13 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask Knox to recommend Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays for the position of Collector of Newport, Rhode Island, when Rhode Island's statehood becomes official (see GLC02437.04355 for Hays's request for the position). Relates that Hays lived there for many years before the war. Describes Hays as a gentleman of the "first Honour & Integrity" and comments on his business successes and loyalty to his family and the federal government.

GLC02437.04356

13 December 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a proposal that they had put together and writes in detail about showing it to [James] Bowdoin, John Pitts, and [Sylvanus] Bourne. Declares, "I think we have but little hopes of success - " Comments on other business transactions. Gives news of the adoption of the Constitution by North Carolina: "By a vessell in five days from North Carolina we have the pleasing intelligence that that State has adopted the Federal Government by a majority of 118... yesterday all the Bells in town were put in motion on this joyous event." Encloses a newspaper from 12 December (not included). Relates…

GLC02437.04438

February 21, 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that Rhode Island is close to adopting the constitution, "[t]here is almost a certainty that the State of Rhode Island will adopt the Federal Government ... " and on behalf of a Mr. and Mrs. Hays, as they are "desireous [sic] of having the appointment of Collector for the Port of Newport - but his not being a resident in that State were objections to his being consider'd as a candidate for that office - however the principle may be a good one of not appointing a man from one State to an office in another, yet in the case of Mr. Hayes it is very different - " Goes on to say he, "at the…

GLC02437.04516

7 March 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Refers to the poor financial situation of Mr. Tracy, presumably Nathaniel Tracy. Relates that Major Gibbs pursued Tracy into another state to collect a debt. Discusses a petition before the Massachusetts general court related to Knox's Maine lands. Mentions those who were present for the committee meeting, commenting that "Brown is an artfull suttle designing fellow and held on like a bull dog- he made a thousand false representations & told a number of damn'd lies in order to gain his point-" Adds that Brown misconstrued dealings between the petitioners and Knox's agent, "to call for the…

GLC02437.04535

21 October 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Explains to Knox his reasons for not selling Knox's securities (refer to GLC02437.03635). Says Samuel Breck had advised Jackson to wait before selling since it appeared with the way the new Constitution was shaping that the value would likely increase. Comments he disagrees with Knox's decision to sell now but, "like an officer, I will obey or decision" and immediately sell Knox's shares. States that he believes Massachusetts will almost certainly ratify the Constitution. Sends his love to Lucy and the rest of Knox's family.

GLC02437.03676

28 October 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that his "affairs at the Eastward want your attention exceeding, I impressed this on the mind of your Brother when here, in the strongest manner that was in my power." Discusses the subdivision and selling off of Knox's lands, likely in Maine. Relates advice about Knox's land to maximize his profits. Mentions that General [Rufus] Putnam is planning to move to Ohio, and that he [Jackson] is sick of the city and thinking of moving out there himself. Relates business matters involving their mutual friend [Samuel] Breck. Lastly, discusses the fact that the Massachusetts…

GLC02437.03682

11 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a letter by Mr. Elbridge Gerry which Jackson feels "has done much mischief in this State as to the adoption of the proposed Federal Constitution - it has given great Strength to the small, very small party that were in the opposition - he has gone for the Vote, as this measure will either damn him, or place him at the head of a restless and uneasy junto in the government." Continues on to say Gerry's friends have lost their confidence in him. Despite this, Jackson believes the constitution will be adopted in Massachusetts, "this is sentiments of all the leading and influential Men…

GLC02437.03701

18 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sympathizes with Knox on the painful treatment or cure for an unnamed disorder. Wishes he could come stay with Knox when he has the operation. Writes that he believes "Mr. Gerry's Letter has done great injury to the proposed New Constitution, more than he will ever be able to do good by a whole life of repentance - every thing went on firm & well until that damn'd Letter he has his influence with a certain party, of which your friend on Milton Hill is a principal." Is still hopeful since "all the liberal & most sensible men are highly in favor of it - they stand as firm &…

GLC02437.03705

25 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

States that General Putnam is engaged in the business of the Ohio Company. Informs Knox that "Mr. King is chosen as one of the Delegates to the Convention for the town of Newbury and the other three gentlemen for that town are high Federal Men, Indeed all the Towns that have as yet chosen, have confined their choice wholly to Federal Men & those of the best abilities - thus far it looks well, indeed, more than well, I pray god it may finally be adopted in this State - if it were not, I dread the consequences that must & will follow - there is, and will be an opposition against it…

GLC02437.03715

16 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that if he had known that Mr. [Rufus] King was going to be in New York, he would have forwarded the maps. Informs Knox that General Putnam will write to him soon about some business. Discusses news of the constitution ratification process in Massachusetts. "The proposed Federal government has a better appearance every hour in this state, & at present it is much in favor of its being addopted with us, 4/5 of the members already chosen are highly Federal." Lists the candidates for delegates from Roxbury. Mentions that much of his time lately has been taken up with matters…

GLC02437.03728

January 16, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business affairs, mentioning Benjamin Hichborn. Comments on the Massachusetts state convention meeting to decide on ratification of the United States Constitution: "We have upwards of 325 Members in Convention- no one can yet determine what will be the result, all good men wish & pray for its adoption - I flatter myself it will finally be obtained. at present they move slowly & with great caution - all the able sensible men are full in favor of it - by g-d it must pass -"

