23 September 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter to Henry Knox, discussing many issues regarding the military and Congress. Among the issues discussed are compensation from Congress for officers who served during the revolution, his affection for these officers, the division of Western lands among the states, the Society of the Cincinnati, the possible resignation of General Lincoln, and the future of the army. Copy made 5 February 1854.

GLC02437.09325

23 October 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter to Henry Knox regarding possible peace settlement and the office of Secreatary of War. Asks Knox if he would be interested in becoming Secretary of War, and discusses the views of Congress opinion on a "Peace Settlement," with many opposed. Copy made circa 1855.

GLC02437.09326

5 January 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy: "Copied from & composed with the original Feb'y 8 1854." Discusses a headache as a result of various responsibilities and states that he will "employ some person who shall ease me of the drudgery of this business at any rate if the whole of it is thereby suspended..." Also discusses aspects of the Western Territory, trade and mutual friends.

GLC02437.09328

18 June 1785

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, advising Knox in detail on how he might arrange for the Defense of the Western Territories. Also congratulates Knox on becoming "Secretary at War," discusses Congress' plans for the Western Territories and the British presence in these areas. The end of the last page is attached and extends beyond the document. Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09330

December 11, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing America's relationship with the "the Indians" and British involvement in these affairs. Also discusses the Society of the Cincinnati and a construction project involving limestone. Copy made 9 August 1855.

GLC02437.09331

26 December 1786

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the "disorders which have arisen in these States." Discusses the variosu hardships and difficulties facing the young nation, and requests Knox's thoughts on the subject. Worries about possible upheavels or changes in numerous state governments. Believes the British are stirring up insurrection. Copy made 6 March 1854.

GLC02437.09332

February 3, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing the potential Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, which he does not plan to attend. Believes the current national government is terribly flawed, but that maintaining it may be the best plan. Also mentions public dissent against the state government in Massachusetts. Copy of letter made 3 March 1855.

GLC02437.09333

February 25, 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter by Washington to Knox, discussing Shay's rebellion. Greatful that the rebellion has been supressed. News of the rebellion, and fear of further upheaval, helped spur Washington to agree to attend the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 2 February 1854.

GLC02437.09334

2 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing whether or not he should attend the Constitutional Convention. Debates pros and cons of the convention, and requests Knox's opinion on the matter. Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09335

27 April 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the Society of the Cincinnati, and "the light in which it is viewed in France." Copy made 3 February 1854.

GLC02437.09336

19 August 1787

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, reporting on events at the Constitutional Convention. Copy made 1 February 1854.

GLC02437.09337

January 10,1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy. Discussing the voting in each state as to whether or not to adopt the new Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09338

February 5, 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing the vote on whether to adopt the Constitution in Massachusetts and Virginia. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09339

30 March 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of original letter. Discussing support for the Constitution in various states, notably New Hampshire. Copy made 4 March 1854.

GLC02437.09340

17 June 1788

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing the Anti-Federalists and debate in each state over ratifying the Constitution. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09341

1 April 1789

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter written by Washington to Knox, discussing his hesitation to become President. Reads "My movements to the chair of Government will be accompanied with feelings not unlike those of a culprit who is going to the place of his execution: so unwilling am I, in the evening of a life nearly consumed in public cares, to quit a peaceful abode for an Ocean of difficulties, without that competency of political skill, abilities & inclination which is necessary to manage the helm." Copy made 2 February 1854.

GLC02437.09342

19 November 1790

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing an expedition against the Wabash Indians. Expresses disappointment in General [Josiah] Harmer. Expected little from Harmer, after hearing he was a drunkard. Instructs Knox to present other important matters before Congress, as they occur to him, preceding Washington's arrival. Notes that recent heavy rains may hinder his progress to Philadelphia. Marked private at the top of page one. Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09343

1 January 1791

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, which transmitted a letter from the President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina (possibly William Moultrie). Relates that the enclosed letter pertains to a resolution of the Society. At the bottom of the page, indicates that Knox is Secretary General to the Society. Copy made 6 March 1854. The original of this letter is GLC02437.09422.

GLC02437.09344

January 22, 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, instructing Knox not to disclose information regarding the nomination of General Officers and a bill that has not yet passed. Copy made 1 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09424.

GLC02437.09345

24 September 1792

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for information he previously sent within his private letters. Mentions Mr. Hammond, Mr. Penn, and Andrew Hamilton. Asks how Pennsylvania State officers, including Mr. Morris (possibly Robert Morris), received Hamilton, noting that Morris is one of the obnoxious characters in Pennsylvania. Relates that his nephew is scarcely able to walk. Intends to leave Mount Vernon for Philadelphia on 8 or 9 October 1792. In a post script, notes that Hammond and Mr. Smith have arrived at Mount Vernon. Copy made 8 February 1854.

GLC02437.09347

5 April 1794

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing General Israel Chapin's negotiations with the Six Nations (possibly referring to the Canandaigua Treaty of 1794). Notes that the Treaty should take place apart from British agents and spies. Copy made 8 February 1854. Original of this letter is GLC02437.09428.

GLC02437.09348

September 20, 1795

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, discussing a letter recently received from Knox "with great pleasure." Comments on Knox's home in Maine (Knox retired to his estate, Montpelier, in 1795, located near the St. George River in Thomaston, Maine). Mentions the "Treaty with Great Britain," possibly referring to the Jay Treaty, signed by Washington in August 1795. Refers to public opinion of the Treaty. Discusses the details of providing for George Washington Lafayette (son the Marquis de Lafayette and the President's godson). Relates that he has arranged for Lafayette to be cared for…

GLC02437.09349

2 March 1797

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of a letter from Washington to Knox, thanking Knox for a letter recently received. Offer condolences to Knox for his recent losses (several of Knox's children died 1796-1797, including his seven year old son named after George Washington). Washington complains of those who lack confidence in and have criticized his leadership, stating that they will be satisfied with nothing "short of a change in our political system." Writes that he looks forward to the prospect of retirement, but is not "without my regrets at parting with (perhaps never more to meet) the few intimates whom I…

GLC02437.09350

16 July 1798

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Later copy of the final portion of a letter from Washington to Knox. This section discusses private matters related to the Secretary of War. Also worries about "The loss of our independence or the Subjugation of our Goverment both of which are evidently struck at, by an intoxicated - ambitious - and domineering foe." Copy made 3 March 1854.

GLC02437.09351

3 December 1783

Washington, George, 1732-1799

Manuscript letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Comments on "The splendid display of Fireworks last evening" and wishes Knox to pass along his compliments to those in charge. With an signed endorsement on the verso by Samuel Shaw, Knox's aide de camp, sending the letter to Brigadier Generals Michael Jackson and Henry Jackson stating that the letter be published for "the troops under your command." George Washington's signature is clipped.

GLC02437.09368