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

13 June 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Manuscript letter signed

Title: to William Hull

Orders Colonel Hull to travel to Canada to ascertain precisely when Great Britain will "deliver up the posts within the teritories [sic] of the United States..." Asks Hull to learn where the British forts are located and how many men are stationed at each post. Also asks him to obtain information about British cannon and stores at each post for a possible exchange. Instructs Hull to obtain the desired information from Frederick Haldimand, who Knox calls "Commander in Chief of his Britannick Majestys forces in America."

GLC02437.03019

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

2 April 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Gordon

Writes that he is unaware of a present being sent from the King of France to General George Washington; declares that Colonel Laurens received money and goods but he thought they had been purchased. Provides information about a wartime incident featuring General Washington and the Comte de Grasse (much of this section is crossed out). May have been verifying information for the Reverend Doctor Gordon's history of the war (see GLC02437.03248). See GLC02437.03258 for a legible copy of the section describing this incident.

GLC02437.03257

11 March 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to William Gordon

Writes to Reverend Doctor William Gordon, a prominent Massachusetts minister and historian. Discusses a brigade of General Nathanael Greene's division, commanded by Brigadier General Weedon, that engaged with the British "at the close of the action at Brandywine." Explains that while Colonel Walter Stevens' s regiment fought gallantly, so did many others. Adds that he has tried to obtain information for Gordon's history but has been of limited success; refers him to General Greene, whose "information must be perfect on this subject." Also relates that many printers in Boston are upset to…

GLC02437.03247

16 May 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Acknowledges receipt of Knox's last letter. Mentions current issues facing the military establishment, particularly regarding enlistment and pay. Also touches on military inspections, and tells Knox to expect a letter from Captain C[onstant] Freeman on the subject. Briefly mentions the "price of State notes." Discusses the travel plans of Mrs. Swan, who will be meeting her husband in Paris. Hopes she will travel with some letters of introduction in case Mr. [James] Swan cannot meet her when she arrives.

GLC02437.04610

30 May 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he received Knox's letter and the enclosure for Mr. Short, but it arrived too late to give to Mrs. Swan as she left for Paris. Wishes her a safe journey. Also reports that Mr. Swan wrote to him and seems to be doing well; promises to tell Knox more when Jackson visits New York on business that weekend.

GLC02437.04619

20 June 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a trip he made to visit his mother, and asks about Mrs. Lucy Knox's health. Relates that there will be great opposition to Mr. Dalton's election, referring to Tristram Dalton's reelection to the United States Senate. Reports news from a captain recently arrived from London: "we have accounts of a Spanish War with England, he informs there was a very hot press in England & [every] British Seaman was put on board their Men of War." "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.04631

4 July 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes, "The time taken up by Congress in fixing the permanent seat of Government, and the situation of the Funding business has caused a great uneasiness & clamour amongst the people, and of that Class that have been the firmest supporters of the government ... every mechanick & Tradesman conceives that their being out of employ is wholly owing to that circumstance - and the distress of that class of people in the several seaports in this State is very alarming - in this town it is melancholy to see the poverty and wretchedness of the inhabitants..." Reports that Captain Vose,…

GLC02437.04644

1 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his arrival in Portland en route to Burnt Coat Island. He is traveling with his "friend Ben" [possibly Benjamin Hichborn], and expects that they will return to Boston in ten to twelve days. Mentions his hope that a General [John] Glover will receive "the appointment of Collector for the port of Marblehead." Also touches on international issues: "I wish from my soul for a Spanish War, I think it would put a new face on the affairs of this Country." Also provides information on Knox's extended family, and reports that Knox's cousin Samuel Winslow wants Knox to inspect parts of the…

GLC02437.04666

22 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges Secretary of War Knox's letter of 15 August 1790. Mentions that he and "the Colonel" are making their way to Portland. Describes the journey, his sea sickness, and the help they received during the trip. Says a Mr. Gregory "has a high idea of the value of the Patent, and considers it a source of immence wealth." Mentions paying a visit to Captain [Thomas] Vose whose farm had "some of the best butter and Cheese" they have eaten this year. Reports that Vose will be disappointed if Knox does not pay him a visit. Suggests Knox come on 15 September 1790 when the…

GLC02437.04699

February 14, 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reference's Knox's letter of 8 February. Is glad William Bingham has arrived in Philadelphia so quickly. Believes that he will make a compromise with Madame Leval, as she is now with him in Philadelphia. When negotiating with her, tells Knox to remember the sacrifice they made to sell her Trenton, Maine land for 25 cents per acre. Says it has been "an unpleasant connection from the begining [sic]." Writes, "the principle motive with me in leting her have Trenton was to stop her Tongue which was very limber, and never Idle in proclaiming her difficulties & distress's, and causes of…

GLC02437.05816

3 March 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed and initialed by Jackson. References a previous letter of Knox's (no date). Says the enclosed letter should be delivered by Knox to William Bingham (not included). States no time is to be lost if Bingham is to buy the tract mentioned in his letter of 10 February. Believes there are people who know of their situation and want to speculate on it. State he is happy that Knox bought out the Winslow's interest in the Waldo Patent. Says "I please myself the moment the Indian War is at an end, that your whole exertion will be to that point [dealing with the patent], in order to make a…

