18 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about family and friends, including the illness of a daughter of Henry's. Discusses rent owed by Henry on his lodgings (see GLC02437.03583). Briefly mentions the "convention," the Constitutional Convention then taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Forwards some letters from Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03585

9 July 1789

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes he will be heading to Baltimore, Maryland. Also mentions his disappointment with Congress regarding their decision for removal [it is unspecified as to what removal]. Docket notes 9 July 1790.

GLC02437.09815

16 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Later copy of letter written by Knox to Lafayette at GLC02437.03276. Thanks Lafayette for the kind treatment given to his brother William. Discusses the affair of Major Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who had been sent to France in 1783 to purchase jeweled eagle badges for the members of the Society of the Cincinnati. L'Enfant returned to America in 1784 and brought back many badges purchased on credit. The price proved too high for some officers, which left L'Enfant in a bind. Goes on to say that the Society approved of L'Enfant's conduct and owed 630 dollars to him for his services in France…

GLC02437.03275

July 25, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox references Lafayette's letter from May 5, 1787. Says the letter gave information that was "truly important and evinces that the french nobility possess the true spirit of justice & liberality." Tells him that there are dangers and that he "must not either sleep nor slumber politically." Reports that "Our friend Genl Washington is anxiously engaged in the business of thr forming of the political machine." Says delegates from every state except Rhode Island have met at a constitutional convention for the past two months. Declares, "They are secret in their councils, [conceiving] such…

GLC02437.03616

October 24, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Says he has probably already heard of the results of the Constitutional Convention. Says "The propositions being essentially different, in many respects from the existing Confederation, and which will probably produce different national effects, are contemplated by the public at large with an anxious attention. The discussions are commenced in the news papers & in Pamphlets, with all the freedom & liberality which challenge a people who are searching by their own experience after a form of government most productive of happiness." Expresses his affinity for a stronger national…

GLC02437.03680

May 15, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Marked "Copy." Letter in a secretarial hand. Says that Joel Barlow, later known as one of the Connecticut Wits, will deliver this letter. Knox identifies Barlow as the author of "The vision of Columbus," a long epic poem in heroic couplets. Barlow went to Europe as an agent for a company that wanted to sell western lands to French emigrants. Knox says Barlow is traveling with the son of Nathanael Greene, George Washington Greene, who is to study with Lafayette in France. Says Catharine Greene and Colonel Wadsworth have written him on the subject of "Master Washington's education," and he will…

GLC02437.03874

January 3, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox has only received a short note from Lafayette (on recommendations for the Society of the Cincinnati), since last June. Believes it is due to the suspension of packets between France and America, as Count de Moustier, the French minister to America, has also not received letters. Says they heard that General Nathanael Greene's son was placed in a respectable academy near Paris. Hopes his conduct is good. Reports that "Our Country is busy in making elections for the new Government - what is to take place the 1st of March. The people at large are becoming more and more strongly attached to…

GLC02437.04071

February 4, 1789

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette anxiously awaits ratification results of the U.S. Constitution, discusses debates between himself, Mr. [Thomas] Jefferson and "Common Sense" [Thomas Paine] regarding the need for Constitutional amendments, and stresses the importance of "the General's" [George Washington's] acceptance of the presidency. He begins by updating Knox on European affairs, saying that they are "too much Entangled together for me to give you an Exact description." He mentions that the Ottoman Empire, with the assistance of Great Britain, is attacking both the Russians and Austrians, and that Britain fears…

GLC02437.04105

May 24, 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says it is a long time since he has heard from Lafayette. He is glad that the packets between American and Europe will soon be re-established. When he can communicate better says he will update Lafayette on affairs in America. Says "You will have been informed already that our Constitution is established and fully in operation - That the Glorious Washington is at its head, and that therefore it will have the fairest chance for success." Ends by introducing a Mr. Colden (there is a space where the first name was supposed to be filled in) of New York. Colden wants to go to France to study…

