22 September 1782

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Humphreys, aide-de-camp to General Washington, to Major General Knox. Says the meetings of the commissioners will take place on next Wednesday. Says he has not seen dispatches from Congress, but that Colonel Tilghman informed him that they were of such a nature that both Knox and General Heath need to immediately master their contents. Says Colonel Smith has accepted the office of commissary and has gone to Elizabethtown. Smith will try to meet with Knox on Wednesday in Tappan. Written from Nelson's Ferry. Two Revolutionary War battles took place at Nelson's Ferry, South…

GLC02437.01623

5 April 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Knox writes to Hull, commandant of West Point. Reports he has not received word from Congress regarding Hull's prior question about the engineers who remain in service at West Point. Discusses other military matters, including Hull's disagreement with Sebastian Bauman, an artillery officer. Expresses hope that both Knox's opinion and that of [Francisco] de Miranda will convince Bauman of the impropriety of his conduct. Written in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.

GLC02437.02990

25 May 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to William Hull

Informs Hull, commandant of West Point, that Hull has been appointed to go to Canada to ascertain when the British will withdraw their troops from the western posts. Hull will attempt to acquire information from the Commander of British forces in North America (Frederick Haldimand; refer to GLC02437.03019). Signature has been clipped.

GLC02437.03006

29 May 1784

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that he will leave for New York, then West Point, and will make arrangements to travel to Canada (Hull was assigned by Knox to attempt to acquire information from the Commander of British forces in North America).

GLC02437.03008

31 July 1784

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports his lack of success in ascertaining information from Frederick Haldimand, Governor of the Province of Quebec. Transmits papers related to his proceedings with Haldimand (possibly GLC02437.03028). Promises to transmit a copy of the papers to the Congressional Committee of the States.

GLC02437.03034

4 March 1787

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions his new appointment in the military. Discusses a dispute involving ranks of soldiers in the state of Massachusetts. Refers to a Congressional resolution appointing him the second officer in the state. Had been under the impression that the only person in the state he had to answer to was [Henry] Jackson, but would like Knox to clarify the chain of command so that he can "regulate [his] conduct accordingly." Mentions a dispute with [William] North.

GLC02437.03481

17 March 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Discusses Hull's relative rank in the corps of troops directed to be raised in Massachusetts. He hopes circumstances do not lead Hull to leave the service. Mentions that he would be sorry to see Major [William] North resign. In a postscript states it was his intention to get Congress to alter the titles of field officers but has not had an opportunity yet. Noted as "private" in the upper left corner.

GLC02437.03493

26 November 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter

Title: to Elbridge Gerry

Later copy of GLC02437.03353. Across the top is a note stating that this letter was copied by Townsend Ward of Philadelphia and the copy was received 16 December 1857. Writes that he and Mr. [Samuel] Osgood are investigating any openings in the public offices in New York, but have found none. Writes, "My brother whose resignation I hinted to you was possible, has decided to stay where he is. Indeed in the present state of commerce he can have no other prospects. Mr. Osgood and myself, will keep this object constantly in view, and in case of any vacancies or appointments, we shall use our…

GLC02437.03352

13 December 1786

Gorham, Nathaniel, 1738-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he had planned to write him a long letter but the Governor sent him on a consultation. Writes, "There is no militia in Hampshire or Worcester that have artilery [sic] - & they are expecting soon to be called & advise not to take any from the arsenal untill the moment it is wanted & then to take what may be necessary- in the mean time to write to Congress on the subject - various reasons might be given why the Government party should not touch the public the stores- & at any rate not untill the moment the business is to be put at issue - however I hope there will…

GLC02437.03377

13 July 1783

Gibbs, Caleb, fl. 1748-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Major Gibbs writes from Germantown, outside of Philadelphia, to General Henry Knox, Commander of West Point Describes in detail the march of his detachment from West Point to quell mutineers in Pennsylvania. On the way, they passed through Princeton, New Jersey, where Congress was stationed at that time. Describes saluting Congress, and comments on Elias Boudinot, President of Congress: "the Officers formed in the Center of their Respective Regts & were introduced to the President who asked a number to take Breakfast with him." Discusses the reaction of local residents to soldiers: "…

GLC02437.10121

27 May 1777

Gerry, Elbridge, 1744-1814

Autograph letter signed

Title: to unknown

Written by Gerry, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a Continental Congressman from Massachusetts to an unknown recipient, but probably an army officer in Massachusetts. Begins letter with financial information. Hopes a vigorous execution of the laws will correct those disaffected with the Revolution. Mentions mistaken information on the raid at Danbury, which took place 23-28 April 1777. Gerry says the British lost between 150-200 men, including Governor William Tryon. While the British stated they lost 154 killed and wounded, Tryon was not amongst them. The British were…

GLC07273

4 November 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Declares that the present letter will be handed to Knox by Samuel A. Otis, a Massachusetts delegate to Congress. Writes, "In order to remove any unfavorable impressions from your mind, and that of his other friends, occasioned by his late misfortunes, I must observe to you, that he has settled the whole of his affaires with the highest honor & reputation and given universal satisfaction as a man of principle & integrity to all with whom he was connected - If integrity, application and industry are requisite in a member of Congress, Mr Otis will be found conspicuous in all those…

GLC02437.03695

15 August 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel Henry Jackson writes to his close friend General Henry Knox on a variety of topics. Writes "I have been Lasey it is true, but cool weather is coming on & I shall be more attentive in future." Discusses the sale of some hardware goods Knox had obtained and the price for which they have been selling in England. Mentions matters of local politics, including letters between the governor and Congress and also disparaging remarks against "our friend B." made in the newspaper. Comments on difficulties with new currency at the bank. Discusses a local dinner party. Finally, describes the…

