5 January 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses his visits to friends and "the most violent snow storm we have had since the year 1780 ... " Expresses his concern on not hearing from Knox, as "never since our acquaintance first took place, do I remember such an instance as the present - it is now more than a month since you wrote me ... I am my dear Harry really at a loss, indeed I cannot conjecture the reason why I am forgotten - and I assure you I shall continue very unhappy and distress'd until this matter is explained - I have writen [sic] you every Sunday since you left Boston and shall continue so to do and I pray you to do…

GLC02437.04465

circa 1585-1763

C.R., fl. 16th century

Manuscript

Title: Trade and business advice

The manuscript discusses profitable trade goods and industry in China and Mexico, such as pearl fishing, silver mining, and precious stones. It also gives advice about what goods to purchase, and how much to pay for them, in places like Lyons, Gibralter, and Marseilles.

GLC03107.04954

circa 1585-1763

Manuscript document

Title: Remainder of the act of parliament relating pig and bar iron

The document discusses regulations on the manufacture of iron in England's colonies. Docketed on p.4. 31.8 x 21.7

GLC03107.04960

22 December 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses a mutual, unnamed friend, stating "we are much deranged at our friend's delay, as we are in expectation every moment of some one taking the alarm , & persuing [sic] him - " States that the friend must have departed on a vessel to somewhere in Europe.

GLC02437.03733

2 March 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Notes that he writes on this half sheet because it is Sunday and he cannot purchase more paper. Writes, "the Legislature of this State met in Wednesday last, [re] his Excellencies speech to them, it is highly approved off [sic], all is quiet & every body satisfied with respect to the adoption of the Federal constitution." Comments on the death of Thomas Cushing, who had been the Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts. Reports that [Nathaniel] Gorham, [Benjamin] Lincoln, [James] Warren, and [Elbridge] Gerry have been suggested by various sources to fill Cushing's place. Notes that the…

GLC02437.03812

20 April 1788

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Recently heard news that their mutual friend, James Swan, arrived in France. His wife, Hepzibah Clark Swan, is still in America and hopes James will send for her. Jackson doubts he will be able to, noting "...I am sure his Finances are not sufficient to support it, that is, if he has left with me a true statement of his affairs." Refers to the Massachusetts election for Governor and Lieutenant Governor. Reports that their mutual friend, "the General," has 3/5 of the vote (referring to Benjamin Lincoln and the election for Lieutenant Governor). Of Massachusetts legislature, writes "Our…

GLC02437.03852

30 August 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson acknowledges that he received a letter from Knox on 22 August 1790. Laments that it was not within his "power" to take care of a debt that Knox asked him to settle in Worcester. Says he heard from a vessel from the West Indies that on 15 July war had been declared on England, but Jackson does not believe it, though he wishes "in god it may be true." Reports that Benjamin Austin, Jr. and Thomas Dawes, Jr. are "candidates for Federal Representatives for this district in the Room of Mr. Ames." Expects opposition, but believes "we shall be able to counteract them." Says that John…

GLC02437.04706

7 September 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

General Jackson did not receive Knox's letter of 30 August 1790 because he had been out of town. Jackson had met with two men named Jonathan Dow and Ebenezer Eastman interested in purchasing a "Township" from Knox. The land is between "Northern Stream and Lower debscot." These men assure Jackson they can bring in forty families to settle it immediately. Jackson needs to know what Knox wants to do about the situation. Jackson calls Knox's attention to an extract of a letter (in the newspaper) by Spanish Ambassador Don Diego de Gardoqui "which points an end to the prospects of War." Jackson…

GLC02437.04723

12 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains about the increased distance between them but says if they "continue to write on Sundays, we shall hear from each other the middle of every week." Worries Knox's new and unfurnished house might cause illnesses in his family during this time of year. Discusses Knox's wallpaper and the severe weather in Boston. Mentions that [Sylvanus] Bourne "is choosen Fed-Rep for the County of Plymouth." Says he has found a relief in his head by "bleeding and regular diet." Also expects that "exercise and temperance" will help him fully recuperate. Writes, "by every Vessell from Europe the…

GLC02437.04795

19 December 1790

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Jackson describe the severe weather and snow that continues to afflict the Boston area. Notes with sadness the news he heard that General Harmar has lost 700 men [fighting Indians] and that "from every quarter an European War appears pretty certain-which I wish might bring out a South American expedition." The canal idea is "much talked of." Jackson advises that Knox write Judge John Lowell on the matter. Jackson is optimistic that enough money can be raised for the project.

