30 August 1781

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Disappointed that his brother did not write him an "authentic account of Lord Cornwallis' situation in Virginia." Believes Cornwallis will surrender soon. Is planning a business trip to Europe and discusses fundraising. His last remittance to merchants in Amsterdam was forwarded through Captain Edward Davis, but the $450 sterling was lost when Davis was captured and carried to Halifax. Discusses the state of exchange, the slim chances for profit, and various aspects of his business. Comments on the arrival of John Laurens in Boston, who had returned from France with supplies and money.

GLC02437.01159

April 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William, Major General Knox's brother, to Henry Knox. Includes a postscript written and signed by Lafayette. References the taking of Mahon, an island off the Spanish coast in the Mediterranean, by the Spanish. Says Gibraltar is "closely beseiged and 'tis thought by many will fall." Mentions changes in the "English Ministry" -- Marquis of Rockingham is made First Minister and Lord Shelburne and Charles Fox are Secretaries of State. Says the Cavendishes, Duke of Richmond, Grafton, Lord Cambden, Burke, and Barre are all employed as well. Says "a sufficient time has not yet…

GLC02437.01386

June 12, 1782

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Letter written by William to his brother Major General Knox. References a letter he wrote "a few days ago" and sent from Roquefort (he spells it "Rockford"). Also sent sweetmeats, caps, hats, a pair of epaulets, and two pieces of linen. Says he will not send property to America until a definite peace is in place. Says the diplomatic situation is the same as when he wrote last, except for Admiral de Grasse's defeat at the hands of a British fleet in the Caribbean in April 1782. Does not know how this will play out it negotiations. After losing 7 or 8 ships of the line, Louis XVI has ordered "…

GLC02437.01448

13 June 1783

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses business in Europe and his hopes of expanding trade. Mentions the cost of labour in America as compared to that in Europe.

GLC02437.02160

14 June 1787

Knox, William, 1756-1795

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that Henry Jackson had shipped some goods on behalf of Knox, but was unable to procure a bill of lading. Notes, "...upon the whole I think the step we have taken not an improper step in having those articles brought to this city, as they were not in the most hopeful train of being disposed by our friend who I believe is rather more of a soldier and a man of pleasure than a merchant..." As a consequence, William had to pay the same duties on the goods as if they were imported directly from Europe. Mentions a box of medicine sent to Colonel Harmar, addressed to the care of Samuel…

GLC02437.03579

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

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

17 March 1806

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Discusses business endeavors. Considers the imminent conclusion of the war in Europe and the "immense success of [Napoleon] Bonaparte," and how these factors may affect land prices and other areas key to his finances. Also mentions his hopes that Captain [Edward or Benjamin] Kelleran will arrive shortly. Wishes he was at home with Lucy, and sends his love to the children.

GLC02437.08016

July 1788

King, Joseph, fl. 1788

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Solicits employment in the War Office. Writes "I have spent near about Eight years in the service of my Country, and for the Service have Received Sundry Securities which as yet do me but very little good... For the want of some payments, or only the Interest on those Securities I am unable to enter into any business- By means of wounds received in Battle and Imprisonment with the Enemy I am Rendered incapable of Labour..." Docket notes "answered verbally."

GLC02437.03951

3 January 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to John Coffin Jones

Informs Jones he was so impressed with his ideas that he has forwarded his letter to the Secretary of Treasury (Alexander Hamilton), but has yet to hear anything. Writes that the Secretary is "well organized & enlightened" and Knox is convinced that the Secretary will examine...his plans and support them with the best arguments. Believes such systems will be created and "make our country feel the blessed effects of public & private credit..."

GLC02437.04461

6 June 1792

Kellock, William, fl. 1792

Autograph letter signed

Title: to [Samuel Shaw]

No addressee is named, but apparently Kellock is replying to a letter from Shaw written 6 April 1792 (refer to GLC02437.05403). Touches on several topics, including recent difficult weather for transatlantic journeys. Comments that the recent financial scares in New York and Philadelphia have negatively impacted merchants who trade to those places, such as those in London. Discusses the endeavors of their business associates in Ostend (such as George Bell), particularly upcoming ventures in India and China. A note at the bottom of page two, written and signed by Samuel Shaw, indicates…

GLC02437.05490

5 November 1789

Ogden, Samuel, 1746-1810

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he should have replied sooner to Knox's last letter, but wanted to consult [Gouverneur] Morris (Ogden's brother-in-law) first. Laments the poor state of their funds. Notes that Mrs. Ogden is ill. Written at Delaware Works, located in what is now Morrisville, Pennsylvania, near Trenton, New Jersey.

