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

January 10, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Is anxious for Sargent to enter the military establishment "in a manner agreable [sic] to your feelings," and if it was entirely up to him, Knox might create a special position just for him. Relates that Congress has directed a legionary corps to be raised, and he cannot alter arrangements which have already been made. Has always wished that the corps for artillery and engineers be the same, but it is up to Congress. Asks whether he might consider the office of Inspector of the Troops, which Major [William] North has resigned. Discusses what ranks and benefits Congress might associate…

GLC02437.03413

2 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Body of the letter and signature in the hand of Robert Pemberton, Knox's aide. Discusses surveys that Sargent requested and where they should be deposited. Notes he has not seen Captain Hutchins yet to discuss the survey of the 5th range. States that Board of Treasury is of the opinion the surveys should be delivered to Hutchins since he was the principal in the business and that Knox agrees with them. Mentions [Major William] North's resignation from the Office of Inspectors, noting that it has not taken affect yet due to the recent raising of troops. Mentions the irregular Congressional…

GLC02437.03478

13 March 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the resignation of Mr. [William] North, from the Inspector's Office. Alerts Knox that North may write to Knox and members of Congress in support of Sargent. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature. Appears to be docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.03490

6 May 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions he still has not been reimbursed for his expenses from last year. Discusses relations with the Native Americans, stating he is glad that "the surveys will soon be continued & that the Indians are peaceably inclined." Writes, "that as the Indians are out trapping for Beaver there is little doubt but they will steal them all" [referring to the surveyors' horses], which will stop the survey. Comments on Congress deciding about "disposing of the Lands which have been surveyed ... " and wishes his townships had been included. Stamped "Boston." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no…

GLC02437.03544

17 December 1787

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Forwards letters regarding the Ohio Company accounts. Writes that he has heard General Armstrong resigned from his position as a judge of the Federal Territories. Asks that if this is true, Knox put in a good word for "my friend Mr [Manasseh] Cutler to your Friends in Congress," to appoint Cutler a judge.

GLC02437.03729

3 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Arthur St. Clair

Marked private at the top of page one. Declares, "I rejoice my dear sir in having the pleasure of congratulating you on the adoption of the Constitution by ten states. In Virginia, the business has been highly interesting and critical, and finally succeeded by a majority of ten- In New Hampshire the majority eleven- The latter passed it on Saturday the 21, and Virginia on Wednesday the 25th ultimo." Discusses the New York convention presently deciding on ratification of the Constitution. Predicts that "the Convention will stipulate for amendments previous to the adoption... Congress will…

GLC02437.03926

January 14, 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the death of a prominent judge will leave an opening for General [Rufus] Putnam and Mr. [possibly Manasseh] Cutler as candidates for office in the region. Comments that both men are high in his estimation and their merits entitle them to the consideration of Congress, but believes that due to past measures, it may be hard to elect either one. Believes that General Putnam may have the best chance for success due to his military connections. If he gets promoted, Cutler would be well suited to take the Judgeship that Putnam currently occupies. Writes to advise Knox, as he knows…

GLC02437.04092

29 September 1789

Sargent, Winthrop, 1753-1820

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Apparently sends condolences to the Knox family (likely regarding the recent death of one of Knox's children). Writes that he would be happy to receive a line from Knox and answer any questions Knox might have about Sargent's area of the country. Is anxious for the Governor to arrive, because he needs to determine which lands the Governor would like to settle on, so that Sargent can set up his own home and agricultural fields. Discusses the military staff present in Ohio and the prospects of Congress sending more people. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04369

19 May 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written by Knox as Secretary at War to Major Sargent. References receiving Sargent's letters of 20 April and 1 and 2 May. Says the difficulties in connection with calling out the militia "by an order to a subordinate officer of a state" will continue until Congress fixes it. Hopes the large bodies of regular troops will provide security in the Ohio Territory, making any calls on the militia unnecessary. Says Colonel Ebenezer Sproat seems to deserve compensation for his services and that the matter will be handled soon.

GLC02437.04952

6 January 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Refers to a recent letter from Sargent which discussed battle losses to Indians in the Northwest Territories. Comments on the protection of settlements on the frontier, and mentions that plans will be laid before Congress on that subject right away.

GLC02437.05288

21 April 1792

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Winthrop Sargent

Later copy. Written from the "War Department." Letter appointing Sargent to the office of Adjutant and Inspector General of the Army. Asks him to respond right away as to whether he accepts, and encloses the act of Congress establishing pay and benefits for the position (not present).