GLC02437.03179

4 March 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the arrival of mutual friends, Mr. and Mrs. [James] Swan, in New York City. Shares the Swans' gratitude for the warm welcome Knox and his wife Lucy are showing them. Mentions steps he has taken to fill orders for military supplies, such as clothing for soldiers. Continues with military matters concerning the stationing of men throughout Massachusetts, as well as his attempts to recruit men. Also discusses his fears about Congress disbanding his regiment. Relates the appointment of delegates for the Federal Convention, including Francis Dana, Nathaniel Gorham, Caleb Strong, Rufus…

GLC02437.03482

8 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expects the clothing for his men the next day and writes that "I pass'd yesterday at the Castle, [most likely Castle Island] & Inspected my Recruits, they are a fine body of Men, & want nothing but their Clothing to make them perfectly happy - " Hopes Knox will be able to influence Congress not to disband any of the troops, "Congress certainly will not disband any of the Troops without consulting the Secretary at War - I therefore flatter myself you will make such arrangements as to continue me in service..." States that [Nathaniel] Gorham is violently opposed to any troops being…

GLC02437.03514

11 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "This will inform you, that your friend is the most wreched [sic] man on earth, in consequence of your Letter of the 4th Inst. recd. by the post this Evening - derange - disband - return to private life again - great gad it is too much - I cannot think of it, without distraction, and my mind is embarrased [sic] without description - point to yourself every thing, and it will fall far short, of my feelings on this occation [sic], as more than every thing that is dear to me is involved in this business - I dare not trust on paper what I would wish to say to you - it is cruel -…

GLC02437.03518

14 April 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his relief that Congress has not finalized their decision to disband the troops and states "I am in hopes they will alter their present intention of disbanding them - my heart - my soul - my present & future happiness is more connected in this business, than in any other situation in which I have ever been placed - in my own account it will be death to me - " He is most anxious about his officers, who he calls, "the gentlest & most ambitious Corps of Officers." States he will continue his exertions to clothe the men despite the possible disbanding and discusses applying for…

GLC02437.03521

16 April 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox attend a meeting at Head Quarters with General Washington and that Washington would like Knox's advice as to "at what time & in what manner it is best to announce this Intelligence to the Army - and what measures are necessary to be taken respecting the men who are engaged for the War." Washington's headquarters were at Newburgh, New York at this time.

GLC02437.02094

23 June 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests that Knox and "all the General Officers belonging to the Garrison" attend a meeting with General George Washington the next day and asks Knox to "notify those Gentlemen accordingly." Noted as written at Head Quarters and docketed by Knox.

GLC02437.02177

25 June 1783

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Colonel Humphreys as Washington's aide-de-camp to Major General Knox. Says General Washington desires him to have as much of the hard bread, which was delivered into Eldermen's store, issued to the detachment as they can carry. Asks that the bread be served out occasionally so it does not go to waste. "Public" written on address leaf with no signature. Docketed in Knox's hand.

GLC02437.02182

25 September 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Colonel David Humphreys, who has been elected to the Connecticut Legislature, writes to Knox about his opinions about the state militia. Wants to obtain a copy of the report he wrote for Congress on the subject. Would like his opinions in order to prevent anything contradictory to them from being passed. Writes, "In the present tumultuous times, you will readily conceive, my dear General, how much the public safety & even our very existance [sic] as a nation, may depend upon placing our Militia in proper hands & putting it upon an eligible footing." Also describes the nature of…

GLC02437.03302

4 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes to propose Hutchins hire his friend Major [possibly Winthrop] Sargent to be a surveyor on the Ohio. Relates that as Congress passed a new resolve empowering Hutchins to appoint people to the position, if the original appointees do not arrive within a certain amount of time, he thinks this would be a good opportunity for Sargent, who is eager to work for Hutchins as a surveyor. Would like to find out Hutchins's opinion on the subject, if he has not already made arrangements with others who want the job. See GLC02437.03279 for related items.

GLC02437.03271

26 June 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Thomas Hutchins

Writes again to recommend his friend Major [Winthrop] Sargent for a position: "Major Sargent will deliver you this. He takes letters to you from a number of the delegates in Congress, and will in consequence I hope receive an appointment from you. I am persuaded no accommodations on your part will be wanting, and solely on the presumption of your having the power of appointment in case of vacancies he makes his journey of nearly seven hundred miles. His abilities, and attention will I have no doubt ensure him your esteem and friendship." See GLC02437.03271 for a related document.

GLC02437.03279

10 November 1786

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that since his last letter, has had an idea that he thought best directed to Knox privately. Suggests that "Congress, in all their Corps, to promote by Brevet the Lt Colonels Commandant to be Brigadiers, and the first Majors to be Lieutenant Colonels." Can see no negatives to this plan, as it would not cost them anything, and allow them all to retain command of their regiments. It would, perhaps, grant these officers recognition and therefore motivate them. Also, if they were called on to enter the militia, their rank would give them command over the militia colonels and "it might…

GLC02437.03334

January 21, 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that the insurgents are "most cursedly frightened, & wish themselves to the devil." Some of the insurgents went to see the Governor to ask that the troops not be deployed to stop the upcoming siege on the General Court; they promised the insurgents would not stop the court from sitting. They were too late, however, and the troops set off to march as planned. Provides some detail about where they were quartered and where they traveled. Explains that the troops are to track down the leaders of the insurgents if they do not stand and fight. Declares that it "is more like the year…

GLC02437.03420