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

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

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

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

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

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

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

21 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Lucy Knox

Thanks her for writing and remarks that "Religion and virtue dictated every line" of her last letter. Discusses death from a religious perspective. Informs Lucy that this letter will be delivered by Elbridge Gerry, a member of the Continental Congress from Massachusetts, and asks her to be as civil towards him as her circumstances will allow. Notes that Gerry will tell her about General Charles Lee's recent victory over the British at Fort Moultrie in Charleston (28 June 1776), South Carolina, and Knox provides some details about the battle. Briefly mentions the unsuccessful attempt of an…

GLC02437.00387

29 July 1776

Webb, Samuel Blachley, 1753-1807

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Upon the direction of George Washington, provides a letter of introduction for a Mr. Belton, who was recommended by a member of the Continental Congress, to make "some experiments on the Enemies Ships." Requests that Knox assist Belton, give him three canons, and keep the operation a secret. At the time, Webb was one of Washington's aides.

GLC02437.00399

16 July 1776

Paine, Robert T., 1731-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that the British approach necessitates a change in location for casting brass cannons and indicates that an air furnace will be set up in Pennsylvania. Congress will still offer to employ Mr. Byers for the job if it can be done at a reasonable cost. Inquires if brass cannons can be cast without sea coal and expresses concerns about the weight of the cannons to be cast. Reports that Congress has written Byers a letter and urges Knox to send it to him and have him reply expeditiously. Mentions that Knox has new visitors and asks him to "treat them in a very polite manner,"…

GLC02437.00379

29 July 1776

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to John Adams

Later copy of the original. Notifies Adams' that a founder named Mr. Byers is on his way to Philadelphia to make cannons for the artillery. Seeks Adams' support. Also emphasizes the importance of working copper mines in New Jersey. Adams was then a member of the Continental Congress.

GLC02437.00403

circa July 1776

Heath, William, 1737-1814

Autograph note signed

Title: to Henry Knox

After receiving an inquiry from the Continental Congress, General Heath asks Knox how many of the canons brought to Massachusetts from Fort Ticonderoga (for the Siege of Boston) were brought from Cambridge to New York, and how many belong to New England colonies. At the time, Heath was in New York, serving under General Israel Putnam. Signed in text in the third person.

GLC02437.00405