29 June 1789

Sayre, Stephen, 1736-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Samuel Ogden

Writes to Ogden and asks Ogden to show the present letter to Henry Knox, because feels that if he wrote to Knox directly, the letter might get stopped. Declares that he is still expecting a response from Knox to several letters and is still "disposed to consider myself worthy Reply - holding the rank of a Gentleman entitles me to one." Asks that Knox speak to the President and respond to him. Reports that he recently dined with a Colonel Miranda, who has just returned from Paris, and that Miranda's "prejudices are still the same against the French nation." However, Miranda has traveled…

GLC02437.04262

4 September 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Stephen Sayre

Knox tells Sayre despite several letters sent to him, he still has not heard from Sayre. Says he presented Sayre's plan to the president. The magnitude of the plan was such that the president could not give an explicit answer. Talks about the "expectation of war between Great Britain and Spain" and the public attention it has managed to capture. Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.04715

8 May 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to J. Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur

Knox writes to Crevecoeur, French consul at New York. Expresses his regret at Crevecoeur's loss of important papers. Apparently responding to Crevecoeur's request for information related to the Revolutionary War, writes, "...I was not at the frontiers during the War having always been with the Army under the immediate orders of His Ex Gen Washington[.]"

GLC02437.03141

6 June 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes via their mutual friend, General [Rufus] Putnam, but unfortunately has no news to report from the Western territories. Discusses his pleasure at the commencement of the new government, especially at the fact that "our Cincinnatus has been induced to once more quit his Plough" (referring to General George Washington's decision to accept the Presidency). Had wished for his Excellency's success and happiness, and asks Knox to send his best wishes to the President. Also sends his best wishes to Mrs. Knox, Knox's brother William, and asks him to "remember me to any of our friends who are…

GLC02437.04234

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

15 September 1791

St. Clair, Arthur, 1734-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References a letter he wrote Knox from Lexington on 4 September. Encloses a duplicate of that letter here (not included). Says all the troops he is supposed to have arrived on 9, 10, and 12 September, except the Kentucky militia. Has received Knox's letters of 11, 18, and 25 August with their enclosures. Writes, "The Anxiety Sir, which the President has expressed that the Operations of the Campaign should begin at an early period does not surprise me, and the Delays that have hitherto taken place have been to me the most irksome that can possibly be imagined." Wants Knox to reassure the…

GLC02437.05157

6 January 1792

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written from Fort Washington, at present-day Cincinnati, Ohio. Received his recent letter, and touches on financial matters. Mentions that he heard that the President intends to eliminate the position of Adjutant General of the Army (his current position) after the present campaign in the frontier, and give the Adjutant's duties to the Inspector. Comments on whether to take as a personal affront the elimination of his position. Discusses his motives for joining the campaigns in the Ohio territories.

GLC02437.05287

24 April 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Later copy made from the original in November 1856. Reports that President George Washington directed him to inform St. Clair that proposed treaty negotiations between the U.S. and the hostile Indians north of the Ohio River is to take place at Lower Sandusky around 1 June. To guarantee the success of the negotiations it is necessary to make sure "all hostile incursions of the white inhabitants into, or near to the Indian Country north of the Ohio, should be absolutely prohibited, until after the Treaty be closed." The commander of the troops has been ordered to make a proclamation to that…

GLC02437.05876

1 August 1794

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on the conduct of a [soldier] named Parson Jones. Comments he believes Jones was a man of sedition both here and in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Believes if Knox personally admonishes Jones it would correct him. Notes he heard Jones speaking in mixed company at a tavern about the president's (George Washington) intelligence. Expresses his concern over the effect Jones's opinions may have over the public mind.

GLC02437.06157

9 November 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Replies to Sargent's request to send more troops to the Western Territory, specifically Marietta, Ohio (refer to GLC02437.04369). Knox does not personally object to the request, but writes that "the arrangement directed is with the entire concurrence of the President of the United States and embraces a variety of views- It seems to be a pretty prevalent opinion among the members of the Eastern States that the expences for the Western territories should be rather lessened than encreased." Noted as an extract.

GLC02437.04410

8 August 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Briefly mentions a number of topics, including the French Revolution and the government situation with the Eastern Territory.

GLC02437.05573

29 June 1801

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sargent bitterly describes his meeting with President [Thomas] Jefferson, who removed him from office as territorial governor. Notes an appropriation between $500 and $600 has made to him for his services. Appears to further discuss his situation and is possibly seeking help from Knox.

GLC02437.07555

8 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Snow

Written by Major General Knox to British POW Captain Snow. Informs Snow that Washington has consented to exchange him immediately. He is being exchanged for an American officer of equal rank.