GLC02437.04218

December 14, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Knox says he has not heard from Lafayette in some time. Mentions that he wrote on the constitutional convention by the last packet. Reports on states that have called ratifying conventions to approve or reject the constitution. Has doubts specifically about Virginia and New York. Says Rhode Island has "too many schemes of convenience" to approve it. But says "it is highly probable that it will be adopted in the course of the year 1788 by nine states and more." Says he is anxious about rumors of war between France and England. Reports that those in the know claim the event is "inevitable."…

GLC02437.03726

April 26, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Marquis de Lafayette

Contemporary secretarial copy of a letter sent to Lafayette. Knox references Lafayette's letters from November 1787 and February 1788. Says that "The Convention by you Mr. Jefferson and Common Sense [Thomas Paine], judge wisely respecting the New Constitution requiring some amendments & of the time they should be effected." Of the Constitutional Convention says "The unanimity of the former convention may be regarded as a rare evidence of the empire of reason." Believes there will not have to be another convention. Says it is likely that nine states will accept the constitution over the…

GLC02437.03860

May 30, 1788

Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lafayette references receiving Knox's letter. Says he cannot respond fully as he has to attend a meeting on internal affairs. He wishes to introduce Jacques Pierre Brissot (who Lafayette refers to by the name he assumed, de Warville) and a man named de Ferriere. Reports that "M. de Warville Has Been a writer on the side of liberty, and Wishes to write on the American Revolution." Tells him to refer to the letters he sent to Hamilton and Jay for the most recent intelligence. Says "We are in a Critical Situation." Encloses a list (of French applicants to the Society of the Cincinnati; not…

GLC02437.03880

17 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox there has been a hearing before the committee regarding taxes. Discusses which lands are part of the patent (possibly referring to the Waldo patent lands) and any taxes related to the land. Speaks of a tax being unconstitutional and the possibility of creating a new one. Describes the hearing as being long and with many debates. Also asks whether they should give Judge Sullivan (possibly James or John Sullivan) a fee for his opinion.

GLC02437.06123

22 June 1794

Peirce, Joseph, 1745-1828

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses completing a map of the eastern country for the government. Notes the map takes in a corner of the patent. Mentions possibly having to extend boundary lines (possibly on the Waldo patent) to make up for deficiencies. Informs Knox the committee for the taxes decided to deduct money from heirs. Reports the act may be repealed as being unconstitutional and Knox most likely will not have to pay. Reports Judge Sullivan (possibly James or John Sullivan) will be accompanying him to the committee to hear the patent petition (possibly part of the Waldo patent lands). Provides and update…

GLC02437.06125

29 October 1786

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The people here smell a rat, that the Troops about to be raised are more for the insurgents than the Indians, however this makes no odds, every body seems to wish a strong government, & to believe the government can only be strengthened by an army. The requisition has been laid before the house & I suppose will pass without trouble, tho' I confess I know little about it- for a moment, I steped [sic] into the Gallery yesterday & heard a member say something about the Troops having only clothing & provisions, that the Western lands were an object worthy the attention…

GLC02437.03322

13 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Later copy of the original. Informs Ogden of the birth of his son, writes that "Mrs. Knox desires her affectionate respects to Mrs. Ogden with an earnest request for her appearance here ..." States that "[t]he new constitution is the domestic want, and a pretty general war the European apprehension. Loving peace as I do I pray sincerely for the new constitution, believing that it will be the only means to keep the ship steady in the rising storm. Perhaps the broils of Europe and an opinion that we may be hurt amid the clashing of arms may have the affect to induce the people of this country…

GLC02437.03725

February 13, 1788

North, William, 1755-1836

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he received correspondence from Knox. Writes, "...before I opened it repaired to a club which is established here for hearing news, smoking tobacco, & drinking grogg. As there were antifederalists in this body, I thought the paragraphs in you letter respecting Sam Adams might be read with good effect..." Relates that he had hoped Massachusetts would ratify the Constitution by a greater majority. Reports that Anti-Federalists in New York are preparing for the New York ratification convention. Complains that Governor George Clinton "fills up every post with vagabonds... the…