GLC02437.04801

9 January 1791

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his joy on finally hearing from Knox: "a Lover never received a Letter from his Mistress with half the pleasure that I received yours of the 28th [of December]." Talks about Knox's wallpaper and the trial of Knox's "Coachman." Jackson's news includes "a confirmation that the dispute between England and Spain is made up.-this comes by a ship which arrived here yesterday from Halifax." Jackson is disappointed that there won't be a war. Jackson did not accept an appointment to the militia because he is waiting for the one that Governor Bowdoin granted him before he died. Jackson is…

GLC02437.04820

18 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the proper time to sell goods recently arrived from London that were consigned to Henry Knox. Relates that Granville Sharp sent a box of books intended for Knox, Harvard College, Rhode Island College, and George Washington. The books were damaged in transit, and are presently with Lucy, Knox's wife. Reports that in a recent meeting (held at Faneuil Hall in Boston) merchants resolved "to have no dealings whatever with any British mercht. agents... that we will not receive them to Board-Speak or have any…

GLC02437.03128

25 April 1785

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Mentions letters (pertaining to business affairs) that recently arrived by ship for Knox, newly appointed Secretary at War. Reports news of Knox's brother William, who suffered from mental illness: "By Mr. Webbers letters you will observe the melencolly [sic] situation of poor Bill, it makes my heartache when I think of him- Mr Webber appears to be a divine man, & it must give you great consolation that Bill has fallen into such good hands" (referring to James Webber, a close friend and subsequent caretaker of William). Advises Knox to send for his brother, noting that all of William's…

GLC02437.03132

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

27 May 1787

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Encloses a bill of exchange (not present). Notes that their mutual friend, Samuel Breck, requests Knox to put the bill on board a ship bound for France. The bill will pay for Breck's son's educational expences in France.

GLC02437.03555

February 15, 1789

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Received his last letter, which contained an enclosure from Mr. [James] Swan. Is very happy to see from his letter that Knox has recovered from his illness, and thanks God for it. Also feels that Mr. [Elbridge] Gerry has chosen well to go into Congress, and will be a good member. Adds that he plans to go to Dorchester to visit their friend Ben [likely Benjamin Hichborn] to discuss some letters he recently received from France.

GLC02437.04116

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

9 October 1781

Hunter, James, fl. 1781

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Duplicate of GLC02437.01217. In response to Knox's letter ordering Hunter to send iron and ordnance to James River (GLC02437.01193), Hunter explains how he has complied and what problems he has encountered. Also mentions naval engagements involving Dutch ships. The Continental Army was then executing the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01216

February 12, 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes a friendly letter on a variety of topics. First, mentions that [Samuel] Shaw has set sail for the East and wishes him God's blessing. Hopes that he return safely to his friends and is richly rewarded; hopes that a Mr. S. does not disturb Shaw with his "overbearing temper." Goes on to discuss some business concerns, including a visit to Mr. [possibly Joshua] Loring. Wishes Knox and his family will, as promised, come to visit in the spring. Says that the Winslows are excited for the visit. Explains that he is "so tired of this world," and if Knox…

GLC02437.03242

28 September 1786

Jackson, Henry, 1747-1809

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that it gives everyone pleasure to hear Mrs. Knox is "well a Bed - I please myself the Child will do well altho appearances may at present be against it." Discusses the brief arrival in town of a Major [possibly Richard] Platt and mentions his financial problems. Will visit Isaac Winslow to consult him on the business Knox mentions. Discusses local business and political issues, such as the opening of the General Court and the speech by the Governor to both houses. Heard reports that 7,00 men were armed in Springfield to oppose sitting of the Supreme…

GLC02437.03303

27 July 1787

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to Knox about his last trip to Portsmouth and Boston. Says he was present and "highly delighted" with most of the "Academic Excercises" held at the University of Cambridge [Harvard], including one by a young Mr. [John Quincy] Adams, who "distinguished himself by a manly & dignified oration on public Credit." Also discusses the government, saying "We are gladdened with Reports that the federal Convention is likely to adopt almost unanimously some energetic form of Government, & that it is made so palatable, there are hopes entertained, that it will be swallowed by the People…

GLC02437.03624

21 May 1791

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Humphreys as the American Minister to Portugal to Knox as Secretary of War. Humphreys writes a letter of introduction for the Chevalier de Freire, who will be a Portuguese diplomat to America. Describes the minister as a man "of infinite worth," and asks that Knox "do him all the good in your power, more as an honest tribute of veneration for his merit, than in simple compliance with the recommendation of" Humphreys.

GLC02437.04954

27 June 1794

Humphreys, David, 1752-1818

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Introduces a Captain Heysell to Knox. Informs Knox that Haysell is a commander of a Danish ship and is interested in purchasing American ships for the Danish merchant service. Comments, "I shall be happy to learn that he shall have been instrumental in promoting the commercial intercourse between the two Countries."

GLC02437.06126

16 November 1783

Hull, William, 1753-1825

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses his regret that his order of overalls for the Light Infantry cannot be fulfilled, but insists on breeches for those who "joined from the 5th Regt. [as they] did not draw Breeches when they received their other cloathing [sic], and now being entirely destitute, they may be furnished with Breeches to place them on a level with the other part of the company, and the other companies in the corps." Also discusses plans for a meeting on 20 November, and refers to the attendance of General [George] Washington, General [possibly Lewis] Morris, the Governor and others. Docket in the hand…

GLC02437.02784

10 October 1790

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Robert Howe

Knox acknowledges receipt of Howe's "elegant present of a cloak and Helmet, from the iles in the pacific Ocean."

GLC02437.04747