GLC02437.05422

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

2 November 1788

Stagg, John, Jr., 1758-1803

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Stagg fills in for William Knox at the War Office (William was conducting War Office business in Henry's absence and is indisposed due to illness). Notes that William is too sick to answer correspondence. Reports that [John] Pratt, who was ordered to march with troops to Fort Pitt, will soon arrive in New York. Comments on transporting clothing to Fort Pitt. Notes that Pratt's men and the clothing will depart from New Brunswick. Relates that Knox's last quarter's salary was issued in paper money and has been given to his wife, Lucy. Says "There is no Congress yet; - very few members…

GLC02437.04023

8 October 1792

Sterrett, Rebbeca, 1771-1813

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for his assistance in obtaining an appointment for her husband, Mr. Samuel Sterett, in the office of Collector for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. Explains and apologizes that her husband cannot ask personally. States that should he receive this appointment, he will resign as a member of Congress. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.05648

22 November 1793

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William S. Smith

Letterpress copy. References Smith's letter of 13 November. Was busy in Germantown and did not have a chance to reply until now. Says the war supplies Smith mentions will be wanted, but not until after Congress has made an appropriation for the next year (see GLC02437.05972). Asks that samples be sent.

GLC02437.05979

10 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to John Steel Tyler [possibly incomplete]

Relates that if Major [William] North is appointed to a new position, the appointment of his successor as Inspector of the Army will rest with Congress. Would like be able to promote people to the job, but is "inclined to believe that the duties of the inspector are so various perplexed, and of such a nature, as would be exceedingly unpleasant to a gentleman of your disposition." Discusses the types of qualities an inspector should possess, including "a rigid adherence to the rules."

GLC02437.03332

17 August 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Tench Tilghman and David Humphreys

Directed to Tilghman and Humphreys, both of whom are aide-de-camps of General George Washington. Mentions that Congress has recently resolved to reduce the size of the Department of Commissary General of Military Stores. Relays correspondence he had with Minister at War Benjamin Lincoln regarding his opinions on the number of people necessary to work in the ordnance department. Explains that he also suggested to Lincoln that he talk to "his Excellency's Lieutenants" on the subject [assistants to General George Washington such as Tilghman or Humphreys] which is the reason he is now writing…

GLC02437.01529

29 June 1783

Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr., 1740-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Jonathan Trumbull Jr., General Washington's secretary. Responds on behalf of Washington to Knox's previous letter regarding the [3rd Massachusetts] being without their compliment of field officers (see letter GLC02437.02202). Writes that at present, lack of field officers can not be remedied. Reports that Colonel Rose is ill and Colonel Michael Jackson is unable to perform the duty. "Public service" written on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.02203

30 June 1783

Trumbull, Jonathan, Jr., 1740-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Jonathan Trumbull Jr., General Washington's secretary, to Major General Knox. Reports that Washington wants to inform Knox that the President of Congress announced on 24 June that Congress was to move to Princeton on 26 June. This was a reference to Congress leaving Philadelphia after protests from angry, unpaid veterans, a continuation of the long festering anger over nonpayment that had led to the Newburgh consiracy in early 1783. They arrived in Princeton last Thursday. Says it appears that the "Rioters continued to be embodied & in Arms." Says Pennsylvania would not give…

GLC02437.02205

26 April 1802

Tousard, Louis de, 1749-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his strained and tensed relationship with [Henry?] Dearborn. States, "Not being a Roman Catholic yourself, you cannot appreciate the feelings of a poor soul after having remained a long while in Purgatory, when the Angel comes to announce him that the time of penance is fulfilled and takes him to Paradise. It is a grand pity indeed, because in two words I could tell you what are my feelings at Being no more under the Command of such a contemptible wretch as that Dearborn is - you can have no idea of all the malignity, ignorance, and mean petty tricks, which himself and assistants…

GLC02437.07728

9 March 1785

Thomson, Charles, 1729-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Thomson, Secretary of Congress, transmits "the ordinance for ascertaining the powers and duty of the Secretary at War, the act establishing the salary and the minute of the election." Expresses his wish for Knox's prompt response and acceptance. Duplicate of GLC02437.03106.

GLC02437.03105

17 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Thomson

Knox writes to Thomson, Secretary of Congress. Accepts the appointment of Secretary at War: "I have the most grateful sentiments to Congress for this distinguishing mark of their confidence, and I shall according to the best of my abilities attempt to execute the duties of the office. I shall have a perfect reliance upon a candid interpretation of my actions, and I shall hope that application to business, and propriety of intention, may in a degree excuse a deficiency of talents." Plans to be at New York by 12 April 1785.

GLC02437.03114

25 December 1789

Thomson, Charles, 1729-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his satisfaction on their victory in the revolution and forwards Knox a letter. Writes, "I can assure you that whether I look back to the share I have had in the late glorious revolution, or forward to the prospects which open to view in consequence of this happy event; whether I reflect on our Escape from the galling yoke of depressing tyranny or on the fair chance now given for the spread of freedom & happiness through this immense continent I enjoy a pleasing satisfaction..." Noted as written in Harriton, which is the name of Charles Thomson's house in Bryn Mawr,…

GLC02437.04451

February 25, 1803

Thatcher, Samuel, 1776-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Glad to hear from Knox that he agreed with Thatcher that separating Maine from Massachusetts would be "destructive of its interests & respectability." Discusses the likely passage of a bill in Congress to establish a lighthouse on an island in the Penobscot Bay. Asks Knox if he will obtain some necessary paperwork to certify Congress's jurisdiction over the island.

GLC02437.07789