to Arthur St. Clair, governor of the Northwest Territory. Reports that due to the death of General [Samuel] Parsons, John Symmes is the only judge left in the Northwest Territory. Hopes the vacancy caused by Parsons' death will be filled as soon as possible, and the territory can establish "good & wholesome Laws…

GLC02437.04428

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

21 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the "War Department." Letter appointing Sargent to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General of the Army. Asks him to respond right away as to whether he accepts, and encloses the act of Congress establishing pay and benefits for the position (not present).

GLC02437.05422

19 May 1783

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Ebenezer Sprout

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 Honeywell, a New York patriot militia leader. On May 16, 1783, three days after Sir Guy Carleton evacuated his troops from mainland New York, Honeywell led his men into Westchester where they robbed, beat, and otherwise terrorized Loyalist inhabitants. Knox says he will pass this information along to Washington who will no doubt inform Governor…

GLC02437.02125

April 1787

Tupper, Benjamin, 1738-1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the outcome of a trial in Hampshire County, Massachusetts, referring to the trial of the insurgents who took part in Shays' Rebellion: "The Supreme Court have proceeded on business with a degree of dignity which does honour to humane nature, Six are already convicted of High Treason, and a number of others of high crimes &c and there is not a dog that dare to move his Tongue." Expresses his views on the proper governmental system for the states. "...I cannot give up the idea that Monarchy in our present situation is become absolutely necessary to save the States from sinking…

GLC02437.03537

16 June 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

Received his recent letter. Declares that he is sorry that so much of the Waldo patent populace is still "under the influence of bad Counsellors. The land belongs to us and to our constituents - It cannot be taken from us while Society and Laws shall exist - If the people will be so blind to their true interest, and so unjust as to desire to wrest the property from the rightful owners they must take the consequences." Adds that he and the Winslows have "made reasonable offers - we cannot enforce them But we shall hold the right of the Land." Mentions that the Winslows will be visiting the…

GLC02437.04242

8 May 1790

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for his recommendation, even though he did not receive an appointment. Discusses petitions against Knox's Maine lands (likely part of the Waldo patent). Informs him that his (Knox's) "affairs here have not a very pleasing prospect, the Emissaries are at present verry busy in stirring up the people ..." Appears the petitions that they thought would fail last session is now renewed and "almost every one is [flushd] with the Idea of Getting their land for nothing." Says that there are a few people who are selling their possessions (land) and Ulmer would like to know how to proceed…

GLC02437.04598

5 September 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

References receiving "several favors" from Ulmer up to 5 August. Is anxious to know if the lines of the state survey "contain the whole quantity of thirty miles square exclusive of the islands of the deduction of 39088 acres." Goes on to say "As to any mobs fear them not." Claims they will have to answer for any opposition. In response to Ely's opposition, Knox cites his own good intentions and the good laws of the nation. Letterpress copy.

GLC02437.05921

13 September 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Ulmer

Discusses complaints from the people on the [Waldo] patent lands. Informs Ulmer he now represents the entire patent, except for Orphan Island (present day Verona Island, Maine) and 6,000 acres on the Northwest part of Belfast, Maine. Notes he is willing to execute the agreement from 1788. Writes, "That while I endeavor the disposition and kindness of a father on the one hand, I possess on the other, a fixed determination to defend my just and legal rights in all respects whatever - " Says the people who did not compromise in 1788 shall be given a reasonable quantity of land and the deeds to…

GLC02437.06206

18 March 1796

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his recent arrival in Ducktrap, and the lack of difficulty he had during his arrival. Reports on how several local townspeople feel about Knox as an absentee landowner, and relates that some are suspicious of him and do not think he will ever come to Ducktrap again. Mentions how several individuals are reacting to Samuel Ely's insurgency, and also considers how the General Court is responding to the threat against Knox's property.

GLC02437.06666

10 November 1796

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Provides news on Samuel Ely, who tried to stage a rebellion against Knox due to the way Knox owned and managed his lands in Maine. Describes locations where Ely has been seen, and explains attempts to apprehend him. Also discusses business matters regarding land sales.

GLC02437.06815

27 September 1796

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to George Ulmer

Briefly discusses business matters, before turning to the recent reappearance of Samuel Ely, who had tried to organize a rebellion against Knox's policies as a landowner. Believes Ely should be apprehended and arrested.

GLC02437.06829

19 April 1800

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ulmer tells Knox he has the power to persuade the court to prevent a bridge being built across the Belfast river. Discusses developments of Knox's land.

GLC02437.07393

10 August 1800

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ulmer received Knox's letter of August 9, 1800. Ulmer has written to an "Esqr Houston" for the affidavits Knox requested. Ulmer hopes justice will come to those assailants of Knox's surveyors.

GLC02437.07441

23 August 1800

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ulmer traveled with Robert Houston to see Paul Dudley Sargent and Oliver Parker, but did not get to see the Sheriff Thomas Phillips. Ulmer reports, "the Insurgents say they are two thousand strong --and keep spies out Continually to watch the movements of Government." Ulmer says the cost of all this will be significant and that the raids have done a lot of damage.

GLC02437.07453

06 September 1800

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ulmer tells Knox that one of the wounded surveyors is staying with him, and that man knows someone who knows who fired the shots.

GLC02437.07458

21 September 1800

Ulmer, George, 1756-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Ulmer says he gave Captain Robert Swan permits to settlers "to work upon the land in Township B," as Knox requested. Warns Knox that the insurgents are becoming more confident and something must be done to stop them. Ulmer believes that the new settlers will start arming themselves to fight the insurgents if the government does not intervene.

GLC02437.07464