5 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on a recent visit he made to [Samuel] Ogden. Attempted to persuade Ogden to pay a debt he owed [James] Webber, a London merchant, but Ogden has to wait for money that is owed to him before he can pay the debt. Relates that he delivered several letters to different individuals, and discusses the prospect of exporting flax seed to Ireland. Informs Knox that two ships from India have arrived in Philadelphia since he has been there, and they both have full cargoes. Says that [Thomas] Mifflin has taken him to dine with the Society of the Cincinnati. Writes, "Bells ringing and Grays gardens…

GLC02437.04645

14 July 1790

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses meeting Colonel [Marinus] Willet and Alexander McGillivray (Willet was accompanying McGillivray, on his way to negotiate a treaty with the United States). Notes that Willet "appears to have overcome great obstacles in the object of his mission..." Says that McGillivray introduced him to two chiefs who were traveling with the men. Willet informed him that McGillivray sometimes drinks in excess, but nonetheless, Willet thinks highly of McGillivray's abilities. Plans to visit Mount Vernon. Writes, "The people at George Town & this City appeared to be very much delighted with the…

GLC02437.04651

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

4 October 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses news of the siege of Yorktown, mentioning the activities of the Marquis de La Fayette and naval engagements between French Admiral Compte de Grasse and British Admiral Thomas Graves. Reports that Congress has received indications of the capture of Lord Cornwallis, but faulty intelligence from the past has made them skeptical. Discusses his upcoming business trip to Europe and seeks his brother's approval. Explains his sale of stock to finance the trip and plans to travel by French frigate. Explains his plans in case ships with cargo he owns arrive in Boston after his departure…

GLC02437.01207

May 7, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Henry Knox. Says he will not ship anything with the capital he has accumulated until the peace is complete. Says his business accounts were messy, but are now settled. Says he wrote to Lucy that he had no news of the Fluckers. Says the recent changes in the British Ministry probably been "influenced by the honest representations of Lord Cornwallis relative to the impracticability of reducing America, which rendered that Gentleman not so welcome an informant to the late Ministry as his Brother Passenger General Arnold, who from encouraging…

GLC02437.01412

28 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Confirms Knox's travel plans, mentioning a stop with Mr. [Samuel] Ogden, and declaring he imagines Knox will return by Saturday evening. Discusses mail Knox has received, particularly a letter from James White, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs for the Southern Department. This letter contains various enclosures regarding the Creek Indians, including White's correspondence with Creek chief Alexander McGillivray. Writes that "as these papers and his [White's] letter are of consequence we are copying them for the inspection of Congress in case of their being in session." Mentions the…

GLC02437.03594

29 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards letters and tells Knox about the people he has been seeing lately. Also mentions that "[s]ome members inform me that a Congress of Seven States will be formed an Wednesday or Thursday next week," which could refer to the Congressional meeting for the Northwest Ordinance.

GLC02437.03596

4 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's brother, William, writes, "You will undoubtedly be surprised to hear that this day Seven States in Congress were decided upon Baltimore in Maryland as the place of the future residence of the Government of the United States, it has surprised every body out of doors and even the Members themselves..." Discusses the opinions of Colonel [Alexander] Hamilton, Mr. [William] Bingham, and Colonel [Edward] Carrington on the location of Congress. Reports that General [William] Irvine and Colonel Reid request that Mr. [John] Stagg remain in town until they receive tomorrow's post. They…

GLC02437.03955

5 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports that the future location of Congress is "still open to final decision," as the resolve to situate the seat of government at Baltimore was not final. Discusses military matters related to [John] Stagg's departure for West Point (see GLC02437.03955 for related information on these issues). Stagg will travel there tomorrow with money and receipts to transact business. Encloses a letter from Knox's wife, Lucy (not present).

GLC02437.03956

7 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the details of New York being chosen as the site for Congress. Mentions the opinions of [James] Madison, [Henry] Lee, and [William] Few. Reports that this decision is still not final, as some states are not yet voting. Discusses military matters, such as financial accounts for recruiting soldiers. Notes that Mr. King arrived in town the previous evening (possibly Rufus King).

GLC02437.03957

10 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the organization of troops in Pennsylvania. Mentions General [William] Irvine and troop movement and reorganization. Refers to an attack on a party carrying goods to negotiate a treaty on the Muskingum River, noting that Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, intends "to send a high toned Message to the Indians" and to postpone the treaty. Mentions a business transaction involving Samuel Shaw, Samuel Parkman, and Samuel Ogden. Reports that letters sent from Colonel Joseph Martin related to the Indians will be forwarded on to Congress. Encloses a letter from […

GLC02437.03958

12 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on military matters regarding troop movements in Pennsylvania and at West Point. Describes an incident regarding a deserter from Lieutenant Kersey's troops, and payment of a reward for capturing and imprisoning the deserter. Relates that shoes and shirts were sent to West Point. Also mentions the formation of a congressional committee.

GLC02437.03960

21 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports on business in New York during Henry's absence. Forwards letters that arrived in the morning by packet. Two are to Lucy Knox from her sister. Another letter, apparently a duplicate of previous correspondence, is addressed to Knox from Samuel Shaw. In this letter, Shaw "seems offended with R[obert] Morris..." Also received correspondence from his friend James Webber asserting that William owes Webber money. Sent Arthur St. Clair, General Josiah Harmar, and others recent resolves of Congress. Encloses letters from Delaware Works (possibly from Samuel Ogden) for Knox. Reports…

GLC02437.03970

22 August 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, managing the office of Secretary of War in Henry's absence, discusses the people in Boston and their opinion of him and Henry. Mentions the flourishing state of trade in [Boston]. Plans to take a restful two day vacation to the country. Received reports from Arthur St. Clair, Governor of the Northwest Territory, and General Josiah Harmar. They arrested six Chippewas suspected of murder. Refers to Mr. Martin's appointment by Congress as an agent to the Chickasaw and Cherokee Indians.