GLC02437.01521

February 25, 1783

Von Steuben, Friedrich Wilhelm Ludolf Gerhard Augustin, 1730-1794

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major General von Steuben to Major General Knox. Reports that "In all proba[b]ility the Peace is signed." Says "At present all our lost Battles are turned to Victories. Great Britain acknowledges our Independence, may other nations acknowledge that we are worthy to be free." Says America's first impressions are important as they will decide "whether we shall be respected as an Empire or be despised as a Banditti." Says the situation of the army and the news of peace are all that are talked about. Wants to know what will happen if Congress disperses the army without pay. Presents a…

GLC02437.01952

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

27 March 1792

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has yet to set sail due to poor weather. Comments that he has never been an ambitious man, but that the President [Washington] and his Minister of State (referring to Thomas Jefferson) have convinced him to take on a position with the government. Does not specify the position, but explains why he believes the President thought he had the honesty and strength of character to take on the job. Asks Knox to protect his brother and possibly provide him with a job.

GLC02437.05382

12 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he ordered two more subalterns to depart immediately. Mentions the "insurgents continue their outrages in that quarter - They have burnt the barn of Major [Abraham] Kilpatrick, with a large quantity of grain, hay, &c." Reports on the number of militia men that have been called forth to suppress the uprising (possibly part of the Whiskey Rebellion). Notes the rioters now amount to 4,500 and are generally armed. Warns "Col [Thomas] Butler is threatened with proscription, and if the president [George Washington] does not remove him and his garrison that they will burn the…

GLC02437.06163

25 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox "his good lady" [Lucy Knox] gave birth last night to a baby boy. Sends his congratulations to Knox. Discusses the militia and the progress of the supplies (likely referring to the Whiskey Rebellion). Notes the President [George Washington] and Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton will be leaving the city, heading towards Carlisle, Pennsylvania (most likely to command the military in suppressing the Whiskey Rebellion). Mentions the city is once again hit with the yellow fever. Notes, "The black cart rolls again over our pavements." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06210

3 December 1791

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has tried to acquire the items Knox asked for, but has been unable to as yet. Relates how he is about to depart for Europe, unhappily, to settle family accounts and protect his family from misfortune. Describes arrangements he is making to prepare for his departure, including making sure that the President is not displeased with him for leaving. Also refers to Mrs. Smith [his wife], Mrs. [Abigail] Adams (who was his mother-in-law), and Mr. [Rufus] King. Sends his respects to Knox's wife.

GLC02437.05251

23 August 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the results of the general meeting of the "Excise Rioters" on the frontier of Pennsylvania has not taken place yet. Notes he has not received any news from [Thomas] Butler and very little from [Isaac] Craig. Craig informs him he received the president's proclamation but believes it will be treated with contempt. Reports on the progress of each state's militia build-up. Notes all militias will be ready except for Pennsylvania's. Also reports on the status of the artillery. Notes he included an extract of a letter from General [Charles?] Scott and a letter from Colonel Sergent.

GLC02437.06182

11 September 1794

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports the militia has been ordered to march immediately. Notes Pennsylvania did not make their quota. Describes a "firm and energetic" speech the governor of Pennsylvania gave to all the officers. Writes, "The seeds of sedition are scattered over the State - Inflamatory [sic] pieces, published in handbills, reprobating the conduct of the Executive of the United States towards the insurgents as it respects coercive measure."

GLC02437.06202

17 March 1799

Smith, William Stephens, 1755-1816

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Smith tells Knox that Smith has "consented once more to, enter into the tented field." Smith reminds Knox of a book he gave Knox of portraits of European soldiers. Smith asks that Knox give it "to the President." (Smith is President John Adams's son-in-law.)

GLC02437.07245

30 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin Tupper

Writes, "His Excellency the Commander in chief has informed me (the Quarter Master having represented to him the scarcity of tents) that your regiment must go into barracks on the point. You will therefore select the twenty best in repair, and put your regiment into them, and place your officers in the most contiguous buildings." Informs Tupper about that laborers encamped at the point might have "stripped the barracks of boards and other appendages," and has asked Colonel [John] Crane to work with Tupper on stopping them (see GLC02437.01550 for more information). Also mentions that he…

GLC02437.01552

4 November 1781

Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr., 1740-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jonathan Trumbull Jr. communicates a request from George Washington asking Knox to send a copy of the information Washington is to incorporate into a letter to Governor of Virginia Thomas Nelson. Washington also wants a list of the cannons Knox proposed be sold to reimburse William Ross. Possibly concerns indemnification for impressed supplies needed for the siege of Yorktown. Washington recently wrote a letter to the Governor of Maryland under similar circumstances (see GLC02437.01273). Trumbull was Washington's military secretary. Knox's reply appears in GLC02437.01286.

GLC02437.01282

4 November 1781

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Jonathan Trumbull

Responds to Trumbull's letter requesting information for George Washington to incorporate into a letter to Governor of Virginia Thomas Nelson (see GLC02437.01282). Explains plans to establish an artillery magazine in Virginia, containing the ordnance remaining after the siege of Yorktown. The artillery would be for the use of the Southern Army and protection of Virginia in case of a British invasion. Washington needs to make requests to Governor Nelson for a location to store the munitions, preferably in Westham, and a party for the transport. Discusses the channels through which the…

GLC02437.01286