7 June 1784

Sumner, Job, 1754-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Asks Knox for "a speedy determination of our Ranks" as rank will determine his subsistence and pay. Hopes he is entitled to "the allowance of major" unless Congress revokes his commission.

GLC02437.03010

4 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Swan

Very flattered by Swan's confidence in his judgment, and only wishes his judgments were up to that standard. He has not been contemplating the funds, so he cannot judge "which species of them ought to have the preference." Provides some thoughts as to the merits of each type of fund. Discusses attempts to raise money for Congress, for the government to use until the states provide money to the treasury. Relates that they need to make sure individuals who loan money to Congress feel secure that they will be repaid in a timely fashion. Discusses the functionality of their government.…

GLC02437.03326

January 19, 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Sullivan

Knox transmits a letter from the Marquis de Lafayette delivered to Knox by the Count de [Moustier], a French Minister. He informs Sullivan, Governor of New Hampshire, that Lafayette wrote the letter "on the supposition of your being in this City and President of Congress." Discusses ratification of the Constitution: "The fact however is that the present system called the confederation has run down... something must be done speedily, or we shall soon be involved in all the horrors of anarchy, and separate state interests..." Notes that if Massachusetts and New Hampshire reject the Constitution…

GLC02437.03765

14 December 1788

Sumner, Job, 1754-1789

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses the proposed Constitution of Georgia (not included). Notes that three members from each county are appointed to meet at Augusta in January: "I shall only say, that from the disposition of the People, and in particular that of their members of the Convention, from this County, I think the Constitution will be totally rejected- should this be the Case, we shall then have to make a better one..." Discusses the Articles and the power of the Governor. Comments on relations with American Indians in Georgia: "When we get a permanent Peace with the Indians, and a good Government, I think…

GLC02437.04053

15 October 1789

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James Swan

Informs Swan of recent Congressional proceedings. Describes the Senate and House of Representatives convening from April to September, and passed revenue and judiciary laws. Adds that Congress plans to reconvene at the end of January.

GLC02437.04389

January 23, 1791

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that "the Count Montmorin, Minister for foreign affairs here, has written Mr. Otto, chargé des affaires auprès le Congrès, to use his influence with the President that the proposals of Schweizer Jeanneret & Co. should be accepted." Discusses plans for America to borrow money from Frenchmen. Notes that plans can now go forward if the terms are as favorable as borrowing from Holland. Continues discussing financial matters related to the Committe of Finance and Schweizer Jeanneret & Co.

GLC02437.04836

December 21, 1793

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Says he wouldn't normally bother Knox, but needs to update him on the situation because of the "cruel war" in Europe. Sends the latest news on 13 sailors captured by the "Algereen pirates." Swan expresses anger that the pirates are allowed to harass American shipping with tacit English approval. Goes on to say that "England by that treaty [of peace with Portugal] will prevent france geting [sic] supplies from america, she punishes us for adhering to the Treaty [from 1778], and for reorganizing their Republic." Believes three things can punish England and get the pirates to back off American…

GLC02437.06002

24 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Shepard

Discusses his inability to provide arms and stores to be used against the insurgents in Massachusetts (those associated with Shays' Rebellion). States that he cannot do so without the special permission of Congress. Writes that he has not received any word on the subject from Governor [James] Bowdoin, but if he does, he will immediately submit it to Congress.

GLC02437.03390

January 21, 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Shepard

Marked "copy" on docketing. Shepard's name spelled "Sheppard." Thanks him for his recent letters. Writes that there has not yet been a Congress able to proceed to business. Hopes that they will be organized this week, and can discuss the request of the Governor before Congress. Relates that as he said before, "it is entirely out of my power, to appropriate any of the public arms or stores without an order of Congress." This also applies to the sale or loan of arms or stores. He agrees in principle with Shepard and wishes he could accommodate him. However, if the insurgents "should…

GLC02437.03421

January 18, 1790

Sherburne, Henry, 1748-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the state legislature will be holding a convention "to determine on, the adopting, or rejecting, the General Government of the United States..." Writes that "[t]his decision gives us the Strongest reason to conclude that the measures and practices of that Set of men which have so long disturbed the Honor and Happiness of a respectable Body of Citizens are at an End, and we have every reason to hope by the Expiration of Two Months from this time, that Congress will have official Information that the State of Rhode Island is convinced of her Errors and will with heart and hand…

GLC02437.04474

17 June 1790

Sherburne, Henry, 1748-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses appointments made by the President to various positions. Asks Knox "reason of my being totally neglected; perhaps it might have been from Misrepresentation made to the President." Informs Knox that Rhode Island's senators will be arriving in New York soon and describes them: "Mr Stanton you'l [sic] find to be a man highly tinctured with anti principles, and filled with the most exalted [Ideas] of the Landholders - consequence, - but as he is a man of much Modesty & Condecension [sic], I flatter myself he will do (after spending some time with you) right. Mr Foster will do all…

GLC02437.04629

19 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document signed

Title: to [Samuel] Shaw and [Thomas] Randall

Signed in text in third person as "the General." This document is a statement by Knox that the U.S. House of Representatives validates his position as "Secretary for the Department of War."

GLC02437.05200

19 August 1782

Shepard, William, 1737-1817

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Shepard, Colonel of the 4th Massachusetts Regiment, informs Knox that a board of officers (one from each regiment) will meet at Major General [William] Heath's headquarters the following Wednesday at 10 am. The officers will discuss "the several resolves of Congress relative to Half Pay or other amoliments [sic] [emoluments] in lue there of and to state every matter concerning the officers of the line in order for a final settelment [sic] with the State on our behalf." Invites Knox to attend the meeting and provide his "counsel, assistance and influence." Docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.10039

January 14, 1787

Sullivan, John, 1740-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Sullivan, the Governor of New Hampshire, writes that based on their long acquaintance and friendship, he takes the liberty to introduce his good friend Paine Wingate, delegate to Congress from New Hampshire. Writes that "he is a stranger in New York and I shall esteem it a great favor if you will please to make him acquainted with some of the first characters there. You will find him the scholar the Gentleman, and the man of sense every mark of attention paid to him by you will be gratefully acknowledged."