GLC02437.03796

5 November 1788

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Briefly mentions military business related to arms and powder, then discusses the progress of ratification of the Constitution in Rhode Island. Writes that Rhode Island "again Refused to appoint a Convention for Considering the New Constitution in the Legal mode- the Question was put on Saturday last in the House of Deputies for a Convention, when after much debate it was Negativ'd by a Majority of three to one- after which (Mr. Hazzard an Implacable & potent Enemy to the New System & the Leading Character in all the Vile Politicks Carrying on in this Devoted State) brought forward a…

GLC02437.04027

24 September 1789

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the likelihood that Rhode Island will be joining the union, as well as his desire for an appointment with the federal government. Declares that the bearer of the letter, a Mr. Henry, will be passing time in New York, and Colonel Olney recommends him and his wife to Knox's acquaintance. Adds that Mr. Henry is a "genuine Federalist." Comments on a recent attack in the press on the Society of the Cincinnati. Reports that the General Assembly of Rhode Island has voted to call a State Convention.

GLC02437.04364

January 17, 1790

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "the Legislature this Morning passed an act agreeably to the Recomendation [sic] of Congress ordering a State Convention, to Convene at South Kingstown on the first Monday of March next, to dicide [sic] upon the New Constitution - I have no doubt but the Convention will, in a Few days after they meet, readily accede to the Constitution." "Free" handwritten on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04471

31 May 1790

Olney, Jeremiah, 1749-1812

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the Rhode Island state convention in Newport has ratified the United States Constitution and that he encloses a copy (not present). Congratulates Knox on "this happy & important event ... again compleats [sic] the Band of Union & must therefore Relieve Congress from many Serious Embaresments [sic]." Reports that he would have left for New York immediately after the vote but had to remain in Rhode Island to pay out the invalid pensions. Hopes to arrive in New York before the revenue officers are appointed. However, if he cannot arrive before the President begins…

GLC02437.04620

March 29, 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Holden Parsons

Offers an extensive apology for not writing sooner. Discussions public objection to the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "A democracy what is greatly commercial is a solecism in politics... Our feoderal [sic] Government must be settled upon more rational principles, or some events which we do not at present foresee, will compel us to adopt systems which we may at times have contemplated with horror- I believe a republican Government, formed upon national principles and those principles propagated and perpetuated by habits, may exist a great length of time..." Discusses his views of…

GLC02437.03120

May 24, 1779-January 13, 1788

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Manuscript document

Title: to Henry Knox [incomplete]

Later copy of the correspondence between Generals Samuel Holden Parsons and Henry Knox between 24 May 1779 and 13 January 1788 (see GLC02437.03305 for a related document). The first letter, to Parsons from Knox, was written from Springfield, Massachusetts on 3 October 1786 and discusses the recent Shays' Rebellion. The second, written to Parsons from Knox, from New York on 19 November 1786, also deals with the Rebellion, as well as with court proceedings of the insurgents. The third, written from New York on 13 January 1788, to Parsons from Knox, discusses the adoption by Massachusetts of…

GLC02437.03306

24 December 1787

Parsons, Samuel H., 1737-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that "By a Resolution of Congress the Ohio Company are intitled to sink their military Rights in the Purchase to the Amount of the Seventh of the Purchase Monies" and asks for documents to facilitate that end. Notes that he has contracted with the Connecticut commissioners "to run the lines of their Reserve to the Indian Boundary." Asks if the military there can assist him, if "a Post will be establish'd next Season near the Mouth of the Cuyahoga, or whither Capt. Hutchins will be directed to take the Course of Lake Erie next Spring." Recommends Mr. [Manasseh?] Cutler to replace Mr.…

GLC02437.03737

29 December 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Samuel H. Parsons [incomplete]

Discusses the possibility of granting lands to soldiers and officers by resolves of Congress. Explains how the lands may be granted and that some might be located in the Ohio territory, commenting, "it is not for me to determine what assistance you shall receive from the troops of the United States on the lines you are to run..." Also states his happiness that the new Constitution will likely be accepted, and considers the likelihood of ratification in several states.

GLC02437.03746