GLC02437.04405

February 21, 1795

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Joseph Peirce

Discusses business in relation to towns in the Waldo Patent.

GLC02437.06358

January 31, 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, formerly Knox's aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Reports that his brother arrived safely in France after a 23 day voyage. Says his brother's ship was the first to arrive with news of Cornwallis's defeat at Yorktown. It "was received with the most heartfelt satisfaction by our good Allies and it was expected would be productive of the greatest good consequences." Waiting to hear about the response from England. Says the legislature has been meeting for the last 8 days. Says the governor gave a good speech and that the legislature wants to comply with the…

GLC02437.01346

21 March 1782

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Major Shaw, Knox's former aide-de-camp, to Brigadier General Knox. Letter expresses the touchiness Revolutionary officers had about rank. Says no word on Knox's promotion is to be had. Hopes "The period, however, cannot be remote when Congress must decide - and either do you justice or dispense with your further services." Goes on to express dismay at Knox not receiving the promotion. References the letter he sent on 5 March as well as another he sent a week earlier. Says since his 5 March letter he has been able to reach a settlement with Massachusetts for his pay for 1780.…

GLC02437.01370

16 May 1782

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Isaac Sears

Written on paper of two sizes: the smaller measures 25.7 x 20.4 cm, and the larger measures 32 x 23 cm. Asks Sears to discharge a specified amount of money to Colonel Clement Biddle and to Colonel Samuel Griffith. Thanks him "heartily, for your kindness to myself and Mrs. Knox, and for that substantial friendship and assistance, without which the service in which I have been engaged, would have been peculiarly different. I anxiously wish for some opportunity to convince you or yours how deeply impressed I am with a sense of your kindness." Briefly discusses his recent business at…

GLC02437.01407

9 September 1785

Shaw, Samuel, 1754-1794

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Relates that per Knox's instructions, he has gone to New Haven and met with Mr. [Samuel] Broome and Mr. [Jeremiah] Platt to discuss their outstanding financial business. Explains that Broom and Platt assured him they will not be able to repay the money they owe in the next year. Provides a lengthy and detailed explanation of the firm's financial dealings, including the ways the war interfered with their business. Adds some information about the money they owe to the firm of [James] Webber & Co. Relates possible solutions to the problem.

GLC02437.03190

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

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

2 July 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Smith, Son & Smith

Informs Smith, Son, & Smith, a merchant firm (possibly from Birmingham, England) that the wares they consigned to him have arrived. Notes that the goods are in the care of Henry Jackson, who will keep them until they can be sold without incurring a loss. Writes, "...it is probable that they must be sold at a credit as money is uncommonly scarce."

GLC02437.03164

13 September 1794

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to George Ulmer

Discusses complaints from the people on the [Waldo] patent lands. Informs Ulmer he now represents the entire patent, except for Orphan Island (present day Verona Island, Maine) and 6,000 acres on the Northwest part of Belfast, Maine. Notes he is willing to execute the agreement from 1788. Writes, "That while I endeavor the disposition and kindness of a father on the one hand, I possess on the other, a fixed determination to defend my just and legal rights in all respects whatever - " Says the people who did not compromise in 1788 shall be given a reasonable quantity of land and the deeds to…

GLC02437.06206

27 December 1790

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Swan has enclosed a plan "advantageous" to both the U.S. and France and wishes Knox to exert his influence over President George Washington and Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton to agree to it. Swan also sends "the bankers' letter to me, the Commission or agency in which, I sacredly engage to pay to you." In a postscript dated 30 December Swan asks Knox, "pray sound Mr. Jefferson on this, or get some one to do it. I am affraid of him, merely because Mr. Short may have misled him."

GLC02437.04810

27 October 1786

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he is "agreeably saluted with the news of War being declared against the Indians." Is quite overjoyed at the situation: "I told you in State Street, what my hopes were- little did I think the happy circumstance so near." Would like Knox's advice on "buying or selling in to the Continental funds." Has been very pleased with Knox's advice before and would be happy to have it again. Would like to know "whether to engage actively" in the "present commotions." Seems to be inclined to do it - "My heart is warm for supporting Government" - but is unsure whether he can convince his "…

GLC02437.03321

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

March 29, 1788

Swan, James, 1754-1830

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Swan refers to his attempts to meet with merchants and manufacturers in France. He writes, "The reason why the French in this Quarter, have not been able to sell their manufrs. as low as the English, I saw in a moment,- there is not that invention & care used as in Great Britain, to save labour- People being plenty they continue to employ them, because they have done it for a long time." Discusses the replacement of human labor with machines in French manufacturing. Notes that the Marquis de Lafayette has offered to write Swan letters of introduction. He hopes his memorial on French and…

GLC02437.03830