GLC02437.03415

20 March 1800

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Benjamin M. Stoddert

Knox has received Stoddert's letter of March 6. Knox has not heard from his son, Henry Jackson, since February 4, but he is sending copies of letters that Knox and his wife have written to Captain Barron to Stoddert.

GLC02437.07382

February 13, 1863

Halleck, H.W. (Henry Wager), 1815-1872

Autograph letter signed

Title: to: Major General McPherson, Memphis.

Marked private at the top. The list of promotions sent to the Senate by the President was not recommended or approved of by Halleck. "It is a political list, not a military one. I have done everything in my power to break up the system of political Generals, but of have utterly failed and given it up in dispair."

GLC05601.102

24 October 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph document

Title: Minutes for the President's speech

The minutes discuss issues at the War Department involving national security and the Indians (this information was requested by Alexander Hamilton at GLC02437.05199). Describes treaties and measures to establish peace on the western frontiers. Reports that "Accordingly offensive operations were directed, to be conducted however as consistently as possible with humanity." Hopes they can continue to talk with the Indians. Docket is marked "Private."

GLC02437.05210

circa November 1872-March 1873

Typed document

Title: [An address to President Ulysses S. Grant from the Republican women of Massachusetts on the occasion of inauguration for his second term].

Urges him to follow the dictates of the 14th resolution of the 1872 Republican Party Platform, which recognizes the importance of women, and so recommend women's suffrage to Congress in his inaugural address. Also asks him to prevent Congress from abridging the right of women to vote in Wyoming and Utah. The petition includes pasted signatures (as noted) as well as signatures on the document: Julia Ward Howe (pasted), L. Maria Child (pasted), Louisa M. Alcott (pasted), E. P. Peabody (pasted), Elizabeth Stuart Phelps, Mary A. Livermore, C. M. Severance (pasted), Abby W. May (pasted), Mary…

GLC04360.035

February 4, 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript document

Title: [Statement related to the Waldo or Muscongus Patent]

Knox presents an argument to Congress for his share of the patent by relating its history and present state (according to him). Attests that the Patent was granted in 1629 extending "thirty miles square on each side of Penobscot river." Discusses erroneous surveys of the land and his right as proprietor. Notes that he "is aware of the prejudices entertained against possessions of large tracts of land, but he considers the Justice of his Country is superior to the passion of Prejudice." Cites "the liberality and humanity of the proprietors to the people who have in hundreds of Instances…

GLC02437.10322

1 November 1810

Gurney, Nathan, 1769-1850

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Aaron Hobart

Mentions that the "republican cause seems to be gathering strength," and cites successes in Delaware and Vermont. Reminds Hobart that the a congressional election is next Monday and discusses some of those involved.

GLC06313.04.019

1825

Webster, Daniel, 1782-1852

Autograph letter signed

Title: to James William Paige

States that a rumor is circulating regarding Virginia Congressman John Randolph's challenge to duel Webster. Instructs his brother-in-law Paige to alleviate his wife Grace's concern if Randolph's challenge is printed in the newspapers. Assures Paige of his safety, stating "There is not a gentleman in Washington whose bones are all safer in his skin than mine are." Hopes Paige can send him a letter from Randolph dated 1816 or 1817, possibly Randolph's first challenge to duel Webster. Marked copied and private. Year added in pencil at a later date.

GLC01946.03

1860

Lincoln, Abraham, 1809-1865

Pamphlet

Title: National politics: Speech of Abraham Lincoln, of Illinois, delivered at the Cooper Institute, Monday, Feb 27, 1860.

Published by the New York Tribune as Tribune Tracts No. 4. Lincoln addresses the most pressing issue of the day, slavery, and attacks the view put forth by Stephen Douglas and others that slavery was founded by the forefathers of the country. He examines the views of the 39 signers of the Constitution and notes that at least 21of them believed that Congress should control slavery in the U. S. territories, not allow it to expand. Lincoln proposes that the Republican stance of the time was not revolutionary, but similar to the views of the country's forefathers, and therefore should not…

GLC04471.01

1854

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Pamphlet

Title: Speeches of Gerrits Smith. In Congress, 1853-'4.

Published by Buell and Blanchard. Includes speeches by Smith on war, the homestead bill, the Nebraska bill, the Pacific Railroad, the postal system, the reciprocity treaty, and the sale of intoxicating drinks in Washington, D.C., among other topics. Bound with a green paper cover.

GLC04717.02

1855

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Pamphlet

Title: Controversy between New-York Tribune and Gerrit Smith.

Printed by John A. Gray. Correspondence covers the Tribune's report that Smith was absent from the House of Representatives on the evening of the passage of the Nebraska Bill. The Tribune recently acknowledged Smith was present, and voted against the bill. Smith complains that the Tribune's acknowledgement of the facts came much too late. Bound in a peach colored paper cover.

GLC04717.04

17 July 1855

Smith, Gerrit, 1797-1874

Printed letter

Title: To the New York Tribune

Smith discusses the Tribune's former claim that he was absent from the House of Representatives on the night of the Kansas-Nebraska Act's passage in 1854. Thanks the Tribune for finally admitting he was present in the House, and voted against the Bill. Wishes the Tribune would also acknowledge that he also made a speech against the Bill. Includes his argument against the Bill.

GLC04717.23