GLC02437.03973

2 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending business in Henry's absence, transmits two letters from Lucy Knox (possibly GLC02437.03976 and GLC02437.03979). Notes that Congress recently addressed the question of its permanent location. Six states were in favor of New York, while four were in favor of Philadelphia, "so the question was lost as seven states are necessary for the decision." Discusses military matters: Royal Flint's clothing contract with [the War Department?]; Joseph Howell's appointment as Commissioner of Army Accounts; correspondence with Arthur St. Clair and Josiah Harmar; business with William…

GLC02437.03980

4 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William, attending to business in Henry's absence, reports on white settlers' infringement on Cherokee lands in the western territories. Congress recently directed Knox to prepare troops to protect the Cherokees (the troops are to march from Ohio to Chota, a Cherokee town in present-day Tennessee). The troops are to disperse Congress's proclamation among white settlers "in the vicinity of the hunting grounds secured to the Cherokees by the treaty concluded between them and the United States Nov. 28th 1785..." William has sent copies of the proclamations to the Northwest Territory via Mr.…

GLC02437.03982

14 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

William attests to his endeavors to keep affairs in order at the War Office while Henry is away on business. Reports that a Mr. [Joseph] Martin has been appointed by a board of officers "to command an Expedition against Chickamaga [sic] with 1000 men..." Martin noted that "the middle settlements and the Indians of the valley are disposed to Treat..." (refer to GLC02437.03982). Notes that Martin received a friendly message from "the Hangingman who succeeds the old Com Tassell." Announces that Congress voted New York to be the permanent seat of the United States Government. Relates other…

GLC02437.03985

18 September 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that Colonel [Edward] Carrington will escort Lucy Knox from Trenton, New Jersey, where she is visiting friends, to New York. Mentions The Alliance, a ship owned by Robert Morris. Was informed by [Alexander] Hamilton at dinner the previous evening that an unspecified business matter related to Henry Knox has not yet been addressed in Congress. Comments on a board appointed by Congress to settle accounts connected with the United States. The board consists of William Irvine, Abraham Baldwin, and Nicholas Gilman. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03988

7 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that the Ogden family arrived 6 October to visit Lucy Knox. Discusses letters from Arthur St. Clair (Governor of the Northwest Territory), General Josiah Harmar, and Majors [John Francis] Hamtramck and [possibly John] Wyllis. Notes that St. Clair's letter to Congress looks hostile, and that Hamtramck reported an Indian attack on a provision escort in the Territory.

GLC02437.03990

21 October 1788

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports War Office business. Discusses Lieutenant Pratt's recruits and his orders to march to Fort Pitt. Refers to matters in the Northwest Territory, clothing inspection and packing, and a [Congressional] committee's inspection of the War Department. Of the inspection and resulting report, writes, "I do not think it looks unfavorably to you- but which with defference [sic] to their great wisdom might I think as well have been left undone, as it acquaints the world with secrets, which should have been less extensively known." Reports that Robert Morris is in town, and the "Old Congress"…

GLC02437.04010

5 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Flucker Knox

References Lucy's letter of 1 November. Says he will not go into the city until she returns, but believes everything is now fine. Reports he has sent her three letters before this one. Mentions that Alexander Hamilton is entirely recovered from his illness and was in Germantown yesterday. Says "He sent for Stevens, and Belville from Trenton because he was apprehensive that if he took any of the city Physcicians [sic] he should be systematically sacrificed either by the Tonics, or evacuents - But his disorder arose from cold, and did not in the least partake of the prevailing disorder."…

GLC02437.05960

17 June 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Lucy Knox [incomplete]

Writes to his wife saying that he did indeed write to her before, but that he later found out his letter was not delivered: "As I staid at Randalls I entrusted it to his black man, and it is now pretty evident he deceived me and did not carry it to the office." Also comments on recent attacks upon him in a newspaper: "I have read the attack in Adams's paper - The writer must be a fellow of diabolical sensation to be sure - It shall not give me pain. I shall put all those sons of darkness and envy under my feet one of these days but, the time has not arrived. The report of the Committee of…

GLC02437.05509

1 September 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

In dramatic terms, expresses how much she misses Henry and speculates on the hopelessness of life if one of them should die before the other. Writes, "I have just finished a pretty long letter to our charming daughter [Lucy], hers to me are the most delightful treat I have ever received, save one correspondence still dearer." Notes she is staying with the Ogdens and comments on family matters. Writes, "Congress have proceeded no further in the arrangement of the government a circumstance very alarming to the well affected and highly encouraging to the malcontents in this state they have…

GLC02437.03979

28 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Knox discusses his appointment as Secretary at War. Informs King, a Continental Congressman, "It is true I was fully of opinion that the salary was considerably inadequate to the honorable support of so confidential an officer, but I thought it would be injurious to the dignity of Congress to state that circumstance as an objection to my acceptance..." Hopes a future Congress will consider increasing the position's allowance.

GLC02437.03119

4 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife expresses her "infinite regret" at his suggestion that they find a house in the country. Notes that Congress should be able to find him a decent place near New York City, where he will be stationed as Secretary at War. Mentions a recent sale, at which Mr. [John?] Hancock bought a dressing table for the "high price of forty one dollars." Discusses family and friends.

GLC02437.03137