GLC02437.05841

17 March 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Signed and initialed by Jackson. References Knox's letter of 9 March. Tells him not to worry about the sheriff selling the land for taxes, as he heard he has no authority to do so. Says "I wish you had closed your business with Mrs Laval as I want your mind relieved from her pressing and unreasonable importunities." Was hoping to receive information on the purchase by Soderstram and McComb as his note to William Tudor is due today. Assumes Tudor will demand payment tomorrow. Will fight Tudor's demands. Reports "I expect to be able to obtain an Act of the Legislature respecting the…

GLC02437.05854

8 December 1793

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

References Knox's letter of 21 November. Reports that William Knox "wants as much care & attention paid to him as a Child, as he certainly is unable to govern or conduct himself." Says the 10 proprietors met last Thursday. Reports that Joseph Peirce represented Knox. He told the group that Knox would be in Boston in May. Makes reference to taxes and bonds. Says it would pleasing to manage Knox and Bingham's interests in either Maine or Europe. Writes, "I know I am capable of the business, and it will be that kind of active life that will be perfectly agreeable to me." Wants to paid…

GLC02437.05990

10 March 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox he did not receive his note or Mr. Swan's letter until last Saturday. Explains he is unable to make a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania unless it is absolutely necessary. Requests Knox to mention his name to an unnamed minister if an opportunity presents itself. Discusses going to the bank to see about a $2000 discount. "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.06060

13 March 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests Knox to deliver the enclosed (a letter?) to the French Minister, Mr. Fauchet. Asks Knox to speak highly of him when he speaks with Mr. Fauchet or Mr. [LaForet], believes it will give him additional strength to his situation. Reports he and Knox received a discount from the bank on some notes for 60 days. Comments on the high praise the Preceptor gave Henry (most likely Knox's son, Henry Jackson Knox) and of Henry's part in the next exhibition. Describes the new satin and silk clothes he sent Henry as extravagant, but says Henry is a good boy and deserves happiness. Writes that…

GLC02437.06061

8 April 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the possibility of war with the British. States while he hopes war is avoidable, the British should be held accountable for the depredation done to their property. Reports Mr. [Ebenezer] Dunton says the alterations Knox requested to the windows is too difficult and costly to complete. Mentions Mr. [Thomas] Simpson and Mr. Robinson will be heading towards [St. George's House]. Informs Knox "you may calculate before this reach's you that the Corner Stone of this Immense Edifice will be laid…" Clarifies what type of material and hardware to use on Knox's house. Discusses the…

GLC02437.06075

28 April 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox the contractors and Masons; set the house in its current spot instead of moving it as Knox had requested. Discusses the letter he sent to Mr. [Thomas] Vose regarding supplies. Notes he informed Vose to purchase supplies from suppliers who are indebted to Knox. Also mentions banks are calling in their loans but Knox may be able to renew a portion of the loan. Informs Knox a Captain Scott arrived from London with some papers. Discusses full freighted ships sailing to the United Stated and the war in France (French Revolution). Mentions he never received the letters or papers…

GLC02437.06087

18 May 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Reports Knox's house (most likely future estate at Montpelier) should be completed by September. Mentions they have as many hands working as possible and as Captain [Thomas] Vose can keep employed. Notes he can hire more hands if Knox wishes. Encloses a letter he received from Captain Vose, complaining about Jackson withholding money for supplies on Knox's house. Discusses having James Sever command one of the continent's ships. Comments on Sever's good character and experience commanding ships. Reports he (Jackson) will follow his duty regarding an embargo.

GLC02437.06099

1 June 1794

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Advises Knox to prepare his plans for the barn and stables (Montpelier). Mentions Mr. [Ebenezer] Dunton will be on hand to prepare for the work and to secure the timber. Notes the left over timber from the house might be salvaged and used on the barn. States he does not believe Captain Seavor will accept a lieutenancy. Discusses various bonds he has drafted and the recent election held in Boston, Massachusetts. Mentions the people's agitation with the advancement of the British.

GLC02437.06110

13 September 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to ask Knox to recommend Mr. [Moses Michael] Hays for the position of Collector of Newport, Rhode Island, when Rhode Island's statehood becomes official (see GLC02437.04355 for Hays's request for the position). Relates that Hays lived there for many years before the war. Describes Hays as a gentleman of the "first Honour & Integrity" and comments on his business successes and loyalty to his family and the federal government.

GLC02437.04356

8 November 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Describes his trip back to Boston as a "most disagreeable and damnable passage of five days ..." Still suffers from the voyage, noting: "at this moment the Sea is rolling in my head, and the Room and Chairs... if ever I am caught again in the sound I pray I may be committed to a mad house as a lunatic." States that he had wanted to discuss "a misunderstanding which took place on the day of the arrival of the President," but will have to put it off since he is not feeling well. Relates that his parents are in ill health and are declining fast. Asks Knox to give his regards to Lucy Knox and…

GLC02437.04408