25 November 1786

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 different positions on the subject. Mentions that Shays' Rebellion has factored into the discussion. Seems to think they will, in a few days, have the money necessary for enlisting the men. Encloses a newspaper article about the doings of the General Court (not present). Also discusses how well the government seems to be functioning. Recipient…

GLC02437.03343

26 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Writes that he received a letter regarding Mr. [Stephen] Bruce's contracting to provide rations for the troops currently being raised. Would be happy to consider him for the contract, but his powers are constrained as the Board of Treasury has "agreed on the principles of an extensive contract for all the demands of the establishment." The Board is apparently planning to select one contractor to provide payment, clothing, and rations, and other supplies. Seems to suggest it might be possible for Mr. Bruce to contract with the one overarching contractor. Under these circumstances, the…

GLC02437.03393

January 20, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 [Henry] Jackson and General [Benjamin] Lincoln. Reports on preparations for the fight against the Shays insurgents, and describes the preparations in the nearby states, such as New York.

GLC02437.03418

February 13, 1787

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 provides that, 'no alteration therein shall be made without the consent of all the states.' But will not that consent be naturally obtained, by the recommendation of Congress to the States to adopt this mode, as they are all supposed to be, at all times, represented in that Body?" Provides evidence to support this argument, and discusses the…

GLC02437.03452

25 March 1787

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 4/5ths of the votes and that "Lincoln is very popular but he with Bowdoin is damned by his connections (Higginson & Co.). I give you this information because Harry & many of your good Friends are blind."

GLC02437.03498

26 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: 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 of all the States excepting Rhode Island met in Philadelphia in the month of May last and after four months deliberation agreed on the Constitution herein enclosed (not present)." Goes on to state, "This constitution is to be submitted to a convention chosen by the people of each state," and adds that Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey have…

GLC02437.03740

5 March 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 Governor [John] Hancock is still sick, but less incapacitated than he had been. Mentions that Mr. [John] Adams, the new Vice President, has bought a coach through his agent, Colonel Smith, from Mr. [James] Swan. Sends Mrs. Hichborn's regards to Mrs. Knox, and reports that he should be arriving in New York some time next month.

GLC02437.04136

21 June 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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. Refers to "Cousin Isaac," likely Isaac Winslow, Sr. Sends his compliments to Mrs. Knox.

GLC02437.04252

22 July 1789

Heth, William, fl. 1750

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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

28 July 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 family.

GLC02437.04308

12 September 1789

Hays, Moses M., 1739-1805

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has heard that Rhode Island will soon "embrace the Federal Union," and the government will therefore need to appoint a Collector at Newport. Apparently offers himself as a candidate, as he relates that he plans to give his son control of his businesses when his son returns from Europe in the fall.

GLC02437.04355

20 September 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Michael Hayes

Would be happy to help Mr. Hays if he had the power to do so. However, it appears that Mr. Hays's not being a current resident of Rhode Island is a formidable barrier in securing him the appointment. Regardless of this problem, if he would like to submit a letter to the President about the position, Knox will present it to him.

GLC02437.04361

20 November 1789

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 would help Knox's case. Notes that Mr. Jay is already in support of Tucker. Stamped "Boston" and "Paid." Marked "private" on the address leaf.

GLC02437.04418

9 December 1789

Hazen, Moses, 1733-1803

Manuscript letter

Title: 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 and GLC02437.04431.

GLC02437.04432

9 December 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: 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, GLC02437.04431, and GLC02437.04432.

GLC02437.04433

17 March 1790

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 soldier again: "[B]efore he sailed last, he told me, that he should prefer being a Captain in the Army, to the situation of an [eminant] & wealthy merchant." Reports that his son is abroad, but will return in two months; asks that if Knox raises any new troops during that time, he reserve a spot for John Higginson, "if that be not improper."…

GLC02437.04553

7 April 1790

Higginson, Stephen, 1743-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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 the tempers & dispositions of the people toward the Government of the Union. But it appears to me, that a great alteration in the habits & feelings of the people has take place for the better; & that many new circumstances have arisen, tending to increase the force & respectability of Government, & to give a strong impression…

GLC02437.04578

15 July 1790

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: 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, refer to GLC02437.04653.

GLC02437.04652

23 March 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has received a request from Mr. Peirce to give him his advice "respecting the Sale of the Patent Lands." States he thinks that land will sell "in the time limited by [Knox's] wishes." Provides his opinion on whom should be appointed to the 2nd regiment.

GLC02437.04889

4 April 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Hichborn

Encloses an appointment (not included) for Hichborn's son. Tells Hichborn, "Mr. Peirce will have commanded the plan for selling the estate - pray see that all is right."

GLC02437.04900

23 April 1791

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Know to give his son, who received an appointment, preferential treatment. Believes Harry [Henry Jackson] should be appointed district Marshall. Thinks Jackson will be a good appointment as Knox "possesses an unbounded influence" on him. Hichborn mentions that he has seen Joseph Peirce often. This letter is marked private. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04923

13 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Moses Michael Hays

Initialed by Knox. References Hays's letter of 4 October (GLC02437.05184). Encloses certificates of safe travel for the ship "Jefferson," to be captained by Josiah Roberts (not included here).

GLC02437.05194

11 March 1792

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a recent General Court decision against them in their wish to be compensated for some of the Waldo patent lands. Touches on their canal project and mentions that General [Henry] Jackson will forward to Knox some information about it. Mentions his imminent departure to Europe and sends his love to Mrs. Knox. Finally, provides some parting advice on how Knox should proceed with the Waldo patent, including, "for gods sake be cautious!"

GLC02437.05348

14 December 1792

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "I shall be able to bring with me everything which can be collected in this Country respecting Canals." Says he has heard that Knox is considering hiring an expensive director from England. Believes this is unnecessary as he has the fullest confidence in his own services. He has, however, developed a relationship with Mr. [James] Rumsey, the "greatest Mechanical genius in that line known in Europe." Says he will know soon if the gentleman will be able to serve them. Updates him on news from England, including the possibility of war and their upcoming congressional…

GLC02437.05735

19 October 1793

Hichborn, Benjamin, 1746-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he sent several letters to Knox since arriving in Europe. Tells Knox he is leaving Europe sometime in the spring when his affairs are wrapped up. Mentions "there are various expectations about the part America will take in the present War, but I am fully persuaded that she will - that she must remain quite neutral." Is surprised to hear the government is quibbling on the terms of the treaty respecting the admission of prizes. Comments he is "astonished & mortified" to hear that the courts have adopted the President's Proclamation as the law of the land and have prosecuted certain…

GLC02437.05948