GLC02437.03763

January 20, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the debt of Mr. Swan, possibly Colonel James Swan. Gives details of the Massachusetts ratifying convention, noting that "the printers are allow'd seats in the house for the purpose of taking down and publishing the debates from day to day..." Declares, "It is astonishing to see the weight of respectability, integrity, [property], & ability on the side of the proposed constitution, and on the other side the ----- ------ characters that oppose it..." Includes a list of the number of Federalists and Anti-federalists at the convention by county. Notes that [Elbridge] Gerry is…

GLC02437.03767

January 23, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports news of the Massachusetts ratifying convention. Writes, "The Convention are still seting they have now under debate one of the most important articles, that is, the powers of Congress... the Federal party are gaining ground every day, so much so, that the Anti's are much alarmed & talk of proposing an adjournment in order to influence the Country at large against the Constitution..." Notes that Mr. Gerry (possibly Elbridge Gerry) sat in at the convention, and his notes have been published. Because of his description of Judge [Francis] Dana, Dana will not return unless "the…

GLC02437.03769

February 3, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution: "The Convention are still seting and is supposed the final vote will not be taken untill Wednesday or Thursday next-" Mentions John Hancock's support of the Constitution and his article published in the previous day's Massachusetts Centinel. Calls the Anti-Federalists "so damnable stupid and ignorant...the whole race of the Antis are a set of poor devils..." Notes that the Anti-Federalists are concerned about their pay. Predicts that Massachusetts will adopt the Constitution. Encloses a receipt…

GLC02437.03784

February 13, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses Massachusetts' ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Reports that [Rufus] King, who was part of the convention, will soon arrive in New York and will be able to inform Knox of "every particular that took place" during the final days of deliberation. Calls King "an able & charming fellow..." Mentions parades held in Boston to celebrate adoption of the Constitution. Notes, "Several Gentlemen from the remote parts of the States inform that the people are universally pleased with the adoption of the Constitution." Reports that New Hampshire meets on the same…

GLC02437.03795

February 24, 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "we are perfectly quiet in this State with respect to the adoption of the New Constitution-Fed's & Anti's almost to a Man united and determined to give it every support..." Reports that New Hampshire has adjourned their ratification convention until June. Encloses a letter from a man who hopes to buy land from Knox (letter not included).

GLC02437.03807

2 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, "the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution." Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the…

GLC02437.03812

10 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that he has been absent from Boston, attending a meeting of the Ohio Company in Providence, Rhode Island. Is pleased to find Knox has several shares of Ohio Company land. Predicts that New Hampshire will ratify the Constitution and Rhode Island will not. Hopes that John Hancock and Benjamin Lincoln will win the next election for governor and lieutenant governor of Massachusetts respectively. Notes that the Anti-Federalists and the "Insurgent influence" will support [James] Warren and [Elbridge] Gerry for the positions. Further discusses politics.

GLC02437.03819

15 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson writes, "The General Court are yet seting, & in many instance they discover their old insurgent temper and principles, & cannot help shewing their teeth on almost every occasion that respects government- but I hope in god their day is short- for the moment the Federal Constitution begins to operate, their influence must & will disappear like a vapour-" Notes that present state politics are focused on who will win the election for governor and lieutenant governor. Expresses confidence that John Hancock will be reelected as governor. Notes that Anti-Federalists will…

GLC02437.03822

6 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thanks Knox for the information regarding Maryland's possible adoption of the Constitution. Writes, "I flatter myself that nine States will ratify it by June next- so as to set the wheels agoing by next winter." Has been assured by John Langdon and others that New Hampshire will also ratify the Constitution. Relates that Langdon will be chosen "President," or Governor, of New Hampshire over John Sullivan. Discusses the Massachusetts elections, noting that John Hancock will retain his post as Governor. Reports that the Federalists are split between Benjamin Lincoln and Samuel Adams for…

GLC02437.03833

13 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibility that New York will not ratify the Federal Constitution. Writes, "I hope the Lord will turn the hearts of the Antis in New York that they may see the necessity of adopting the proposed constitution Some of our Feds are doubtfull whether nine States will Ratify it, and then all that has been done will be lost. If this should be the case I think we had [better] never attempted an alteration, as the Antis & Insurgents will feel a consequence & an influence arising from it that will throw the government into the greatest disorder." Encloses newspapers (not…

GLC02437.03837

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

7 March 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's last letter: "I rejoice with you & your family in the prospect of your being so soon well & a perfect cure effected." After reading his letter, showed it to Ben [Hichborn], who declared he has written to Knox about their business. Writes, "On Wednesday morning the Bells in this Town were set a Ringing in Honor of the Day - the Birth Day of the New Government, and a [general] joy ran through the whole of the inhabitants of this City - I believe there is not a more Federal Spot in Union. - We are momently expecting an Express from New York, announcing…

GLC02437.04138

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

22 June 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the final note is in Nourse or Hillegas's office (Jackson sold $10,000 worth of Knox's notes without his permission and attempted to retrieve them at Knox's request). Expresses hope that New Hampshire will adopt the Constitution (New Hampshire in fact ratified the Constitution 21 June 1788). Reports that the General Court of Massachusetts (the Massachusetts legislature) will remain adjourned until September 1788 at which time, he hopes, they will be able to give "orders to the people to choose the members for the General Government."…

GLC02437.03909